INCENTIVES • CHECKLIST • VERIFICATION

Cost & incentives

Credits and utility rules can change the economics more than hardware. Use this page as a verification checklist before you sign anything.

Model your net cost Understand utility rules
Example chart of residential electricity prices.
Rates drive return on investment

Higher retail rates increase the value of each solar kilowatt-hour you produce.

Checklist

  1. Federal credit: confirm current eligibility and documentation.
  2. State/local rebates: verify funding availability and deadlines.
  3. Utility program: net metering vs export compensation; time-of-use rules.
  4. Interconnection: required equipment (rapid shutdown, disconnects).
  5. Warranties: panel performance, inverter, workmanship, roof penetrations.
  6. Permitting: fees, timelines, inspections.
Pro tip: read the utility tariff

Marketing materials are not policy. The tariff (and interconnection handbook) is what governs export value and eligibility.

Grid interaction Financing pitfalls

What to compare in quotes

Installed price ($/watts)

Compare after‑incentive and before‑incentive numbers. Clarify what is included (panel upgrade, trenching, etc.).

Production estimate

Ask for annual kilowatt-hour, assumptions (azimuth, tilt), and shading analysis. Compare to a second tool for sanity.

Equipment details

Panel model, inverter model, monitoring, optimizers, and warranty terms are where quality hides.