Guide
Guide to getting solar panel quotes
A good solar panel quote starts with good preparation. This guide covers the steps from gathering your consumption data to comparing bids on the same scale and choosing an installation firm.
Short answer
To get quotes for a solar energy system, you first describe your consumption and roof, estimate the approximate system size and then ask more than one firm for bids with the same scope. Comparing bids in cost per kWp after aligning scope, rather than by total price, and relying on bids based on a site survey reduces surprises in your renewable energy investment.
Solar panel quotes in seven steps
-
01 Gather your consumption
Prepare the last 12 months of electricity bills or consumption (kWh) data. Seasonal differences affect system size.
-
02 Describe your roof or site
Roof type, approximate usable area, orientation, pitch and obstacles that cast shade. For large roofs, the structural condition and roof age are also asked.
-
03 Estimate the size
The capacity calculator gives approximate kWp, panel count and area from your bill. It is an estimate and a starting point for comparing the firms' proposals.
-
04 Reach the firms
More than one bid makes comparison possible. On Ufkon, by creating a project request you become visible to firms without revealing your name; an interested firm unlocks it and messages you.
-
05 Ask for a site survey
A price given without seeing the roof or facility is usually a preliminary price. Ask for the final bid to be based on a site survey, a shading review and, where needed, a structural check.
-
06 Request bids with the same scope
Ask every firm to list the items below separately. On Ufkon, if you like, firms fill in the same BOQ (bill of quantities) template.
-
07 Compare and choose
After aligning scope, put cost per kWp, equipment, warranty and timeline side by side; review the firm's references and contract terms. You sign the contract directly with the firm you choose.
Items every bid should list
A bid with an unclear scope can hide missing items behind a low-looking price. Ask for at least the following to be listed separately:
- System size (kWp) and estimated annual generation (kWh), with assumptions
- Panels: make, model, quantity, unit power (Wp), product and performance warranty periods
- Inverter: make, model, quantity, power and warranty period
- Mounting: material and a fixing method suited to the roof type
- Cabling, switchboard, earthing and protection equipment
- Design, connection application and approvals, with their cost
- Transport, scaffolding or crane, installation and commissioning
- Monitoring system, maintenance scope and duration
- Currency, exchange rate assumption, VAT treatment and payment schedule
- Work schedule and acceptance conditions
Comparing bids in cost per kWp
Cost per kWp is the total price excluding VAT divided by installed capacity (kWp), and puts bids of different sizes on the same scale. When firms propose different capacities, the total price can mislead; unit cost gives a more meaningful comparison.
Unit cost alone is not enough: design and connection costs included in one bid may be excluded from another. Align the scope first, then look at unit cost. For the items that drive the price, see solar panel cost.
Evaluating the installation firm
- Completed projects of a similar size and references you can see
- Whether the firm installs with its own team or a subcontractor
- Who gives the warranty commitments (the manufacturer or the firm)
- Response time and contact channel for faults and maintenance
- Delivery schedule, acceptance criteria and delay terms in the contract
Ufkon checks the firms' documents but does not guarantee the quality of the work; the choice and the contract are yours.
Warning signs
- A firm price given without a site survey
- Only general descriptions instead of equipment make and model
- A generation estimate without stated assumptions
- Excluded items not written down
- Artificial time pressure to decide
Frequently asked questions
How many quotes should I get?
There is no fixed number; comparison needs more than one bid. Ufkon has no limit on firms, so every approved firm interested in your project can unlock it. Requesting bids is optional.
Is the site survey paid?
It varies by firm. Ask up front whether the survey is paid and whether its cost is credited against the bid.
How do I compare bids in foreign currency?
Convert all bids to one currency at the same date's exchange rate and align the VAT treatment. Settle the exchange rate clause in the payment schedule before signing.
Does Ufkon evaluate the bids?
No. Ufkon does not declare a winner or show a "recommended bid"; if you like, you see bids side by side on one template. The decision and the contract are yours.
Related pages
Collect solar panel quotes without revealing your name.
First project request free · Requesting bids is optional
Create a project request First project request free · 2 minutes · No card needed