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The questions-to-ask checklist

Use this printable checklist before you sign any solar lease, PPA, or loan. It helps you ask clear questions about price, contract terms, moving, and who gets the tax credit.

What this checklist is for

This page gives you a simple list of questions to bring to a solar sales call, home visit, or contract review. It is made for homeowners who want to compare offers and understand the details before they decide.

You can use it for a lease, a power purchase agreement (PPA), or a solar loan. The questions focus on the parts that matter most: monthly payment, total cost, escalators, warranties, system size, and what happens if you sell or move.

We are a free matching service that helps you find vetted local solar providers. We are not a solar installer, lessor, or financial advisor, and this checklist is for general education only.

  • Bring it to every meeting.
  • Ask for every answer in writing.
  • Do not sign on the spot if anything is unclear.

How to use the worksheet

Start by filling in the basics: provider name, plan type, monthly payment or rate, system size, contract length, and any fees. If the salesperson gives a verbal promise, write it down and ask them to include it in the contract.

Then compare at least two or three offers side by side. The lowest monthly payment is not always the best deal, especially if the contract has an escalator, long term, transfer fee, or unclear buyout terms.

If something is hard to understand, ask for a plain-language explanation. You can also use our guides to learn the basics before you talk to providers.

  • Compare monthly cost, total cost, and contract length.
  • Check whether the payment can rise over time.
  • Ask who handles repairs, monitoring, and roof issues.

Questions the checklist helps you ask

The checklist covers the questions that often matter most in solar offers. For example: What is the total price or starting rate? Does it go up each year? What happens if the panels stop working? Who pays for maintenance? Can you move the agreement if you sell the home?

It also helps you ask about incentives and tax credits. In many lease and PPA deals, the provider usually claims the federal tax credit, not the homeowner. If you buy with a loan, rules can be different. Incentives and rules vary by state and utility, so ask what applies in your area.

If you want help comparing providers, you can use our free service at Get matched. We connect you with vetted solar providers, but you still decide who to work with.

  • Price and payment questions
  • Warranty, repair, and performance questions
  • Transfer, move, and cancellation questions

What to watch out for before you sign

Read the full contract, including the fine print. Look for escalators, early termination fees, buyout terms, roof-use terms, and any extra charges for removal or transfer.

Be careful with high-pressure door-to-door or phone sales. A good provider should give you time to think, answer questions clearly, and let you compare offers. Some states regulate sales practices, so your rights may vary.

Remember: solar can lower electric bills for many homes, but savings vary based on your roof, utility rates, system size, contract terms, and state. No one can promise a certain result for every home.

  • Never sign before you understand the full contract.
  • Ask for all numbers in writing.
  • Take time to compare offers.

Where this checklist fits in your solar search

This tool is one step in a bigger process. First, learn the basics of lease, PPA, and loan options. Then use the checklist to ask better questions. After that, compare quotes and review the contract carefully.

If you are just starting out, our tools page can help you find other worksheets and guides. When you feel ready, our free matching service can help you connect with vetted local providers who serve homeowners like you.

We only collect home and contact details. We do not ask for Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or credit-card numbers.

  • Learn first, then compare.
  • Use the checklist to slow down the sales process.
  • Choose the option that fits your home and comfort level.
In plain English

This checklist helps you ask smart questions, compare solar offers, and avoid surprises before you sign.

Always read the full contract, ask for the price and escalator in writing, and never sign on the spot.
Questions

Common questions

Does this checklist guarantee I will save money on solar?
No. Solar savings vary by home, roof, utility, system size, state, and contract terms. This checklist helps you ask better questions so you can compare offers more clearly.
Can I use this checklist for a lease, PPA, or solar loan?
Yes. It is written for all three options. Some questions matter more for leases and PPAs, like escalators and who claims the tax credit, while loan questions focus more on total cost and ownership terms.
What should I do if a salesperson wants me to sign right away?
Take your time and do not sign on the spot if you are unsure. Ask for the full contract, get every promise in writing, and compare at least one or two more offers before deciding.
Do I need to share private financial information to use this tool?
No. You only need to provide home and contact details if you want to use our matching service. Do not give Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or credit-card numbers.
How it works

Thinking about going solar?

Compare a lease, a PPA, and a loan first — then get matched, free, with vetted providers near you. You compare and choose who to hire, and you confirm every number before you sign.

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