Reading a quote without getting burned

Solar’s bad reputation comes mostly from the sales process, not the technology. A little prep lets you read a quote clearly and spot the games. Here’s what to look for.

How you pay (this matters most)

• Cash — lowest lifetime cost, fastest payback, you own it. Best if you can afford it.
• Loan — own the system, spread the cost. Watch the interest rate and any “dealer fee” baked into the price to buy down the rate.
• Lease / PPA — a third party owns the panels; you rent them or buy the power. Little/no upfront cost, but lower savings, a long contract, and it can complicate selling the home. Read the escalator (how the payment rises each year).

Red flags

• High-pressure “today only” pricing. A real system will still be a good deal next week.
• “Free solar” / “the government pays for it.” It isn’t free, and the federal credit ended in 2025.
• Inflated production estimates. If their kWh/year looks rosy, check it against an independent tool.
• Vague, all-in pricing. You should see system size (kW), price per watt, equipment, and what’s included.
• Buyback glossed over. If they assume 1:1 net metering everywhere, they don’t know Texas (Module 2).

Questions every quote should answer

• System size (kW), panel/inverter brands, and total price (and price per watt)?
• Estimated annual production (kWh) — and what assumptions?
• Which utility/buyback plan are the savings based on?
• What’s the workmanship warranty, and who handles permits + interconnection?
• If loan: the rate, term, and any dealer fee. If lease/PPA: the term and annual escalator.

Always get 2–3 quotes. The spread tells you a lot.

Next: the permits and steps to actually switch the system on.