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Wattcrunch

Guided Workflow

Step 8 of 9. Follow the sequence to turn a rough idea into a homeowner-ready solar plan.

Next step
  1. 1Size
  2. 2Production
  3. 3Savings
  4. 4Payback
  5. 5Financing
  6. 6Compare
  7. 7Incentives
  8. 8Quotes
  9. 9Report

Compare Solar Quotes Side by Side

Normalize up to three proposals across price, financing, production, equipment, batteries, and warranties before deciding which installer deserves the next conversation.

Quick answer

Compare the gross cash-equivalent price first, then total loan payments, production assumptions, exact equipment, warranties, roof work, and exclusions. A low monthly payment is not evidence of a low-cost system.

Reviewed 2026-07-26

Best for
Homeowners pressure-testing solar proposals before signing.
Inputs needed
electric usage, local rate, system size or quote assumptions
Formula used
Transparent Wattcrunch calculator assumptions with visible units.
Source checked
NREL PVWatts, DSIRE, public utility tariffs

Quick Answer

Compare the gross cash-equivalent price first, then total loan payments, production assumptions, exact equipment, warranties, roof work, and exclusions. A low monthly payment is not evidence of a low-cost system.

Source: Wattcrunch methodology and cited primary data

Compare gross prices before incentives. Market bands are planning benchmarks derived from published installed-price datasets, not live bids or a guaranteed local price.

Quote 1

Import this proposal

Extract editable values from a text-based PDF. The file is not retained.

kW
$
kWh

From the written proposal

years

Battery included?

Quote 2

Import this proposal

Extract editable values from a text-based PDF. The file is not retained.

kW
$
kWh

From the written proposal

years

Battery included?

Start with price per watt, but do not stop there

A solar quote for a 10 kW system at $32,000 and one for a 6 kW system at $18,000 are hard to compare as lump sums. Price per watt normalises everything. Divide total price by system watts (system kW × 1,000): $32,000 ÷ 10,000 = $3.20/W and $18,000 ÷ 6,000 = $3.00/W. Now you're comparing apples to apples across different system sizes, states, and equipment tiers.

Why location and contract structure matter

Labor, permitting, interconnection, roof complexity, equipment, storage, and installer overhead vary by market. Financing can create an even larger difference: two proposals with similar monthly payments may have very different APRs, terms, dealer costs, and total scheduled payments.

A complete proposal is easier to verify

Ask every installer to state the exact equipment models, year-one production, assumed degradation, cash price, financing terms, roof work, interconnection scope, workmanship coverage, production guarantee, and exclusions. Wattcrunch flags missing fields because uncertainty hidden in a proposal often matters more than a small price difference.

Sources behind this estimate

Wattcrunch combines user inputs with published solar-production, electricity-market, incentive, and tariff information. Use the primary references below to understand what the model can estimate and what still needs confirmation for your property.

NREL PVWattsEIA electricity dataDSIRE incentivesIRS energy-credit guidance

Utility export rates, eligibility rules, and installer pricing can change. Confirm the applicable tariff, interconnection requirements, and tax treatment before making a purchase decision.

Frequently asked questions

What should I compare across solar quotes?

Compare gross cash price, solar-only price per watt, total scheduled loan payments, year-one production, exact panel and inverter models, battery capacity, workmanship coverage, production guarantees, roof work, and exclusions. A low monthly payment alone does not show the total cost.

Why should cash and financed prices be separated?

A solar loan can include interest and dealer costs that make total scheduled payments materially higher than the cash contract price. Compare the cash-equivalent system price first, then compare financing separately using APR, term, fees, and total payments.

Should I always choose the cheapest solar quote?

No. Price matters, but an incomplete scope, weak workmanship coverage, unrealistic production estimate, unsuitable equipment, or unstable installer can outweigh a lower price. Use the comparison as a question generator, then verify the contract and installer.

Are Wattcrunch market prices live local bids?

No. The price bands are planning benchmarks derived from published installed-price datasets and broad state adjustments. They are not real-time bids, guarantees, or substitutes for multiple current quotes from qualified local installers.

Does the comparison include incentives?

The price comparison uses gross contract cost before incentives so quotes remain comparable. Incentive eligibility, tax treatment, utility programs, and payment timing must be verified separately for the installation date and location.

Related solar calculators

System Size CalculatorkWh → kW and panel count.Solar Savings Calculator25-year savings and ROI.Payback & ROI CalculatorWhen solar breaks even.Lease vs Buy vs PPACompare ownership paths.

Or browse all calculators, find rebates in the Incentive Finder, or read our solar guides.