How to quote solar panel installations

Knowing how to quote solar panel installations well is a big advantage in a crowded market. Homeowners often get several quotes, and the installers who win are the ones who explain clearly what the customer gets, what it costs and why, without pressure or confusing jargon.

This guide covers what to include and how to present it. It’s general information: always follow your certification body’s requirements and check current rules.

Start with the right questions

Before you can give even a rough price, you need to know:

• Roof: type, pitch, which way it faces, shading, condition and available area.
• Property: number of storeys, access for scaffolding, where the inverter and any battery would go.
• Electricity use: roughly how much the household uses, and when (daytime or evening).
• Goals: cutting bills, using more of their own electricity, export, backup power, an EV or heat pump now or later.
• Battery: whether they want one now, later or not at all.

Many installers collect these online first, then confirm on a survey. An instant estimator can ask them and show a ballpark range before you visit. See instant quote calculators.

Price the system in clear parts

A solar quote should show the main parts clearly:

• Panels: number, make and output.
• Inverter: type and make.
• Battery, if included: capacity and make.
• Mounting system and electrical work.
• Scaffolding and access.
• Bird protection, monitoring and other extras.
• Commissioning, certification and paperwork.

You don’t have to show the price of every item, but customers should understand what’s included.

Tax and incentives on solar and batteries

Tax rates, rebates and incentives for solar differ by country and change often, so check the current local rules and show tax and any incentive clearly on every quote. In Great Britain, installing solar panels in homes, and in many cases batteries, currently qualifies for a zero rate of VAT under the energy-saving materials relief, due to run until 31 March 2027. More on showing tax in should prices include tax?

Be careful with savings estimates

Customers want to know what they’ll save. Give estimates that are honest and explained:

• show the assumptions (usage, tariff, export rate, orientation);
• give a range rather than a single figure;
• don’t promise savings you can’t control, such as future energy prices.

Over-promising wins the odd job and loses your reputation.

Certification and consumer protection

Customers increasingly know to ask about certification. Say which certifications you hold, because in many countries they decide rebates or export payments: in the UK, customers usually need an MCS-certified installation to get paid for exported electricity under the Smart Export Guarantee. Mention your consumer code membership and guarantees, and give the customer time to decide.

Give a ballpark price before the survey

Solar is a big decision, and many homeowners want a rough idea before they invite anyone round. A range based on house size, roof and whether they want a battery helps them decide, and helps you avoid surveys for people with very different budgets. See how to give a ballpark price.

Questions

Should I quote solar and batteries separately?

Showing both together and separately helps customers compare and choose. Many will add a battery later if they understand the option.

How detailed should a solar quote be?

Detailed enough that the customer knows exactly what equipment they’re getting and what work is included, with clear payment terms and guarantees.

Can I give a solar price without a survey?

You can give a ballpark range from the customer’s answers and photos, but confirm the final price after a survey.

For winning more solar customers, see how to get more solar leads.