Questions You Should Ask Before Signing a Solar Quote (And Why They Matter)
By the time you’re holding a solar quote, most of the hard work should already be done.
But this is also the point where people feel awkward asking questions — and that’s exactly when they should ask more.
A good installer won’t flinch at proper questions.
A bad one will.
Here are the questions worth asking before you sign anything — and what the answers should sound like.
1. “Why Is This System Size Right for My Home?”
This is the most important question of the lot.
A solid answer will reference:
- Your electricity usage
- When you use power
- Roof space and orientation
A weak answer sounds like:
“That’s what we usually install.”
If the system size isn’t tied to your usage, it’s guesswork.
2. “How Much of This Solar Will I Actually Use Myself?”
Savings come from self-use, not from panels existing on the roof.
You want to hear:
- A realistic percentage range
- How that changes with or without a battery
- Acknowledgement that winter is different from summer
If they avoid the question or oversimplify it, keep digging.
3. “What Happens in Winter?”
A good installer will say:
- Output is lower
- Savings dip
- The system is designed around annual performance
A bad one will:
- Brush it off
- Change the subject
- Pretend Scotland’s winter is a minor inconvenience
Honesty here saves disappointment later.
4. “What Exactly Is Included in This Price?”
You should know precisely what you’re paying for.
Ask for confirmation on:
- Panel brand and model
- Inverter type
- Battery size (usable capacity, not marketing size)
- Scaffolding
- Monitoring
- Installation and commissioning
If anything’s vague, ask why.
5. “What Warranties Do I Actually Get?”
There are usually several warranties involved:
- Panel performance
- Inverter
- Battery
- Workmanship
Make sure you know:
- How long each lasts
- Who honours them
- What happens if the installer disappears
A long warranty only matters if someone’s still around to honour it.
6. “What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?”
This is about aftercare — and it matters.
Ask:
- Who do I call?
- How quickly do you respond?
- Is there ongoing support, or does it end after install?
If the answer feels woolly, that’s not ideal.
7. “Do I Need Planning Permission or Special Approval?”
Most homes don’t — but some do.
A good installer will:
- Ask about listing or conservation areas
- Flag any risks early
- Not guess
If planning never comes up, raise it yourself.
8. “Will This System Work If I Add Things Later?”
Life changes.
Ask how the system copes if you:
- Add a battery later
- Buy an electric car
- Switch to a heat pump
Future-proofing doesn’t mean overbuilding — it means not boxing yourself in.
9. “Can You Show Me the Numbers Without the Sales Spin?”
You want:
- Sensible ranges
- Clear assumptions
- No guaranteed savings
If the numbers look too tidy, they probably are.
Solar maths is never perfectly neat — and that’s fine.
10. “What Would You Do If This Was Your House?”
This one’s underrated.
A good installer will pause, think, and give a considered answer.
A bad one will default to the quote in front of you.
The difference is usually obvious.
The Big Thing to Remember
You’re not being difficult by asking questions.
You’re being sensible.
Solar is a long-term investment. Anyone worth trusting understands that and respects the process.
If you ever feel rushed, pressured, or talked down to — that’s your cue to slow everything down.
The Bottom Line
The right solar installer:
- Welcomes questions
- Explains calmly
- Adjusts when things don’t fit
The wrong one:
- Avoids detail
- Pushes urgency
- Treats hesitation as a problem
Take your time. Ask the questions.
Good answers are part of what you’re paying for.
👉 Want to Compare Quotes With Confidence?
If you’d rather see solar options laid out clearly — without awkward conversations or pressure — comparing properly is the easiest way to stay in control.
Compare solar quotes and system designs — clear answers, no nonsense.
