Checkpoints for Solar Power Generation Estimates! What Are the Characteristics of Estimates Issued by Reliable Contractors?

Some of you considering the introduction of solar power may feel anxious about the costs involved.

Indeed, the installation of solar power can be relatively expensive, so it’s understandable to hesitate.

To introduce solar power within your budget without strain, it is important to obtain estimates from various contractors, compare costs and services, and narrow down the contractors that suit your needs.

That said, there are multiple contractors that handle solar power installation, so it can be confusing to know where to consult.

In this article, we will explain in detail the key points and checklist items to be particularly aware of when obtaining estimates for solar power.

Reasons to Carefully Check Solar Power Estimates

As mentioned at the beginning, the introduction of solar power incurs significant costs.

Even for residential installations, it often costs over 1,000,000 yen, so it is crucial to take your time to compare estimates carefully.

While there is a general price range for the installation and introduction of solar power, actual costs can vary by contractor.

If you do not obtain estimates from multiple contractors, you may be charged more than the market rate or encounter issues related to additional costs.

Generally, all contractors provide free estimates, so make sure to obtain estimates from at least three companies for comparison.

Characteristics of Estimates Issued by Reputable Contractors

Most contractors that handle solar power are reputable and customer-oriented.

However, there are cases where unscrupulous contractors may slip in, so it is necessary to assess the quality of the contractor through their estimates.

Estimates issued by reputable contractors are thoroughly detailed.

They provide clear and detailed information on cost breakdowns, number of workers, and the presence of discounts or guarantees, allowing you to trust them with your project.

Conversely, if you request estimates from contractors whose estimates are sloppy or vague, it can lead to potential troubles, so be cautious.

Checklist Points for Solar Power Estimates!

For those considering the introduction of solar power, you may be wondering, “I received an estimate, but I don’t know what to look for.” Here, we will introduce the key points to be particularly aware of in solar power estimates.

Total Amount

When you receive an estimate for the introduction of solar power from a contractor, the first thing to check is the total amount.

By confirming the total amount, it becomes easier to assess the validity of the estimate.

The key point here is to check the amount before any subsidies are applied.

Some contractors may intentionally set a higher price than the market rate, claiming that subsidies can be used, in order to make it appear cheaper by utilizing those subsidies.

The details and conditions of subsidies vary by municipality, and there is no guarantee that your application will be approved. Therefore, it is essential to first check the costs before applying for the subsidy and compare them with the market rates.

Breakdown

The estimate for solar power generation includes not only the total amount but also a detailed breakdown.

By checking this breakdown, you can more accurately assess the validity of the estimate.

The key point here is to compare it with the kW unit price.

The kW unit price refers to the cost required to generate 1 kW of electricity.

According to materials from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the average system cost for new construction is noted as (¥261,000 per kW).

[Breakdown of System Costs for New Construction]
・Solar Panels: ¥145,000
・Power Conditioner: ¥42,000
・Mounting Frame: ¥21,000
・Other Equipment: ¥2,000
・Construction Costs: ¥71,000
・Discount: -¥19,000
Total: ¥261,000
Reference: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry | Opinions on Procurement Prices, etc. After FY2023 (Draft)

Of course, there may be slight variations depending on the contractor and the situation, but it is undoubtedly a useful reference, so be sure to check it.

Types of Panels

There are various types of solar panels, each with significantly different characteristics.

Not only the performance but also the unit price per panel varies, so it is essential to check thoroughly.

If you have any questions or concerns about the performance or price of the panels, be sure to consult before signing a contract.

Warranty Details

Since the installation of solar power generation involves a significant cost, it is important to choose a contractor that offers comprehensive warranties.

While most contractors provide some form of warranty or after-sales service, the specifics vary by contractor. The details and conditions are often included in the estimate, so be sure to check in advance.

Some contractors may have no warranty or a limited one, and these contractors often set their prices lower. However, if you choose solely based on cost, you may incur high expenses for repairs or replacements later. Therefore, we recommend hiring a contractor that offers sufficient compensation and after-sales support.

Discount Amount

Some contractors may offer discounts on the costs of introducing or installing solar power generation.

