Question 1

What goes on a solar installation estimate?

Accepted Answer

System size (kW DC), panel count + model + wattage, inverter type (string, microinverter, or hybrid) + brand, battery storage (if included) + capacity, racking system, electrical work (sub-panel, main panel upgrade if needed, conduit, breakers), permits, interconnection fees, monitoring, warranty (panels typically 25 years; inverters 12-25; workmanship 5-25), and ITC (Investment Tax Credit) explanation.

Question 2

How do I quote system size?

Accepted Answer

kW DC nameplate × annual production (kWh). Production estimate based on the homeowner's roof orientation, tilt, shading (use Solmetric SunEye or similar), and local solar irradiance. State both: "6.5 kW DC system, estimated 9,200 kWh/year production based on south-facing 25° tilt with no shading." Production estimates are typically -5% to +10% accurate; state the methodology so the homeowner knows what they're getting.

Question 3

Should I quote with or without battery storage?

Accepted Answer

Both — usually as separate line items. Solar-only is the cheaper baseline; battery (Tesla Powerwall, LG Chem RESU, Enphase IQ Battery) adds $8K-$25K depending on capacity. Some homeowners want batteries for resilience (post-blackout), others for net-metering arbitrage. State the battery as optional; show production + offset estimates with and without.

Question 4

How do I show the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)?

Accepted Answer

List the ITC as an estimated tax credit, NOT a discount on your invoice. Format: "System cost: $24,500. Estimated 30% federal ITC tax credit: -$7,350. Net cost after ITC: $17,150." The homeowner claims the credit on their tax return; you don't reduce your invoice. Important disclaimer in terms: "ITC is a tax credit you claim on your return, not a discount on this invoice. We are not tax advisors; consult your CPA. Credit assumes you have sufficient tax liability to use it."

Question 5

What about state and utility incentives?

Accepted Answer

Vary by state and utility. SREC markets in NJ/MA/MD/DC pay per MWh produced. Net metering rates vary; California's NEM 3.0 dramatically lowered residential payback. State-specific tax credits (NY, AZ, CO) and utility rebates (some California IOUs) can stack with the federal ITC. List local incentives as their own line items, with disclaimers about eligibility and timing. Don't promise — the rules change frequently.

Question 6

How long is the system warranty?

Accepted Answer

Three layers: (1) Panel warranty — typically 25 years on power output (80-85% production at year 25), 10-25 years on materials. (2) Inverter warranty — 12 years standard, 25 years extended (typically $200-$500 add-on). (3) Workmanship warranty — your labor warranty, typically 5-25 years. Specify all three on the estimate; sophisticated homeowners read the warranty stack carefully when comparing bids.

Question 7

Should I quote roof work as part of the solar install?

Accepted Answer

If the roof is over 10 years old, recommend reroofing before solar — moving panels for a roof repair later costs $2K-$5K. Some solar installers include a roof inspection in the quote and surface repair recommendations as an optional line item or as a hold-back. If the roof is in good shape, state that explicitly: "Roof inspected, no repairs recommended; system warranty assumes existing roof remains intact."

Question 8

How do I handle financing on the estimate?

Accepted Answer

Most residential solar is financed: cash, solar loan (Mosaic, GoodLeap, Sunlight Financial), PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), or lease. Show cash price as the baseline and other financing options as their own line items with monthly payment estimates. State assumptions clearly: "$0 down, 25-year term, X% interest. APR may vary based on credit; subject to lender approval." Don't promise financing approval; just show what's available.

Solar Installation Estimate Template

Built for Solar Sales

kW DC + Production Estimate

ITC Shown Properly

Three-Layer Warranty

Residential to Commercial PV

Residential Rooftop

Ground-Mount Residential

Commercial Rooftop

Solar + Battery Backup

Solar Estimate FAQ