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Solar Quote Review Checklist: 10 Questions Before You Sign
Before you sign a solar contract, use this 10-point checklist to verify the quote is fair, the system is sized correctly, and the financing terms make sense for your situation. RenewableCalc is a free educational tool — not a paid lead generator — so this checklist is designed to help you make an informed decision without pressure.
Each item below includes what to look for, common red flags, and benchmarks from NREL, EnergySage, and IRS data. Print this page or download it as a PDF to use when comparing multiple quotes side by side.
The 10-Point Solar Quote Checklist
Is the price per watt reasonable?
Divide the total system price by the system size in watts. The national average for residential solar in 2026 is approximately $2.50–$3.50 per watt before incentives. If your quote is above $3.50/W, ask the installer to justify the premium with higher-efficiency panels, premium inverters, or complex roof work. If it is below $2.50/W, verify that no critical components are missing.
Is the system sized correctly for your usage?
Your system should cover 80–100% of your annual electricity consumption. Oversized systems may not be fully credited by your utility, and undersized systems leave savings on the table. Ask the installer to show the annual production estimate (kWh/year) and compare it to your past 12 months of utility bills.
Does the estimated production match your roof and location?
Production estimates should account for your roof orientation, tilt, shading, and local weather data. Tools like PVWatts use site-specific solar irradiance. If the installer assumes south-facing panels with no shade but your roof faces east with afternoon tree cover, the actual production may be 15–25% lower than quoted.
Cash vs loan vs lease — which is right for you?
Cash purchases maximize long-term savings and give you full ownership of incentives. Solar loans spread cost over time but add interest; check the APR, term, and whether dealer fees are rolled in. Leases and PPAs offer no upfront cost but you typically cannot claim the federal tax credit, and savings are smaller over 25 years.
Is the installer claiming incentives that expired?
The 30% Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (IRS Form 5695) applies to systems placed in service through December 31, 2025. For systems installed after 2025, the credit amount may change. Verify any incentive the installer quotes against IRS.gov and your state energy office website before relying on it in your payback calculation.
What warranty and production guarantee do you get?
Standard equipment warranties cover 10–25 years for panels and 10–15 years for inverters. Workmanship warranties should cover at least 10 years. A production guarantee promises a minimum kWh output; if actual production falls short, the installer compensates the difference. Ask for the guarantee in writing with specific kWh numbers.
Is battery storage necessary, or an upsell?
Battery storage adds $8,000–$15,000 to a residential solar system. It makes sense if your utility has time-of-use rates, frequent outages, or does not offer full retail net metering. If your utility credits excess solar at the full retail rate and your grid is reliable, a battery may not improve your ROI and could be an unnecessary upsell.
What is the installer's reputation?
Check the installer's state contractor license, NABCEP certification, Better Business Bureau rating, and online reviews. Verify they carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Ask how many installations they completed in the past 12 months and whether they subcontract any work. Local installers with 5+ years of history in your area are generally lower risk.
Are there hidden dealer fees in the loan?
Some solar loans include dealer fees of 15–30% of the loan amount, rolled into the monthly payment. These fees fund the installer's sales commission and financing costs. Ask the lender for the total financed amount, APR, and the cash price of the system separately. If the cash price is significantly lower, the dealer fee is inflating your cost.
What happens if you sell your home?
Owned solar systems typically increase home value by the present value of future energy savings. Leased systems or PPAs require the buyer to assume the lease, which can complicate or delay a sale. For owned systems with a loan, check whether the loan is assumable or must be paid off at closing. Document system ownership and warranty transfer terms before listing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
Where this checklist gets its numbers
NREL Solar Market Report
www.nrel.gov/pv/market.htmlNational average installed cost and system size benchmarks.
EnergySage Marketplace Data
www.energysage.com/solar/solar-panel-cost/Consumer-facing price per watt trends and quote comparison data.
IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit
www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/residential-clean-energy-creditFederal tax credit eligibility and Form 5695 requirements.
SEIA Solar Market Insight
seia.org/research-resources/solar-market-insight/Industry-wide installation volumes, pricing trends, and state policy summaries.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed solar installer and tax professional before making a solar purchase decision. RenewableCalc does not provide financial, legal, or tax advice. Solar pricing, incentives, and regulations change; verify all figures against current sources before signing any contract.
Last updated: 2026-06-13