Why Do Solar Quotes Vary So Much Between Companies?

Solar quotes vary so much between companies because installers use different equipment quality, system designs, labour models, warranties, and compliance standards, even when the system size looks identical.

Lower quotes usually cut corners that affect performance, safety, or long-term reliability.

If you’ve received multiple solar quotes and wondered how one can be thousands of dollars cheaper than another for what looks like the same system, you’re asking the right question.

This is one of the most searched solar questions in Australia, and misunderstanding it is how homeowners end up with underperforming systems, warranty headaches, and expensive fixes later.

Let’s break down exactly why solar quotes vary so much, and how to compare them properly.

Solar quotes differ because of:

• Panel and inverter quality

• System design (custom vs generic)

• Installer experience and labour standards

• Compliance and safety workmanship

• Warranties, aftercare, and long-term support

• What is included — and excluded — in the quote

Cheaper quotes usually reduce quality, labour, or compliance to lower the price.

Two quotes may both say “6.6kW solar system”, but the components inside can be worlds apart.

Solar panels vary by:

• Efficiency and real-world output
• Degradation rate over time
• Country of manufacture
• Product and performance warranties

Solar inverters vary by:

• Reliability and lifespan
• Monitoring accuracy
• Warranty length (5 vs 10–12+ years)
• Ability to handle shading and load changes

Lower quotes often use budget panels and inverters that look fine on paper but fail earlier or produce less power over time.

This is where many cheap quotes fall apart.

A properly designed solar system considers:

• Roof orientation and shading

• Panel placement (not just quantity)

• Household energy usage patterns

• Future upgrades like batteries or EV chargers

Cheap quotes often:

• Use one-size-fits-all layouts

• Ignore shading and roof angles

• Oversize panels on undersized inverters

• Optimise for price, not performance

Same system size ≠ same energy output.

Solar pricing varies significantly based on who is actually installing your system.

Higher-quality solar quotes usually include:

• Fully licensed electricians
• In-house installation teams
• Slower, cleaner, compliant installs
• Accountability long after installation

Cheaper solar quotes often rely on:

• Subcontracted labour

• Rushed installs

• Minimal quality checks

• No long-term responsibility

If something fails years later, the cheapest installer is often the hardest to reach.

One of the biggest reasons solar quotes vary is what’s not written clearly.

Common exclusions in cheap solar quotes:

• Switchboard upgrades

• Metering and grid approval work

• Export limiting devices

• Monitoring setup

• Compliance rectifications

These costs often appear after you sign, turning a cheap quote into a far more expensive system.

Solar is a 25–30 year investment, not a short-term purchase.

Higher quotes usually include:

• Longer workmanship warranties

• Clear warranty claim support

• Local servicing

• Ongoing maintenance options

Cheap quotes often assume:

• You’ll never need support

• Components won’t fail

• Someone else will fix issues later

That’s rarely how it plays out.

Solar systems are electrical infrastructure — not just panels on a roof.

Quality installations prioritise:

• Correct isolator placement

• Fire-safe cable management

• Grid-approved designs

• Insurance-compliant workmanship

Cheap systems may technically work — but fail audits, insurance checks, or future upgrades.

Some solar quotes are created by:

• Call centres

• Sales commissions

• “Today-only” pressure tactics

Others come from:

• Electricians

• Engineers

• Long-term installers who design for performance

If a quote feels rushed, vague, or pressure-driven, that’s usually why it’s cheaper.

Many of the systems we’re called to inspect or repair were installed 2–5 years earlier using low-grade components, rushed installs, or poor design.

Homeowners saved upfront — but later pay for:

• Lost energy output

• Inverter failures

• Compliance issues

• Partial or full system replacements

This is one of the most common (and expensive) solar mistakes.

Cheap solar can cost more when:

• Output is lower than expected

• Components fail early

• Warranty claims are difficult

• Another installer has to fix it later

The best solar system isn’t the cheapest — it’s the one that performs reliably for decades.

When comparing solar quotes, ask:

1. Are the panels and inverter reputable brands?

2. Is the system designed specifically for my roof?

3. Are installers in-house and licensed?

4. What is included and excluded in writing?

5. Who services the system long-term?

If a quote can’t answer these clearly, that tells you everything.

At MPV Solar, we design solar systems specifically for NSW homes,  factoring in 2026 rebates, real electricity usage, and future upgrades like batteries and EV charging. No shortcuts. No inflated promises. Just honest advice and systems built to perform long term.

Get your personalised solar quote from MPV Solar today and see exactly how much you could save on your power bills.

Solar quotes vary because what’s behind the price matters.

A properly designed, professionally installed solar system will:

• Produce more energy

• Last longer

• Cost less over its lifetime

• Deliver real peace of mind

Thinking about solar and want a quote that actually makes sense?Choose a provider who explains why their quote is different,  not just why it’s cheaper.

Let MPV Solar walk you through what actually matters, from system design and component quality to compliance and long-term performance. No shortcuts. No cheap surprises. Just solar done properly.