Residential Solar Checklist

Before trusting a rooftop solar payback estimate, check whether the quote answers these questions.

Roof and site

• How much roof area is actually usable after setbacks and access paths?
• Is the roof structure suitable for the extra load?
• Are there trees, parapets, antennas, chimneys, or nearby buildings causing shade?
• What is the roof orientation and tilt?

Electrical use

• How much electricity is used during daylight hours?
• Is there time-of-use pricing?
• Will an electric vehicle, heat pump, or battery change the load profile?

Quote details

• Does the quote include all equipment, installation, permits, and grid connection?
• What module, inverter, and racking warranties are included?
• Who handles monitoring and maintenance after installation?
• What production estimate method was used?

Financial assumptions

• What retail tariff is used for self-consumed electricity?
• What export tariff or net metering credit is assumed?
• Are incentives, taxes, loan interest, and fees included?
• What happens if production is 10 percent lower than expected?

A good residential solar quote should make its assumptions clear enough that you can recreate the estimate in an independent calculator.