Solar quote comparison template
One row per line item, one column per quote. Print it, fill it in, and the cheapest real offer shows itself.
Written by HyreSolar Research Desk Primary-source research; not legal or financial advice
The short answer
This solar quote comparison template lists every line to fill in, in order, so quotes can be compared on the same basis: size, cost per watt, equipment, production estimate, warranties and the real financed cost. Print it or save it as a PDF and give each installer a column.
The figure that makes quotes comparable is cost per watt: the cash price divided by the system size in watts. A loan quote needs its cash price too, because the CFPB found dealer fees typically add 10 to 30% of the cash price to the amount borrowed.
The template: one column per quote
| Line | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company legal name and license number | |||
| System size (kW DC) | |||
| Panel make, model and wattage | |||
| Inverter type and model (string, micro, hybrid) | |||
| Battery, if any (kWh usable) | |||
| Estimated year-1 production (kWh) and the tool used | |||
| Cash price before any incentive | |||
| Cost per watt (cash price ÷ watts) | |||
| Incentives subtracted, and the source for each | |||
| Financed amount, APR, term, monthly payment | |||
| Financed amount minus cash price (the fee) | |||
| Workmanship warranty (years, who backs it) | |||
| Roof penetration / leak warranty (years) | |||
| Main panel upgrade or other electrical work included? | |||
| Permits, interconnection and inspection included? | |||
| Who installs: employees or subcontractors | |||
| Estimated timeline to permission to operate |
Check the incentive line against the facts: Section 25D, the 30% residential credit, does not apply to expenditures after December 31, 2025. A 2026 quote that subtracts it is wrong.
How to fill it in
- 1Give every installer the same usage
Hand over the same 12 months of bills so sizes are comparable.
- 2Ask each for the cash price even if you will finance
Without it you cannot see the fee.
- 3Work out cost per watt yourself
Then compare against sourced ranges on solar cost per watt.
- 4Check production on the same tool
An estimate far above the others needs an explanation.
- 5Only then compare warranties and timeline
Price differences often sit there.
Lines that should make you stop
- No cash price on a loan quote
- A 30% federal credit subtracted on a 2026 quote
- Production estimate with no named tool or shade report
- Pressure to sign the same day
The FTC names it as a scam signal.
When you are ready
Ready to explore solar for your home?
If you have done your research and want to speak with a solar professional, HyreSolar can help you explore available options.
Free, with no obligation: a person at HyreSolar reads your request and gets back to you about it. Matching with solar professionals is not live yet, so this is not a quote, and nothing is shared with anyone until you agree.
Keep learningQuestions
How many solar quotes should I compare?
What is a good cost per watt?
Should the cheapest quote win?
Sources and retrieval dates
- CFPB, Issue Spotlight: Solar Financing , 7 August 2024: dealer fees, re-amortization, escalators Retrieved 22 October 2026.
- FTC consumer alert on solar and clean energy scams , 7 August 2024 Retrieved 22 October 2026.
- IRS, Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) , not available for property placed in service after 31 December 2025 Retrieved 22 October 2026.
This page explains how solar contracts and consumer rules usually work and links the documents it relies on.
It is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice; your own contract and your state’s law decide your case.
For a dispute, speak to a lawyer licensed in your state or your state attorney general’s consumer office. HyreSolar does not install, finance, lease or sell solar.