Comparing Commercial Solar Quotes?

Use the checklist below to compare any commercial solar quote properly.

1) System size (kW) and what it’s designed to achieve

Confirm the proposed system size and whether it matches your goals (offset usage, demand reduction, multi-site strategy, etc.). If one quote proposes a bigger system, it may not be a fair price comparison.

2) Expected annual production and assumptions

Ask what assumptions are used for:

• shading and roof constraints

• orientation and tilt

• degradation over time

• export assumptions and usage profile

This is one of the biggest reasons payback numbers can look “too good”.

3) Commercial solar panels / commercial PV panels (model, not just brand)

Don’t accept “Tier 1” as the whole story. Confirm:

• panel model

• performance warranty terms

• product warranty terms

• suitability for your site and environment

This matters directly to long-term output and risk.

4) Inverters and system design approach

Confirm inverter model(s), design approach, and whether the system is engineered for commercial realities (fault tolerance, monitoring, compliance, and expansion considerations).

5) Monitoring and reporting

“Monitoring included” can mean anything from a basic app to proper commercial monitoring. Confirm:

• what data you receive (site performance, alerts, reporting)

• whether faults trigger alerts

• who receives alerts (you, installer, or both)

• whether performance checks are ongoing or only at handover

If you’re investing in a commercial solar power system, monitoring is one of the easiest ways to protect ROI.

6) Compliance, protections, and switchboard scope

This is where cheap quotes often become expensive later. Confirm whether the quote includes:

• required protections

• metering requirements

• switchboard modifications (if needed)

• grid/network compliance items

• commissioning and documentation

Missing scope here can lead to variations, delays, or compliance issues.

7) What’s excluded (and what will be “extra” later)

Ask the installer to list exclusions clearly. Common exclusions include:

• switchboard upgrades

• roof works or structural requirements

• trenching/cabling complexities

• network compliance changes

• monitoring subscriptions or reporting services

8) Warranties that protect the business

You want clarity on:

• product warranties (panels and inverter)

• performance warranties

• workmanship warranty

• response expectations if something fails

A commercial project should be backed by commercial accountability.

9) Maintenance and support expectations

Is maintenance required to keep warranties valid? Is there an O&M plan? Who supports performance troubleshooting?

If you’re comparing commercial solar power cost, after-install support is part of the true cost.

Request a Free Commercial Solar Quote Review

Here are issues we commonly see when reviewing quotes:

• Systems presented as equal when the system size or production assumptions differ

• Monitoring listed, but not configured for meaningful fault alerts or reporting

• Switchboard/compliance scope not fully included

• Warranty language that sounds strong but is limited in practice

• Payback calculations that assume ideal conditions without explaining assumptions

If you’re not sure what to challenge, that’s exactly why a quote review helps.

We’re not a comparison website and we don’t “generate three quotes”.
We help businesses compare commercial solar quotes properly and deliver commercial-grade installations with transparent scope.

Learn more about our commercial solar solutions.