Top Things To Look For in a Solar Proposal

Thinking of switching to solar energy? You’re not alone. According to recent research, 8% of U.S. homeowners already have solar panels installed. 

Whether you’ve had a solar panel company hang a flyer on your door handle or you’ve been interested in solar for a while, there’s never been a better time to find out more. With rising energy costs and fossil fuels becoming increasingly scarce, switching to solar energy could be the best investment for your home.

Most solar panel companies will provide you with a proposal that includes installation costs, average estimated savings, financing options, and much more. However, each company is different, so knowing what to look for in a solar panel proposal will help you choose a solar installer with confidence.

In this article, we’ll review:

• Cookie-cutter vs. custom proposals
• Items covered in a trustworthy solar proposal (e.g. cost, timelines, energy savings)

This way you can easily compare proposals and estimates, and trust that you’re getting the best return on your solar investment.

Cookie-Cutter vs. Custom Proposals

Your home is unique, and so are your solar energy requirements. It might be disappointing to receive a generic proposal that doesn’t consider your specific needs. Always beware of companies that offer cookie-cutter proposals, and instead, look for carefully-crafted custom proposals that take your individual requirements and details of your home into account. 

From offering custom panel designs to illustrating long-term energy savings, your proposal should be created for you– and you alone.

Items Covered in a Trustworthy Solar Proposal

Investing in solar energy is a big decision. That’s why a trustworthy solar installer will always give you all the details you need and ensure you go in with your eyes wide open. This includes, but is not limited to:

Clear and Upfront Installation Costs

At a bare minimum, every solar proposal should include a clear and upfront breakdown of installation costs. Not just for the purchase price of your solar system (panels, mounting hardware, inverter, or battery if you’re installing one) but also the labor costs, permit and inspection fees, and any other potential expense you could incur.

Furthermore, trustworthy solar companies will also often provide details about any rebates or incentives you could be entitled to. For example, generous federal tax credits are available for homeowners looking to switch to more sustainable and energy-efficient energy sources.

Permits, Inspections, and Installation Timeframe

Your proposal should also include details about permits, inspections, and the timeframe for installation. 

The installation of solar panels requires construction and electrical work to be carried out. To ensure that all work is both safe and code-compliant, your local government and utility company will need you to go through the permit and inspection process. This might seem a little bureaucratic, but it’s a requirement to go solar. Fortunately, you don’t need to get tied up in the red tape, as your solar contractor will handle the logistics for you. 

If your proposal doesn’t include information about permits and inspections, check with your installer and ensure this responsibility doesn’t lie with you. Your proposal should also detail the installation timeframe giving you a clear start and end date. Plus, don’t forget to inquire about any HOA requirements!

A Detailed Review of Your Solar Panel Array

Your solar proposal should clearly outline the system size and where it will be fitted on your roof. You should also be given details about the make and model of your system, expected performance after a certain number of years, and the warranty period.

Your contractor may also provide you with elevation drawings of your home showing the placement of the solar panel array. This way you fully understand the way your new system will look, which is important for keeping a clean exterior aesthetic. It may also be a requirement for your HOA, if you have one.

A Detailed Review of Your Home Battery Options

A home battery system can help you get the most out of your solar panels, and your installer will likely recommend you install one. Once installed, your battery will store the energy your panels produce for later use, such as during power outages, at night, or on cloudy days. Home batteries can detect when the power has gone down and immediately kick in to keep the power on throughout your home. Most importantly, batteries reduce your reliance on the energy grid and help you reap maximum lifetime energy savings.

Some solar contractors may not offer batteries, but top-notch quality companies like Photon Brothers do. We’re Tesla Premier Certified Installers, which means we can install the industry’s best-performing battery, the Tesla Powerwall, in your California or Colorado home!

Average Estimated Energy Savings

Financing Options From Solar Lenders

There are many different ways to pay for your solar panels, and your proposal should outline the financing options your contractor has available and the details of each. For example, they may offer loans or power purchase agreements (PPAs) that cost $0 upfront but are serviced using future utility bill savings. If your contractor provides loans from multiple lenders, they should include each lender’s details, credentials, and a breakdown of your return on investment. To learn more, visit our solar financing page.