July 14, 2022
Let’s face it, writing business proposals isn’t exactly the part of solar sales anyone looks forward to. But the right proposal? That’s what turns “We’ll think about it” into “When can we start?”
A great solar business proposal tells a story — one where your client saves money, helps the planet, and sees you as their trusted expert.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to write a proposal that gets noticed, gets read, and gets signed.
And yes, if you’d rather not spend hours designing it, Solar Proposal Software can help you create one in minutes.
The Complete Guide to Solar Panel System Quotations and Pricing Formats
Learn how to write a winning solar energy business proposal that actually converts. From defining your value to showcasing ROI, this guide covers everything you need to impress clients and investors.
Here are some expert tips, structure templates, and how solar software helps you design professional, data-backed proposals, faster and better. Because your time belongs in the field, not in formatting documents.
Key Takeaways
- A solar panel system quotation outlines system costs, components, and installation details to help customers make informed decisions.
- The format typically includes system size, panel efficiency, warranties, and available incentives or financing options.
- Quotation formats vary by per-watt, per-kilowatt, or flat rate depending on how the company structures pricing.
- Fixed-price quotations are most common because they provide transparency and stability for both customers and installers.
- Using automated solar quoting tools like Sunbase helps create fast, accurate, and professional quotes, saving time and reducing errors.
What Is A Solar Panel System Quotation?
A solar panel system quotation is a document that provides an estimate of the cost of installing a solar panel system.
This document will provide information on the components needed, the estimated installation time, and the total cost. Solar companies use these quotations to give customers an idea of the price they would pay for going solar.
This is an important document, as it can help people decide whether solar is right for them. Solar panel system quotations can vary widely depending on the company, system size, and location.
What Are The Key Elements Every Solar Business Proposal Should Include?
The format of a solar panel system quotation can vary depending on the company issuing it. However, most quotes will include information on the system's price, size, panel brand and model, and estimated electrical output.
Some quotes may also include information on government rebates or other incentives that may be available. Following are the key points that should be covered in a solar panel system quotation :
1. Cost of system:
In order to get an accurate quotation, solar companies will need to know the cost of the entire solar panel system. This includes the price of the panels themselves, installation, and any other associated costs.
2. Size of system:
Solar companies will also need to know the size of the solar panel system. This is important for determining the number of panels required and the overall cost of the system.
3. Solar panel efficiency:
The efficiency of solar panels is an important factor to consider when getting a quotation. Solar companies need to mention panel efficiency to show it's a significant investment, as it determines how much power they generate and how much money they save.
4. Solar panel warranty:
The warranty on solar panels is another important factor to consider when getting a quotation. Your solar customers need to know the warranty length and what it covers to determine the overall system cost.
Take a look at the Common Mistakes in Solar Proposal Creation & How You Can Fix Them.
What should be included in a solar quote?
As professional solar company you should provide your solar customers with a comprehensive quote that includes all the relevant information about your installation. Here's a breakdown of what you should include in a typical solar quote:
- The address of the proposed installation site
- The size of the system in kilowatts (kW)
- The type of system (grid-tied, off-grid, or hybrid)
- The estimated annual energy production of the system
- The proposed components and materials
- The warranty information
- The total cost of the system
- The estimated payback period
- The return on investment (ROI)
A professional solar quote should also include a site assessment to ensure that the installation site is suitable for solar. This assessment includes an evaluation of the following:
- Solar insolation (the amount of sunlight the location receives)
- Shading from trees, buildings, and other objects
- The orientation of the roof
- The pitch of the roof
- The size and type of roof
- Any potential obstacles to the installation process.
The above information is seamlessly added by solar companies that have solar design software in place.
The quote should also include a detailed explanation of the incentives and financing options that are available to you.
These incentives can significantly reduce the cost of your solar installation, so it's important to understand how they work. Solar financing options include loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
What Are The Various Formats In Which Solar Panel System Quotations Are Provided?
Solar system quotations come in different formats, depending on the needs of the solar company. Some of the most common are per-watt, per-kilowatt, and flat-rate.
1. Per-watt pricing:
Per-watt pricing is the standard pricing model for solar panels. This type of quotation is based on the panel's price and does not include installation costs.
2. Per-kilowatt pricing:
Per-kilowatt pricing is a newer pricing model that takes into account the cost of installation. This type of quotation is based on the panel's price and the installer’s labor costs.
3. Flat-rate pricing:
Flat-rate pricing is a single price for both the panel and installation. This type of quotation is based on the panel's price and the installer’s labor costs.
Solar companies will often use a combination of these pricing models to get the best deal for their customers. Get the Sunbase solar proposal tool and save your time and money by creating quotes for solar in just a few minutes!
Why is the most common solar panel system quotation format a fixed-price quotation?
There are a few reasons why the most common solar panel system quotation format is the fixed price quotation:
1. It provides certainty for both the customer and the solar company:
The customer knows exactly how much they will be paying for their system, and the solar company knows how much revenue to expect. This makes budgeting and planning much easier for both parties.
2. It protects the solar company from fluctuations in material and labor costs:
If these costs go up, the company can still honor its quoted price. This gives customers peace of mind that they won't be hit with unexpected costs down the road.
How can a well-designed quotation template help you streamline your quoting process?
If you're in the business of selling solar panel systems, then you know that providing accurate quotes is essential to winning new customers and keeping them happy.
A well-designed quotation template can help you streamline your quoting process, ensuring that all the necessary information is included and that your prices are competitive.
To give you an idea of what a good solar panel system quotation template looks like, we've put together an example below. This sample quotation template includes:
- Company name and logo
- Customer name and address
- Quote Reference number
- Date
- A list of the products and services being quoted for
- Unit prices and total price
- Payment terms
- Shipping and delivery information
- Installation instructions
- Warranties and guarantees
A solar panel system quotation template is a great way to ensure that you are providing accurate and up-to-date pricing information to your customers.
By using a template, you can easily update your prices as market conditions change or as your costs fluctuate. This will help you stay competitive and win more business.
Find out How Solar Proposal Software Cuts Turnaround Time by 50%.
Conclusion
Solar panel system quotations can be confusing. We’ve tried to make the process a little less painful by outlining the components of your quotation and what you can expect from each.
A solar business proposal isn’t just paperwork; it’s your brand’s promise. The right one can open doors, build trust, and win lifelong customers.
So, the next time you start drafting a proposal, remember: keep it simple, make it visual, and focus on the client’s “why.” And if you’d rather focus on closing deals while your software handles the rest, let Sunbase Solar Proposal Software take the wheel.
About Sunbase
Design smarter, quote better, and keep customers in the loop with our all-in-one solar software.
Let’s simplify your proposal process. Book a demo and talk to our solar experts.
FAQ's
What should be included in a solar business proposal?
A solar proposal should include: Company background, system details, costs, ROI, warranties, and benefits, all presented clearly and visually.
How long should a solar proposal be?
The ideal length for a solar proposal depends on the project's complexity, but the main goal is clarity and conciseness. For most residential jobs, a short, impactful proposal is best, while larger commercial projects require more detail.
Why use Sunbase Solar Proposal Software?
Sunbase proposal software automates layout, design, and data entry, so your team spends less time typing and more time selling.
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