Given the already high costs, it is very helpful to receive even a small discount. Generally, the discount amount is also listed in the estimate, so be sure to check it in advance.

Be cautious if the discount is in the hundreds of thousands of yen. This is because if the discount amount is excessively large, the basis for the estimate may become unclear. Some contractors intentionally set higher prices than the market rate and increase the discount amount to create a sense of value, so be careful.

Information on Subsidies

An important aspect of introducing solar power generation is the existence of subsidies. By utilizing subsidies, you can reduce your cost burden by tens of thousands of yen, so it is essential to take advantage of them.

In some cases, contractors will handle the application for subsidies on your behalf, and in such cases, the details are often included in the estimate.

If there are no details listed,

・Whether application assistance is available
・Whether subsidies can be utilized

It is advisable to consult about these points.

Points to Consider When Obtaining an Estimate for Solar Power Generation

When obtaining an estimate for solar power generation, it is important to keep the following points in mind.

・Obtain estimates from multiple contractors
・Check market rates in advance
・Assess the thoroughness of the estimate
・Do not hesitate to ask questions if you do not understand something

Let’s take a closer look at each of these points.

Obtain Estimates from Multiple Contractors

When obtaining estimates for solar power generation, be sure to request multiple companies. If you only get one estimate, you won’t be able to grasp the market rate or compare the details. By requesting multiple companies, you can thoroughly compare not only the total costs but also the content and discounts, making it easier to identify a contractor that fits your goals and budget.

It’s advisable to obtain estimates from at least three companies, and ideally five, so that you can smoothly compare and evaluate them. Once you’ve picked out the contractors you’re interested in, start by consulting for an estimate.

Check the market rate in advance

After receiving estimates for solar power generation, you’ll compare the costs. If you don’t have a grasp of the market rate at this time, you won’t be able to make comparisons. Therefore, make sure to use the internet or other resources to understand the general market rate in advance.

This way, you’ll find it easier to determine whether the amounts listed in the estimates are low or high, and why those amounts are set.

Check the thoroughness of the estimate

Solar power generation is a system that will be used for a long time, and the efficiency of power generation can vary greatly depending on the contractor’s skills.

Therefore, it’s important to hire a contractor with high technical skills and a wealth of experience. There are several points to consider when judging the quality of a contractor, but the thoroughness of the estimate is one of the criteria. Contractors who create detailed, careful, and easy-to-understand estimates are likely to be customer-oriented and reputable.

Conversely, be cautious of contractors who use vague terms like “one set” or list ambiguous amounts, as they may have poor workmanship or customer service.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions

At the estimate stage, no contract has been established yet. This means you are free to decide whether to contract or not. Therefore, if you have any concerns or questions about the estimate, feel free to consult.

It can be about the costs or related to the work itself. It’s important to clarify any uncertainties or questions at the estimate stage. Once you sign a contract, changes may not be possible later, and additional costs may arise, so be careful.

Tips for choosing a solar power installation contractor

When choosing a solar power installation contractor, there are other aspects to pay attention to besides the estimates. Below are specific points and tips to consider.

Check the manufacturers they handle

For solar power estimates, request a contractor that handles a variety of manufacturers. By consulting with contractors that can accommodate various manufacturers, you can receive proposals that fit your budget and needs.

Since the optimal equipment varies depending on operational policies like selling electricity or self-consumption, if you hire a contractor that only handles limited manufacturers, it becomes difficult to optimize your setup. Most contractors list the manufacturers they handle on their official websites, so be sure to check in advance.

Check their track record

Installing solar power requires specialized knowledge and skills. To feel secure in your choice, it’s recommended to check the contractor’s track record. A contractor with a wealth of experience in solar power installations has accumulated know-how, allowing you to trust them with your project.

Additionally, if any issues arise, they are likely to respond quickly and flexibly. Information about their track record is often published on their official website, so don’t forget to check it.

Check the quality of their service

When requesting a contractor for solar power installation, check not only the costs and aftercare but also the quality of their service.

By hiring a contractor who answers even minor questions politely and actively makes suggestions, you can feel confident throughout the entire process.

