A client asks for "a quote for solar panels". Behind that request is a complete system: panels, mounting, inverter, often batteries, cabling, protection and commissioning. A quote that only details the panels is hard to compare and leaves many items vague. Here are the lines of a clear solar installation quote, easy for the client to understand and complete for you.
Start from needs, not hardware
Before pricing, ask the client for:
- the appliances to power: lighting, fridge, fans, air conditioning, pump, computers;
- hours of use: daytime only, or at night too;
- the backup they want during outages or cloudy spells;
- the connection: off-grid, or alongside the mains supply.
These answers set the panel capacity, inverter size and battery capacity. Write them on the quote: they justify your sizing.
Section 1: generation
- solar panels: number, unit output, brand and reference;
- mounting system: roof, ground or carport, suited to the surface;
- fixings and weatherproofing for roof mounts.
Section 2: conversion and storage
- inverter: output, type (hybrid, off-grid, grid-tied), reference;
- charge controller where needed;
- batteries: technology, capacity, number, with estimated backup time for the stated needs;
- battery enclosure or rack, ventilated.
Show batteries as a separate line: they are often the most expensive item, and the client should be able to choose the capacity.
Section 3: cabling and protection
- cables between panels, inverter, batteries and distribution board, per metre;
- protection: breakers, fuses, surge protection, isolators;
- earthing;
- connection to the existing board, with board upgrades if needed.
If the existing electrics need upgrading, price that as a separate line or a separate quote.
Section 4: installation and commissioning
- fitting panels and mounting;
- installing the inverter and batteries;
- commissioning, settings and tests;
- showing the client how to use and monitor the system.
Estimate output cautiously
The client will want to know what the system will produce. Give a cautious estimate, and explain that it depends on:
- local sunshine and the season;
- panel orientation and shading;
- how the appliances are actually used.
Do not write figures you cannot guarantee. A modest estimate the system beats is better than a promise it misses.
Warranties and maintenance
List the manufacturer warranties for each component and your own warranty on the installation. Offer a maintenance contract: panel cleaning, battery and connection checks, inverter inspection. Setting up the recurring invoices is covered in our article on maintenance contracts.
Example structure
| Section | Typical lines | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | Panels, mounting, fixings | Each, lump sum |
| Conversion and storage | Inverter, batteries, enclosure | Each |
| Cabling and protection | Cables, breakers, surge protection, earthing | Metre, each |
| Installation | Fitting, commissioning, handover | Lump sum |
| Options | Extra battery, yearly maintenance | Each, lump sum |
On a large system, a deposit covering the equipment is justified: see our guide to asking for a deposit. Clients often pay for solar systems in instalments; a clear schedule is covered in our article on going from accepted quote to invoice.
After installation
Handover matters as much as installation. Leave the client a short written summary: what was installed, the settings used, how to read the inverter display, what to do if the system trips, and who to call. Note serial numbers for warranty claims. This document reduces support calls, shows professionalism and gives you a natural reason to propose the maintenance plan at the right moment.
Presenting options
Solar clients often compare several sizes. Rather than sending three separate quotes, present one base system with optional lines: an extra battery, two more panels, a maintenance plan. The client sees the base price and the cost of each upgrade, and chooses without asking for a new quote each time.