What a solar estimate is for
Solar is one of the largest purchases a homeowner makes, and the sales process has a reputation for big promises. An estimate that lists the equipment by model, the system size, the electrical work and permits, and states plainly that production and incentives are estimates, earns trust and protects you from claims later.
What to put on a solar estimate
- System size and the panel and inverter models.
- Racking and roof attachment method.
- Electrical work and any panel upgrade.
- Permits, engineering and interconnection.
- Production estimate, labeled as an estimate.
- Incentives as information, not promises.
- Payment milestones and warranties.
A worked example
A south-facing roof with room for twenty panels. The main panel needs an upgrade to accept the system. The homeowner is thinking about a battery later.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar panels, installed | 20 | each | Your price |
| Microinverters | 20 | each | Your price |
| Racking and roof attachments | 1 | set | Your price |
| Electrical: conduit, disconnect, wiring | 1 | set | Your price |
| Main panel upgrade | 1 | each | Your price |
| Engineering, permit and interconnection | 1 | each | Your price |
Write the panel and inverter models into the lines. Put production and incentive information in the notes as estimates; never fold an incentive into the price.
Line items solar installers use
| Line item | Unit | How to write it |
|---|---|---|
| Solar panels, installed | each | Brand, model and wattage per panel. |
| Inverter or microinverters | each | String inverter or one per panel. |
| Racking and roof attachments | set | Attachment type and flashing. |
| Electrical: conduit, disconnect, wiring | set | Run from array to panel. |
| Main panel upgrade | each | If the existing panel cannot take the backfeed. |
| Battery storage | each | Brand and capacity. |
| Monitoring system | each | App or portal for production. |
| Engineering and design | each | Plan set for permit. |
| Permit and inspection | each | Building and electrical. |
| Utility interconnection application | each | Paperwork to connect to the grid. |
| Roof repair before install | square | If the roof will not outlast the panels. |
| Panel removal and reinstall | each | For reroofing later. |
| Panel cleaning | each | Maintenance visit. |
Terms and deposit language for solar
- Deposit. A deposit at signing covers design and permit work. Equipment and installation payments follow milestones. Check your state's rules on deposits and any solar-specific consumer rules.
- Payment. Payments tied to milestones such as permit approval, installation complete and permission to operate from the utility.
- Warranty. Separate the panel and inverter makers' warranties from your workmanship and roof penetration warranty, with how long each runs.
- Production estimates are estimates; actual output depends on weather, shading and use.
- Incentives, credits and rebates are the customer's to claim and depend on their situation; you provide paperwork, not tax advice.
- Utility approval timelines are outside your control.
How to fill it in
- Put in your business details once; this browser keeps them for every template.
- Fill in the customer and the job.
- Change the line items to fit this job and add your prices.
- Set tax, the deposit and the good-until date.
- Print to PDF, download Word or CSV, or send it from Koira.
Free tools for solar
- Roof measurement tool
- Satellite measuring tool
- EV charger installation cost calculator
- Electrician labor rate calculator
The same estimate for other trades: appliance repair, auto detailing, carpet cleaning, chimney, house cleaning, commercial cleaning, concrete, drywall, electrical, fence, flooring, garage door, general contractor, gutter, handyman, hvac, irrigation, junk removal, landscaping, lawn care, locksmith, moving, painting, pest control, plumbing, pool service, pressure washing, remodeling, roofing, septic, snow removal, tree service, waterproofing, window cleaning.