Conversely, if you hire a contractor that is careless or arrogant, there is a high possibility that the transaction will be unpleasant throughout or escalate into trouble, so please be cautious.

Check for Warranty Availability and Content

When introducing solar power generation, it is important to check for warranty availability and content.

The warranty referred to here is not the manufacturer’s warranty, but rather the warranty provided by the contractor. By hiring a contractor with a comprehensive warranty, you can receive prompt assistance even if problems arise. Most contractors prepare warranties in case of unforeseen troubles, but the content varies by contractor, so be sure to check during the estimation process.

Costs for Installing Solar Panels and Storage Batteries

This serves as a guideline for the costs associated with installing solar panels and storage batteries!

The estimate for the installation of solar panels is determined by the following items:
・Installation capacity of solar panels (number of panels)
・Installation capacity of storage batteries (three patterns: 5 kW, 10 kW, 15 kW)
・Length of wiring to be used
・Scope of temporary scaffolding installation
・Type of existing roofing material (the type of base brackets used varies depending on the roofing material)
・Arrangement of solar panels (the amount of brackets used varies depending on the arrangement)
・Distance for material transportation
and more

Installation Capacity	Cost of Solar Panel Installation	Battery Installation
3kW～5kW	800,000 yen～1,200,000 yen	1,000,000 yen～1,300,000 yen (5kW range)
6kW～10kW	1,200,000 yen～1,900,000 yen	1,300,000 yen～1,600,000 yen (10kW range)
11kW～15kW	1,900,000 yen～2,500,000 yen	1,700,000 yen～2,000,000 yen (15kW range)

The above table provides approximate costs!
For a detailed estimate, please feel free to contact us as it is completely free of charge.

If you are considering the installation of solar panels, please consult Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.

Our company handles a wide range of exterior renovations, including solar panel installation, roof work, and exterior wall work. We receive requests from many customers, including renovation companies and real estate agencies!

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. promises “high-quality renovations at low costs”, and we have received positive feedback from numerous customers.
We continue to update our construction performance each year, and we will strive to improve quality to satisfy even more customers in the future.

Our company can perform all exterior renovations, not only roof overlay work and re-roofing but also partial roof repairs, exterior wall painting, and exterior wall cover methods.
We are also happy to assist with small jobs such as partial repairs and rain gutter cleaning!

In urgent cases such as leak repairs, we may also be able to provide emergency measures without scaffolding, so please consult with us!

Whether you want to know about recommended solar panels, keep costs down, or just get an estimate, we will provide the best solutions for your specific requests. We will never propose unnecessary work that prioritizes profit! We always stand in our customers’ shoes and propose the most suitable construction plans!

We are confident that we will not be outdone by other companies in terms of cost, quality, and efficiency in exterior work!
We welcome competitive estimates with confidence! Our estimates are completely free, and if you find that our company is inferior to others, you are free to decline!

Summary

Implementing solar power generation involves significant costs. To install equipment that meets your needs within your budget, it is important to obtain estimates from multiple contractors and compare the details.

That said, since estimates for solar power generation are not something you request frequently, it can be difficult to know what to focus on. In such cases, let’s carefully search for a reliable contractor while referring to the information introduced this time.

If you are thinking, “I don’t know where to request an estimate”
“I want to request an estimate from a reliable contractor with a wealth of experience,”

please feel free to consult with “Kakeru Koumuten” which operates mainly in Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo.

Free estimates and consultations are also very welcome, so please don’t hesitate to contact us!

For more helpful information about other exterior renovations, click here!

LINE consultations are also very welcome◎

For roofing, guttering, and exterior work and repairs in Kanagawa, contact Kakerukoumuten Co., Ltd..

AAA is a young company with an average age in the early 20s, but our technology is second to none.

One of our greatest strengths is that we can do all of our own scaffolding, roofing, and painting work. In this industry, where work is generally divided, we are able to provide a complete set of services, which saves time and effort in management and reduces costs. Above all, if there is any trouble, we will come to you right away!

We can confidently declare this. We are the youngest and most friendly renovator in Kanagawa!