How to Compare Solar Installers Fairly in Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton, and Beyond)
When homeowners compare solar quotes, it’s natural to focus on brand recognition, reviews, or company size.
Those factors matter — but they don’t tell the full story.
If you want to make a confident decision, the comparison needs to go deeper than logos and headline claims.
Here’s how to evaluate solar installers fairly across Alberta, and why quotes for similar systems can vary so widely.
Bigger doesn’t always mean better — or safer
Some solar companies emphasize:
Number of installs
High-profile partnerships
Large teams and rapid growth
Others focus on:
Electrical and technical expertise
System design quality
Clear scope and long-term service consistency
Neither model is inherently right or wrong.
What matters is whether the installer can:
Design the system properly
Install it to electrical code
Stand behind it for decades
Size alone doesn’t guarantee that.
Why solar quotes can differ by 30–50%
Homeowners are often surprised to see large price gaps between installers proposing similar systems.
The most common reasons:
1. Financing structure
Some quotes include significant financing costs baked into the system price — even when advertised as “0%”. Others separate cash and financed pricing clearly.
2. Scope transparency
Items like electrical upgrades, conduit runs, attic work, monitoring hardware, or rodent protection may or may not be included — and aren’t always obvious.
3. Operating model
Larger companies carry higher overhead. Smaller, technically focused teams can sometimes deliver the same outcome more efficiently.
A visual guide to understanding why solar quotes vary and how Alberta homeowners can compare true system cost.
What to compare line by line
When reviewing quotes, look for clarity on:
System size (kW) and expected production
Panel and inverter models
Mounting and roof penetration methods
Electrical work included (or excluded)
Permits, inspections, and utility coordination
Warranty terms (product, workmanship, performance)
Service and support model
Cash price vs financed price
If something isn’t written down, ask for it.
Why transparency matters more than marketing
Solar is a long-term investment. Once the system is on your roof, the sales pitch is over — and the workmanship, design, and service model are what remain.
Clear documentation protects homeowners from surprises later:
Unexpected upgrade costs
Warranty misunderstandings
Service delays
A good installer should welcome detailed questions, not avoid them.
Our Approach at Greenamp
At Greenamp, we believe homeowners should understand exactly what they’re buying — and exactly what they’re paying for.
That’s why we:
Clearly document full system scope
Separate cash price from financed price
Disclose when promotional financing includes a lender buy-down fee
Design systems with an electrical-first mindset
Encourage true apples-to-apples comparisons
A note on financing promotions
From time to time — depending on availability and terms from lender programs — we offer promotional financing options that can include 0% interest for qualified Alberta homeowners.
These promotions are designed to reduce short-term cash pressure during installation.
Just as importantly:
We clearly show the actual system cost
We separately disclose the cost of the promotional loan
We explain how and why the 0% rate works
We also proactively recommend that homeowners treat these types of promotions as a short-term bridge, and later:
Switch to a lower-cost financing option, or
Roll the system into their mortgage at renewal
The goal is flexibility without unnecessary long-term financing costs.
If another quote is higher, we’re happy to review it with you — not to criticize, but to help you understand why.
The simplest test
Ask any installer:
“If I paid cash, what would this system cost — and what changes if I finance it?”
The answer will tell you a lot.
If you’d like a second set of eyes on your solar quote, we’re always happy to help. No pressure. Just clarity.
Alberta homeowners: one extra consideration
Solar pricing and requirements can vary across Alberta — whether you’re in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, or a smaller community.
Local factors such as utility requirements, roof types, electrical service, and financing availability can affect final pricing.
A good installer will account for these differences and explain them clearly — no matter where you live.
