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.

Illinois utility comparison path

Permit and utility checklist before commitment

Illinois solar quotes need utility clarity

Compare three written proposals in Illinois using one checklist so permit and interconnection assumptions stay visible, not implied.

We do not guarantee savings, financing approval, utility policy outcomes, or installation timing.

Start your 3-quote comparison

What to confirm on every Illinois quote

• Collect three quotes with the same ZIP, bill range, and home assumption set

• Ask for explicit permit ownership and utility interconnection steps

• Confirm whether permit fees, inspections, and utility-related charges are included

• Require written scope changes and delay/cancellation language before any signature

Why this checklist matters

Shared assumptions keep quote comparisons meaningful. Once permit and utility requirements are clear, pricing and contract terms become easier to compare honestly.

Illinois comparison hub Texas checklist path Florida utility checklist

Illinois permit and utility FAQ

What should I check before comparing Illinois solar quotes?

Use one ZIP and one monthly bill range for all three quotes, then confirm who owns permit filing, inspection coordination, and utility interconnection support.

Should every installer include utility coordination details?

Yes. Ask for clear written scope around utility paperwork, expected timeline, and who is responsible if utility approvals are delayed.

Do I need to compare financing and ownership at the same time?

No. Compare scope and contract structure consistently first, then review financing models on the same assumptions once the utility/permit items are aligned.

What is the first red flag on an Illinois proposal?

Unclear scope language for permit ownership and interconnection responsibilities usually signals a risky comparison baseline.