How to evaluate a solar quote
Get at least three quotes, and compare them on the same terms. Here’s what to check.
1. Price per watt
Divide the total price (before incentives) by the system size in watts (DC). This makes quotes of different sizes comparable. Check what’s included: permits, electrical upgrades, the utility connection, monitoring.
2. Production estimate
Divide the estimated yearly kWh by the kW. In BC and Alberta, an ideally placed, unshaded south-facing system produces roughly 1,050–1,300 kWh per kW per year depending on the city, before snow losses. Much higher should prompt questions.
3. Savings and payback claims
Ask what electricity price, yearly price increase and export credit the installer assumed. Common problems: valuing exports at the full retail price (no longer true for new BC Hydro customers), counting fixed charges as savings, large assumed price rises, or including rebates you haven’t been approved for.
4. Equipment and warranties
- Panel product and performance warranties (performance warranties of 25 years are common)
- Inverter type and warranty (string inverters often 10–12 years; microinverters often 25)
- Workmanship warranty, and who honours it if the company closes
5. Process
Who applies for the utility connection and any rebate pre-approval? For BC Hydro’s rebate, approval must come before you buy or install, and the installer must belong to the Home Performance Contractor Network.
6. Your roof
If your roof will need replacing within about ten years, do it first.
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