Reading a Colorado solar proposal: what actually matters

## The five numbers that matter 1. **System size (kW-DC)** — the nameplate rating of the panels. 2. **Year-one production estimate (kWh)** — what the design tool projects. 3. **Total cash price** — before any financing markup. 4. **Total financed price (if loan)** — cash price plus dealer fee, plus interest. 5. **Escalator (if lease/PPA)** — the annual percentage increase in your payment. ## Assumptions to challenge - **Utility rate escalation** — proposals often assume 3–5% per year forever. Ask for the source. - **Production degradation** — panels degrade slightly each year. Reasonable modeling accounts for it. - **Shading and orientation** — ask to see the actual production model output for your roof, not a generic estimate. ## Line items that are marketing - Any "utility rate savings over 25 years" chart that assumes uniform rate escalation. - Any "average savings" that is not tied to your bill. - Any warranty claim that lumps the module, inverter, and workmanship warranties into one number. ## What to do before signing Pull the proposal into a plain spreadsheet. Enter total cost, total production, and any escalators. Compute cost per kWh over the term. Compare against your current utility bill, not against another proposal designed the same way.