Don't start with the price
The cheapest proposal isn’t automatically the best. Neither is the most expensive. You're purchasing a system expected to perform for decades — focus on long-term value.
Compare energy production, not just panel count
“I got 22 panels, my neighbor got 28” means very little. Instead compare:
- Estimated annual production
- System design
- Roof layout
- Expected offset
- Performance assumptions
If you want an independent reference point for what a system might produce at your address, PVWatts is a free estimation tool published by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.3 It will not match any installer’s proposal exactly, but a large unexplained gap between a proposal and an independent estimate is worth asking about.
Understand what's actually included
- Is battery storage included?
- Is monitoring included?
- Are permitting costs included?
- Roof work?
- Electrical upgrades?
- HOA support?
Don't assume every quote includes the same services.
The Federal Trade Commission advises getting bids from several companies, comparing what each includes, checking that a company is licensed and insured, and getting all promises in writing.1 In Florida, license status can be verified through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s official lookup.4
Compare warranties carefully
- Product warranty
- Performance warranty
- Workmanship warranty
Each covers something different — ask what each one means.
Understand financing before comparing monthly payments
Two proposals with identical monthly payments may have completely different interest rates, loan terms, total repayment amounts, and dealer fees. Monthly payment alone doesn’t tell the full story.
The size of that difference can be substantial. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported that hidden fees can increase a solar loan’s principal by roughly 10–30%, and in some cases by more than 50%, and that the PPA agreements it reviewed commonly included annual escalators of 1–5% over contract terms ranging from 6 to 25 years.2Ask each company for the total amount repaid over the full term, not just the monthly figure.
Look beyond the sales presentation
- Communication
- Transparency
- Responsiveness
- Willingness to answer questions
- Pressure tactics
Trust is part of the purchase.
How SolarFit™ helps you compare
SolarFit™ gives you personalized context before you receive proposals — your roof, your goals, your priorities, and the questions worth asking — so you can evaluate whether a proposal fits your needs rather than relying only on a sales presentation.
What people get wrong
The best proposal isn’t the one with the biggest discount. It’s the one that aligns with your home, your budget, and your long-term goals. SolarFit™ helps you ask better questions and evaluate proposals with greater confidence.
Related guides
- Getting StartedIs Solar Right for Your Home?
The factors that determine whether solar may be a good fit for your specific home — from roof to utility to long-term plans.
- Costs & IncentivesFlorida Solar Incentives Explained
The federal tax credit, Florida sales and property tax exemptions, and utility programs — in plain English.
- System OptionsDo I Need a Battery?
The trade-offs between adding storage now, starting with a solar-only system, or waiting.
- Planning Your ProjectSolar Scams Every Homeowner Should Know About
High-pressure tactics, misleading savings claims, and financing traps — with clear guidance on how to protect yourself.
- Getting StartedWhy Does My Electric Bill Keep Going Up?
Why Florida electric bills keep climbing, what's changing through 2029, and the options homeowners actually have.
Ready to compare solar proposals with confidence?
Start with the free SolarFit™ Assessment to understand your home's unique needs before evaluating installation quotes.
The best solar quote isn’t the one that promises the most. It’s the one you understand the best.
Sources
The authoritative sources used for the factual claims on this page. Rules, rates, and programs change — always confirm details with the official source before you make a decision.
- 1.Federal Trade CommissionSolar Power for Your HomeFederal consumer guidance on bids, licensing checks, fixed utility charges, leases, and PPAs.
- 2.Consumer Financial Protection BureauIssue Spotlight: Solar FinancingFederal findings on dealer fees, loan structures, and PPA escalators.
- 3.National Renewable Energy LaboratoryPVWatts CalculatorOfficial U.S. Department of Energy tool for estimating solar production by location and roof characteristics.
- 4.Florida Department of Business and Professional RegulationVerify a LicenseeOfficial Florida contractor and electrical contractor license lookup.