How to compare solar quotes in Ontario.
A lower total is not automatically a better proposal. Put every quote on the same basis before comparing price, equipment, estimated production, net-metering assumptions, warranties and responsibility for the work.
Seven steps for comparing Ontario solar quotes
Confirm the price basis
Separate subtotal, tax, discounts, financing costs, incentives and optional work. Compare the gross project price before an installer’s assumed rebate or credit.
Compare the same system boundary
Check whether the roof work, permits, electrical work, utility coordination, monitoring, commissioning and restoration are included. A lower quote may simply exclude more work.
Record every equipment model
Capture module count and model, DC capacity, inverter model and stated AC capacity, optimizers or microinverters, mounting, monitoring and battery equipment. “Premium panel” is not a model number.
Interrogate the production estimate
Ask what annual production, shading, orientation, degradation, weather data and system losses were assumed. Compare the assumptions before comparing the projected savings.
Separate energy credits from the full bill
Ontario net-metering credits offset eligible electricity consumption charges, but the bill can still include other charges. The Ontario Energy Board says unused credits can be carried forward for up to 12 months and are then reduced to zero.
Read warranties by responsible party
Separate product, performance and workmanship coverage. Record who administers each warranty, what labour is covered and what happens if a contractor is no longer operating.
Compare the contract, not just the panels
Review deposits, payment milestones, cancellation language, schedule assumptions, change orders and responsibility for approvals. Get material clarifications in writing before signing.
Why projected solar savings can differ so much
Solar savings are an output of assumptions, not a property of the panels alone. Consumption, the timing of that consumption, future electrification, rate escalation, degradation, financing, available roof area and the treatment of surplus generation can all move the result.
Do not compare two savings totals until both proposals use the same household load, time horizon, rate assumptions, financing basis and treatment of non-offsettable bill charges.
The Atmospheric Fund’s Home Solar Accelerator also recommends comparing cost per watt, estimated electricity production, warranty coverage, estimated hydro-bill savings and installer experience. These are useful starting points, but a decision still needs to account for the rest of the home and any planned heat pump, EV or battery.
Questions to ask each solar installer
- What exact equipment models and quantities are included?
- What annual production is assumed, and what site inputs drive it?
- Which bill charges are included in the savings calculation?
- Who handles the net-metering application and utility coordination?
- Which electrical, structural, roofing or trenching work is excluded?
- Which incentives are included, and what happens if eligibility changes?
- Who provides labour for warranty work?
- What can change the price after signing?
When an independent quote review is useful
A review is useful when quotes use different assumptions, when a battery or future heat pump changes the decision, or when you want a second opinion before committing. HomeEnergy Consulting normalizes the proposals and identifies questions; it does not approve engineering, electrical design, code compliance or installation.
Compare the proposals already on your desk.
Onsite in Durham Region and Northumberland County, or remotely elsewhere in Ontario.