Do you know what information an excellent photovoltaic quote must contain when you finally decide to install a solar panel in the Philippines, and what information allows you to understand that you are faced with a quote from a serious company?
Comparing quotes from different solar companies represents an intelligent decision and allows you to identify the optimal solution, assuming you know how to interpret the content. Otherwise, the only parameter that can be evaluated will be the price, and we know that those who pay badly get little.
To evaluate a photovoltaic quote, it is imperative to initially acquire a clear understanding of your personal energy needs and the specific requirements that the system will have to have.
In this guide, I will give you practical guidelines on evaluating a photovoltaic quote in 2024 and what to pay maximum attention to to identify the best one.
The data necessary to create and evaluate a photovoltaic estimate
The first fundamental step when searching for the best photovoltaic quote is the exhaustive collection of all the information essential for an accurate evaluation.
On our site, you will find a vast series of photovoltaic guides designed to provide a complete knowledge of the main determining factors, allowing you to evaluate the information in the estimates with a critical approach.
Among the main indispensable factors to be able to create – and therefore evaluate – a photovoltaic estimate are:
- Geographic area: Your geographic location has a significant impact on the efficiency of the plant. For example, the number of sunny days per year and the quality of solar radiation vary from region to region. This information is essential for designing a system that adapts to local climate conditions and maximizes performance.
- Energy needs: Look at your bimonthly bill amount to understand your home’s average energy use. This will influence solar panels’ number, type, and power to cover your energy needs.
- Roof type: Check whether your roof is flat or pitched, as this will also determine the space available for installing the panels.
- Roof orientation: Check the orientation of your roof, as a south-facing roof will perform very differently than a north-facing one. Orientation also affects the tilt angle of photovoltaic solar panels.
Then, there are other important factors to consider, such as shading that hinders production (tall trees, chimneys, adjacent buildings, antennas, etc.), the presence of landscape constraints, any obstacles to get around, and reduced spaces on the roof etc.
Estimates formulated without having previously acquired and quantified these metrics must be excluded from preliminary consideration as they are unrealistic.
Information that cannot be missing from a photovoltaic estimate
A reasonable estimate for a photovoltaic system should include a series of clear and detailed items. Here’s what to look for:
- A detailed description of the system: the quote should provide a complete and detailed description of the system, including the type of solar panels, their number, brand, and nominal power; using the latest generation photovoltaic panels will undoubtedly have an impact on the final cost but positively on the duration of the panels themselves and above all on their quality, avoiding the occurrence of critical problems.
- Inverter: in every respectable estimate, the type of inverter used must be specified, including brand and number.
- Electrical Panels: The quote should indicate the brand of the location interface and electrical panels.
- Sizing of the system: this detail is essential to understanding its production capacity and how much it can contribute to satisfying your energy needs.
- Installation surface: the estimate should also include the surface area required for installing the system.
- Connection to the national electricity grid: it must be clear how the system will be connected to the national electricity grid.
- Annual electrical production: the estimate should include a calculation of the expected annual electrical production based on the system’s power.
- Initial cost amortization plan: this aspect is essential to understand when you will repay the initial investment.
- Implementation times and methods: the estimate must specify the installation times and the final testing method.
- Incentives and Deductions: Ensure your quote includes detailed information about incentives that can significantly reduce facility costs.
How to evaluate the best photovoltaic quote
Once you have developed your knowledge in the photovoltaic field to the point where you can interpret and evaluate each item contained in a quote in detail, it is important to understand how to identify the best photovoltaic quote among those you have received.
In particular, the following aspects are the ones you will need to pay maximum attention to:
- Technical description of the system;
- Guarantees and insurance;
- Plant maintenance;
- Production times;
- Economic benefits;
- Reliability of the company and the consultant;
- Price.
Installing a photovoltaic system is a long-term investment, and choosing a supplier with fair prices and reliable service is essential to ensure the success and durability of the system over time.
