Guide: solar quotes
A cheap solar quote is only useful if you know what it includes
Two installers can quote different prices for the same roof because they are not always quoting the same system, the same assumptions or the same amount of work. Compare the detail before the headline.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Get the quote itemised
- 01Panel manufacturer, model, quantity and total array size in kWp.
- 02Inverter make, model and rating, including whether it is battery ready.
- 03Optimisers or microinverters, if included, and why the roof needs them.
- 04Scaffolding, mounting system, roof works and access assumptions.
- 05Electrical work, isolators, cable routes and any consumer-unit work.
- 06DNO application or notification and MCS certification.
- 07Battery storage, if included, shown as a separate price.
- 08Total installed price and a clear list of anything excluded.
Challenge the savings assumptions
Ask for the annual generation estimate in kWh and how it was calculated for your actual roof. Then ask what self-consumption percentage the savings projection assumes. Those two figures can move the payback more than the brand name on the panel.
If one quote looks dramatically better, put both sets of assumptions into the Housebright solar calculator rather than accepting the prettier sales spreadsheet.
Turn the quotes into a like-for-like comparison
Put up to three proposals into the solar quote comparison worksheet. Use one row for each price, component and assumption, and treat every blank cell as a question for the installer.
Once the quotes use the same headings, run each proposal through the solar calculator with the same electricity price, export rate and self-consumption percentage. That separates a genuinely stronger system from a more optimistic forecast.
Compare the warranties, not just the years
- Panel product warranty and performance warranty.
- Inverter warranty and the cost of extending it.
- Installer workmanship warranty.
- Who handles a claim if the equipment manufacturer and installer disagree.
- Whether labour and call-outs are included in a hardware warranty.
- What protection applies to your deposit before installation.
Before you sign
- Get at least two itemised quotes, preferably three.
- Make sure each quote is for the same or clearly comparable system size.
- Check the roof layout, shading assumptions and proposed cable route.
- Confirm who handles the DNO and MCS paperwork.
- Stress-test the payback with less generation and lower self-consumption.
- Do not let a battery hide whether the solar-only system is good value.