Key takeaway
A good solar quote passes five tests: it's sized to your real usage, the production estimate is realistic for your roof, the savings math matches your actual bill, everything included is in writing, and the numbers match from the quote to the contract. If it passes all five, it's probably a solid deal.
Who this guide is for: Massachusetts homeowners holding a solar quote, including one from a door-to-door rep, who want a quick gut check before they sign.
You've got a solar quote and the monthly number looks good. But is it actually a good deal, or just a good pitch?
You don't need to be a solar expert to find out. Grab your quote and your last 12 months of electric bills, and run it through these five tests at the kitchen table.
At a glance
| Test 1: Size | System covers roughly 90% to 110% of your yearly usage |
| Test 2: Production | Estimate is based on your roof, direction and shade |
| Test 3: Savings math | Starting rate matches your bill, assumptions are reasonable |
| Test 4: Included work | Roof, electrical and permits are spelled out in writing |
| Test 5: Paperwork | Quote, contract and disclosure form all match |
Test 1: Is the system sized to your actual usage?
Add up the kWh from your last 12 Eversource or National Grid bills. That's your yearly usage. Now find the yearly production estimate on your quote.
Most good quotes land between about 90% and 110% of your usage. Much lower and you'll still buy a lot of power from the utility. Much higher and you may be paying for panels you don't need.
Planning to add an EV or a heat pump? Tell the company. It's fair to size up for that, as long as the quote says so and the math on how many solar panels you need still adds up.
Test 2: Is the production estimate realistic?
The production number drives everything else on the quote. A realistic estimate is based on your actual roof: its direction, its pitch and the shade from your trees.
Ask how they came up with it. If the answer is a site visit, a shade report or satellite design tools for your specific address, that's a good sign. If it's a round number with no explanation, ask more questions. A simple ratio check shows whether your solar production estimate holds up.
Test 3: Does the savings math match your bill?
Every savings estimate rests on a few assumptions. Find them and check them.
- Does the starting utility rate match your current bill?
- How much does the quote assume utility rates will rise each year?
- If it's a lease or PPA, what's the escalator?
The escalator is a big one. It's the percentage your solar payment or rate goes up each year, and it compounds for the whole contract. A lower escalator, or none at all, makes a real difference over 20 or 25 years. You can see the effect with the Solar Escalator Calculator.
And if the quote still subtracts a 30% federal credit, it's out of date. That federal credit ended for homeowners on December 31, 2025.
Got a solar quote?
Send it to Mark. He'll go through it line by line and tell you if it's a good deal for your home.
Mark, review my quoteTest 4: Is everything included in writing?
A good deal has no surprises. The quote should say exactly what's included:
- Permits and the utility interconnection
- Any roof repair or replacement your home needs
- Any electrical panel or service upgrade
- Monitoring
- Who handles service calls after the system is on
If your roof is older, ask now. For Massachusetts homes that qualify, you can get a new roof with solar panels as part of the same project, so you're not paying to take the panels off later.
Test 5: Does the paperwork match?
This is the test most homeowners skip. Lay the quote next to the contract and check that these match:
- System size and number of panels
- Monthly payment or price per kWh
- Escalator
- Contract length
- Included work
If the system is going into the state's SMART program, you'll also sign a customer disclosure form. Its pricing and production numbers should match too. If anything is different, ask why before you sign. Knowing what to look for in a solar contract makes this part a lot easier.
What does a good solar deal look like?
Put it all together and a good deal is easy to spot. The system fits your home and your usage. The numbers are honest and explained. Everything is in writing. And the person you're working with answers your questions clearly, without rushing you.
That's true whether the offer came from a website, a friend or a rep at your door. If you're still not sure, these questions to ask before signing a solar contract will fill in the gaps. And if you have more than one offer, here's how to compare two solar quotes side by side.
What if my quote doesn't pass?
A quote that fails one test isn't automatically a bad deal. Sometimes the fix is a simple question, a resized system or a corrected number. Ask the company to explain or update it.
If you'd like a second set of eyes, that's exactly what Mark does. He's been in solar for 14+ years and has seen just about every kind of quote. You can also start with how to read a solar quote section by section.
Want a second opinion on your quote?
Send it to Mark. He'll run it through these tests and tell you honestly if it's a good deal.
Mark, review my quoteFAQs About Judging a Solar Quote
How do I know if my solar quote is fair?
Check five things: the system is sized to your real yearly usage, the production estimate is based on your actual roof, the savings assumptions match your current bill, everything included is in writing, and the numbers match from the quote to the contract.
Is the cheapest solar quote the best deal?
Not always. A lower price doesn't help if the system is the wrong size, the production estimate is too optimistic or important work isn't included. Compare what you're actually getting, not just the bottom line.
Is a door-to-door solar offer a good deal?
It can be. Plenty of homeowners first hear about solar from someone at the door. Judge the offer the same way you'd judge any quote, take your time, and don't sign anything the same day if you still have questions.
What's a reasonable escalator on a solar lease or PPA?
Lower is better, and 0% means your price stays flat. The escalator compounds every year for the life of the contract, so even a point or two makes a big difference over 20 or 25 years.
About Mark Featherstone
Mark has been in solar for 14+ years, working at some of the biggest solar companies in the country, before co-founding Your World Solutions. His goal is simple: help homeowners get into solar deals that actually work for them, and make sure they understand every part of it before they sign.
This article is for general informational purposes only and isn't legal or tax advice. Every home, quote and contract is different, and production, savings, timelines and program rules vary and can change. Read your own contract carefully and talk with a qualified professional before making a decision.