How to Read a Solar Quote (Line by Line)
Most people can't tell a good solar quote from a bad one because they don't know what they're looking at. This guide walks through every line of a typical quote and explains what it means and what to compare.
Start with the system specification
Before looking at the price, find the system specification. A complete spec should tell you: how many panels, what brand and model, what wattage each panel, the total array capacity in kWp, the inverter brand, model, and capacity in kW. If any of these are missing, the quote is incomplete - ask for them before proceeding.
Example: “22 × REC Alpha Pure 405W panels (8.91 kWp) + Fronius Primo 8.2 kW inverter” is a complete specification. “Premium 6.6 kW solar system” is not.
The price section: gross vs net
Most reputable installers present a single net price with the STC rebate already deducted. Some quote a gross price and show the STC value as a separate line item. Both are acceptable — what you want to confirm is:
- → Is the STC rebate calculated correctly for your zone and system size?
- → Is the net price what you’ll actually pay, or are there additional fees?
- → Is the grid connection fee included or listed separately?
- → Are there any post-install costs not reflected in the quote (e.g. switchboard upgrade)?
Warranty terms: three separate things
A solar quote typically contains three distinct warranties, and they cover different things:
| Warranty type | What it covers | Who backs it | Typical term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel product warranty | Manufacturing defects, delamination, frame failure | Panel manufacturer | 12–25 years |
| Panel performance warranty | Output doesn’t fall below guaranteed % | Panel manufacturer | 25 years |
| Inverter warranty | Component failure | Inverter manufacturer | 5–12 years |
| Workmanship warranty | Installation defects, roof penetrations, cabling | Your installer | 5–10 years |
The workmanship warranty is the most important and the most commonly omitted. It’s the one that protects you if a roof penetration fails or a connection corrodes. 10 years is the benchmark from reputable installers.
Payment terms and cooling-off period
Check: what deposit is required (10–20% is standard; 50%+ upfront is unusual and risky), when is the balance due (typically on completion), and what your cooling-off rights are under your state’s consumer law. In most states, door-to-door or cold-call solar sales attract a 10-business-day cooling-off period. Quotes from companies you approached directly typically don’t attract this right, but written contract terms often include their own cancellation provisions.
The one question to ask before signing
“If I need to make a warranty claim in five years, who do I contact - and will your business still be operating?” It’s not comfortable to ask, but it’s the most important question. Large, established installers can answer it. Anyone who can’t - or who gets defensive - tells you something worth knowing.
For the full comparison framework, see our solar quotes guide.
Information is current as at May 2026. STC values and rebate eligibility change - always verify current figures.
See how this applies to your address.
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