Solar Quotes
I'm going back and forth between 2 quotes after meeting with 3 solar companies - 3rd company pushed PPA as they're scheduling into January - the lowest they could go was still higher than company 2, so they're out.
I'm looking to get thoughts from those of you who have the knowledge and experience of going through this process. Annual usage over the past 12 months was 17MWh, but we are currently in the middle of a geothermal system install, which should cut our usage.
Location: Baltimore County, Maryland
Company 1
Price: $38,086 ($26,660 after tax credit)
Panels: Canadian Solar 455W (Qty: 30)
Inverters: Enphase IQ8-H Micro Inverters
System Size: 13.65 kWh
Cost per W: $2.79 before federal tax credit ($1.95/W after)
They are confident they can install and have operational prior to the December 31st cutoff. They're adding a clause that if it appears they won't be able to, that the contract can be cancelled and I would only be on the hook for permitting costs. Quote includes a production guarantee and 3rd party warranty.
Company 2
Price: $35,950 (after 20% winter discount install in January)
Panels: Maxeon 410 (Qty: 36)
Inverters: Enphase IQ8-A Micro Inverters
System Size: 14.76 kWh
Cost per W: $2.43 (No tax credit - installed after cutoff)
No production guarantee or 3rd party warranty, warranty is through the company. Company is diversified slightly with other roofing work - not just solar.
Concerns
Company 1 sent a 3rd party for the site assessment. House is oriented N/S and we have significant shading/trees from the east and south. I'll need to remove about 4 trees regardless of the that I go with to make the system feasible. I've included photos showing the roof and trees that would need to be removed.
Owner of Company 2 performed the site visit - which I appreciate and makes me feel much more comfortable that the person building out the system has seen the site.
I'm just overwhelmed and not sure which way to go - is the $12,000 price delta worth it (if they can get it in prior to the cutoff) for what seems like a lesser panel and a company I'm not quite as confident in - (they have generally solid reviews online)? I also need to follow up with Company 2 because there were more roof penetrations than we thought and will likely impact their layout and ability to fit 36 panels.
Posted Sep 11, 2025, 4:53 PM UTC