Prepare so each quote is meaningful
Before you contact installers, gather a few simple things that make quotes more accurate and keep follow-up calls relevant: two months of utility bills (or an annual total), recent roof photos or satellite images, and your rough goal (cut power bills, increase home value, or cover part of usage). Decide whether you want to own the system, finance it, or look for leases or power purchase agreements — that affects pricing and contract terms. Having a clear list of what you want saves time and reduces back-and-forth.
How to request quotes without getting buried
Limit the number of companies you contact to three or four so you can compare properly without being overwhelmed. Use the same basic facts for each request so estimates are comparable: address, annual usage, roof slope and shading, and whether you plan to finance or buy. Ask prospects to send written estimates by email with a breakdown (system size in kW, estimated annual production, equipment lists, and expected timeline). Give a reasonable deadline for quotes and say up front if you don’t want repeated sales calls — provide one preferred contact method.
What to check in each quote and how to spot low-quality leads
Compare the same line items across quotes: proposed kW, expected annual production (not guaranteed), panel and inverter makes and models, who holds the warranties, and a labor and installation warranty in writing. Look for clear numbers on permits, interconnection with your utility, and who pays for inspections. Red flags include vague production claims, missing license or insurance information, pressure to sign immediately, or quotes delivered only by verbal pitch. National brands like Sunrun or Freedom Forever and local companies each have tradeoffs — check local references and recent jobs in your area.
Verify these items before you sign anything
Before you sign: confirm the installer’s local license and insurance, get a written schedule for permits and installation, and ask for full, signed copies of any manufacturer and installer warranties (and how long they last). Verify who will own the system after installation and whether any liens or financing agreements will be recorded against your property. Make sure the contract spells out how production is estimated and how shortfalls, if any, are handled. Confirm responsibility for rooftop repairs or replacement, the process for interconnection with your utility, and what happens to monitoring and guarantees if you sell the house. These checks reduce surprises and give you bargaining points on price or timeline.