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How to read (and compare) a solar quote: the 7 lines to check
Two quotes for “the same” installation can show a €4,000 difference—and the cheapest is not always the best deal, nor is the most expensive necessarily a sign of quality. The difference lies in the lines of the document. Here are the 7 points to check on every quote, in order, and the warning signs that should make you walk away.
The golden rule before you start
If it is not written down, it does not exist. An oral promise from the sales representative—“of course, the paperwork is included”, “we’ll do you a favour”—has no value. If it matters, insist that it is included in the quote. A reputable professional will write it down without hesitation.
Line 1 — The exact equipment: brands, models and power ratings
A serious quote precisely identifies every piece of equipment: the brand and model of the panels, along with their rated power, the brand and model of the inverter or microinverters, and, where applicable, the battery and its capacity in kWh. Be wary of vague wording—“high-efficiency panels”, “latest-generation inverter”, “lithium battery” without a reference. This leaves the door open to low-end equipment being delivered on the day, and makes any comparison impossible: you cannot check the price of a product that has no name.
Line 2 — Total power and estimated yield
Check two figures. The total power in kWp must correspond to the number of panels multiplied by their individual power rating—a 30-second calculation that sometimes reveals surprises. The estimated annual yield must also be realistic: in France, roughly allow for 1,000 to 1,400 kWh produced per kWp per year, depending on the region. A quote that promises significantly more is embellishing your future, and it is on this inflated figure that the subsequent profitability promise will be based.
Line 3 — What is included (and, above all, what is not)
This is where most unpleasant surprises arise. Three items must be clearly stated in writing: the complete installation (mounting, cabling and commissioning—not just supply), the administrative procedures (declaration to the town hall, Enedis grid connection application, EDF OA contract), and the grid connection itself. An attractive price that discreetly excludes one of these items is not an attractive price: it is just a first payment.
Line 4 — Who will carry out the installation, and with which certifications?
The quote must identify the company that will physically carry out the installation and mention its RGE QualiPV certification—with the number, which you can check free of charge in the official France Rénov' directory. Pay attention to an important distinction: some companies sell the project and subcontract the work without saying so. Ask explicitly: “who will be working on my roof, and is that company the one that is certified?” The Consuel inspection (electrical compliance check) must also be included in the process—we explain these warranties in detail in our turnkey installation process guide.
Line 5 — The price, and what could change it
The incl. VAT amount must be broken down (equipment, installation and procedures), and the quote must clearly state under which conditions it may change. The sound approach is: a quote prepared remotely, a technical survey confirming feasibility, any potential adjustment presented before you approve it—then a final price that cannot change during the works. A quote that says nothing about this, or a company that “discovers” additional charges once the panels are on the roof, should make you walk away. Regarding the deposit, follow standard practice: a deposit of around 20 to 30% is normal; above 50% before any work has started, refuse.
Line 6 — Warranties, item by item
There is not one warranty but four, and a good quote distinguishes between them:
| Warranty | What it covers | Expected range |
|---|---|---|
| Product (panels) | Manufacturing defects | 12 to 30 years depending on the brand |
| Power (panels) | Guaranteed output over time | 80–90% after 25–30 years |
| Inverter / battery | Equipment failure | 10 years and more |
| Ten-year liability insurance (installer) | Damage related to the installation (roofing, waterproofing) | 10 years—certificate required |
The ten-year liability insurance is the most important and the most frequently overlooked: it is what protects you if the roof leaks in three years’ time. Ask for the insurance certificate—a compliant professional will send it within the hour.
Line 7 — Lead times and the payment schedule
The quote must set out a schedule: indicative lead time until installation (allow 2 to 3 months including the administrative procedures), project duration and a payment schedule aligned with progress—never the full amount before commissioning. An unusually short lead time (“installation next week”) is not a sales argument: legal procedures take an unavoidable amount of time, and anyone promising to bypass them is probably planning to skip them.
The 4 warning signs that should make you walk away
1. The discount “valid today only”. Time pressure is the hallmark of aggressive sales tactics—a genuine price will still be valid tomorrow.
2. The astonishing profitability claims. “Your bill cut in half”, “paid for in 4 years” without a study of your consumption: these promises do not survive the calculations.
3. Sales approaches claiming to represent the government. Neither EDF, the French state nor “the government” appoint sales representatives to sell panels at your home or by telephone.
4. Credit signed on the spot. Financing rushed through on the same day, based on a vague quote, is the classic pattern behind solar disputes. Always take time to use your cooling-off period.
Comparing two quotes: the 5-minute method
Once you have checked the 7 lines on each document, bring everything back to a comparable basis: the price per kWp installed, all-inclusive (incl. VAT price divided by the power). Then compare like with like—same power, with or without a battery, and the same included services. A price difference is always explained by one of these lines: different equipment grade, an excluded service, a shorter warranty or an intermediary’s margin. If you cannot find the explanation in the document, it is not in your favour.
And to give you a sense of market price ranges in 2026: our turnkey configurations, from 3 kWp to 10 kWp with a battery, are displayed with prices, line by line—named equipment, procedures included and price confirmed after the technical survey. Use them as a benchmark, even if you sign elsewhere.
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How many quotes should I request?
Two or three are enough, provided you compare them on an equal basis (same power and same services). Beyond that, you multiply sales appointments without gaining more information—it is better to analyse three quotes thoroughly than skim through six.
Do I have to pay for a solar quote?
No, the study and quote are free from any reputable provider, and a quote does not commit you to anything until you have signed it. However, be wary of “administration fees” or “study fees” charged before you have made any commitment.
How reliable is a firm-price promise?
It is only as reliable as the details specified in the quote: a price is genuinely firm when it has been confirmed by a technical survey and the document excludes any additional charges during the works. A “firm price” established without having seen your roof is a promise, not a commitment.
Can I withdraw after signing?
Yes, in most cases of off-premises sales (door-to-door sales, trade fairs depending on the conditions, and distance selling): the statutory cooling-off period is 14 days. No work or payment collection should take place during this period without your express written request.
Is the cheapest quote a trap?
Not necessarily—a short supply chain without intermediaries can produce genuinely good prices. The test is this: the cheapest quote must pass the 7 checks in this guide just like the others. If it does, it is a good deal; if it becomes vague at line 3 or 4, you have your answer.
Indicative price ranges (yield per kWp, deposits and lead times) provided for mainland France in 2026. The cooling-off period and its conditions are governed by the French Consumer Code—in the event of a dispute, contact a consumer association. Article updated in July 2026.
