Every solar quote looks different — and most of them are hard to compare on purpose. This guide breaks down what should be in a solar proposal, what the numbers actually mean, and how to tell whether a quote reflects your home or just a sales target.
Snapshot
Best for
Cost clairty
Reading time
8 min
Focus
Solar Quotes
Overview
At minimum, a quote should clearly list:
- Panel manufacturer and wattage
- Inverter type and quantity
- Total system size in kW (both DC and AC ratings)
- Estimated first-year production in kWh
- Installed cost before and after any applicable incentives
- Financing terms, if applicable, shown separately from system cost
- Net cost — what you actually pay out of pocket
If any of these are missing or bundled together in a way that's hard to parse, that's worth asking about before signing anything.
Equipment: What to Look For
1
Panels
Panel specs that matter most for Texas homes:
- Wattage — higher wattage panels mean fewer panels for the same output, which matters if roof space is limited
- Degradation rate — this is how much production drops each year. A panel rated at 0.25% annual degradation will still produce over 93% of its original output after 25 years. Cheaper panels degrade faster.
- Warranty — look for a 25-year power output guarantee and a manufacturer product warranty. Some manufacturers cover labor for replacements; budget brands typically don't.
2
Inverters
The two main options are string inverters and microinverters.
- Microinverters (one per panel) optimize each panel independently. If one panel is shaded or underperforming, the rest aren't dragged down. They also make it easier to monitor panel-level production and expand the system later.
- String inverters connect panels in series and are less expensive upfront. They work well on roofs with consistent sun exposure and no shading issues.
For most Texas installations, microinverters are the stronger long-term choice — especially on homes with complex roof lines, trees, or partial shading at different times of day.
3
Racking and Mounting
This is where some installers cut corners. Look for racking systems with long warranties and waterproof roof penetrations. Black-finished racking looks cleaner on most roofs than silver. Hidden end clamps give a more streamlined appearance.
If the quote doesn't specify the racking brand and model, ask. Some installers leave this vague so they can swap in cheaper hardware at install time.
Production Estimates
A production estimate should be based on your actual roof — not a regional average. That means accounting for roof pitch, orientation, shading from trees or neighboring structures, and local weather patterns.
Strong proposals include a first-year production guarantee. If the system underperforms that number, there should be a clear path to resolution. Be cautious of estimates that seem unusually high compared to other quotes — inflated projections are one of the most common issues in solar proposals.
Warranties and Installation Timeline
1
Panel manufacturer warranty
Covers defects and power output degradation
2
Inverter warranty
Typically runs 12–25 years depending on the brand
3
Installer workmanship warranty
Covers the installation itself — roof penetrations, wiring, mounting
Calculate your baseline consumption data
At its most basic level, there are three key numbers to know when evaluating how much of your electric usage can be covered by solar:
- your annual electric consumption (kWh)
- the estimated annual production of the proposed system (kWh)
- what percentage of your usage which will be covered by the proposed system
Jul 2024 - Jul 2025
A system with better panels, lower degradation, and stronger warranties will produce moreenergyand cost less to maintain over 25 years.
Your Roof. Your Energy Bill. Let's Fix Both.
Whether you need solar, a roof replacement, or an energy audit to figure out where to start — we help Texas homeowners make the right call for their home.