What's actually free? What's the catch?

The service is free to you. We charge the installers a small fee for the introduction — only when they win your business. That's why our incentive is to find you the lowest honest price, not the highest.

Why only 3 quotes? Why not 10?

More bids sound better, but they create noise: too many calls, too many specs to compare, and weaker leverage per installer. Three is the sweet spot — enough competition to keep pricing honest, few enough that each installer takes you seriously.

How do you vet installers?

A valid contractor license to install solar in their state (for example, a CSLB C-46 in California), minimum 5 years in business, no unresolved BBB complaints, and customer references we can verify. Installers who don't meet the bar don't get added — and ones who slip get removed.

Will I get hammered with calls?

Each installer contacts you once to introduce themselves and confirm a time to quote. That's it. If anyone gets pushy, tell us — we drop them. Your phone shouldn't ring 20 times because you asked a question.

How accurate is the instant quote estimate?

The estimate is a starting point, not a final price. We use Google's Solar API and your bill range to give a realistic ballpark — usually within 10-15% of what installers will quote. The 3 actual installer bids are firm.

What if I'm not ready to buy?

Most people aren't on day one. Get the estimate, see the bids, sit on them. Real installers expect a homeowner to take 30-90 days to decide. No pressure, no expiring offers.

I already signed a PPA. Did I screw up?

Maybe not. Many PPA contracts have a cancellation window (often 3-10 days). Even outside that, knowing what the market would have paid helps with the next solar decision — or the resale value of your home. Worth getting the numbers regardless.

Answer first, sign second

How to compare solar quotes in California before you sign.

The best protection is a clean comparison process. Get three comparable quotes from vetted California installers using the same address and bill context, then compare contract terms in the same order before deciding.

Start your three-quote comparison California utility checklist Back to home

Use the same inputs, then compare line-by-line.

Step 1

Compare all quotes for the same home and roof inputs.

Step 2

Use gross system cost and total monthly payment over time, not just a first payment.

Step 3

Ask for panel count, inverter type, warranty terms, and installation timeline.

Step 4

Check whether the contract is owned vs leased vs PPA.

Step 5

Confirm installer contact and cancellation behavior before signing.

Step 6

Review the clause language around price changes, delays, and permit responsibility.

Red flags to question before signing

Skip the urgency and move to the page with clearer terms.

A quote that only gives a headline price without tax treatment, fees, or contract term.

Sales pressure tied to an arbitrary short deadline or "act tonight" language.

No clear explanation of lease, loan, or outright ownership structure.

Refusal to provide a written quote before signing documents.

A promise of fixed savings without showing assumptions.

Lead action

Start your three-installer comparison now.

Your quote is free and for your home only. We route it to three vetted California installers so you can compare the same job.

✓ No credit pull
✓ No obligation
✓ You choose and control the next step

If you are not ready to buy yet, this still gives you benchmark prices and stronger leverage for future conversations.

FAQ

Is three quotes always the right number?

For most homeowners, three is a practical balance: enough competition for better terms without losing control to too many parallel conversations.

Can I compare installation timelines before I pay?

Yes. Ask each installer for a realistic start window, typical install duration, and whether permits are included before final pricing.

Do you verify the installer before they quote?

Yes. All participating installers are screened and kept to basic qualification standards, and we remove installers that violate referral conduct.

Will I be spammed after I submit my address?

Each active installer gets one intro contact path. If one is overly aggressive, we can remove it and continue with the others.

Does a solar quote guarantee savings?

No. Performance depends on roof conditions, utility rates, usage, and weather. Use this as a directional comparison process, then compare contract terms carefully.