Reviewing Your Solar Quote: Is It an Estimate or Final Price?

The Dirty Secret of Solar Quotes

In the traditional solar industry, the first number you see is almost always an estimate. Reps quote a monthly payment based on 'typical' equipment, average shading, and financing rates that may not apply to your credit profile. After you sign, a site survey is scheduled — and that's when the number changes. New equipment, extra electrical work, longer trenching, roof reinforcement — all reasons to send you a revised contract at a higher price. By then, most homeowners just sign it.

How to Tell if Your Quote Is Really Final

Ask these questions of any solar rep before signing:

• Is this price contingent on a site survey?
• What specific circumstances would cause my price to change?
• Is my APR based on my actual credit profile or an average?
• Are permit and interconnection fees included?
• Is there a main panel upgrade fee if my panel doesn't support solar?
• Is the year-1 production number guaranteed or estimated?

Why Sunlink Shows Live Final Pricing

Sunlink was built on the belief that solar pricing should work like buying a car online — the price you see is the price you pay. Our design flow pulls satellite imagery of your specific roof, calculates shading and orientation, sizes the exact system, and prices the equipment and financing in real time. Permit fees, interconnection costs, and standard electrical work are all included. When you sign, that's your price. The only reason it would ever change is if the site survey uncovers something structural (a roof that needs replacement, or a panel upgrade we couldn't detect remotely) — and in those cases we tell you upfront, before any deposit is charged.

Live Pricing vs. Estimated Pricing at a Glance

• Traditional 'estimate': based on averages, changes after site survey, financing terms firm up later
• Sunlink live pricing: based on your specific roof, locked at checkout, financing terms confirmed before deposit
• Traditional deposit timing: often required before final price is known
• Sunlink deposit timing: only after you've seen the final locked number and signed

What to Do If Your Current Quote Feels Off

If you're holding a solar quote that feels vague, walk it through the checklist above. Then run your address through Sunlink for a live comparison. In under 60 seconds you'll see a locked price, exact equipment, and the real monthly payment — no rep required.