How to Get a Solar Quote

Get a Solar Quote

From your electric bill to a free proposal

Trifecta Solar will prepare a solar proposal for you at no cost. Using the information on your electric bill, we can usually have it ready in about a week. We will then schedule a site visit to walk you through the proposal and confirm measurements and your site conditions. There is no obligation.

Sample Trifecta Solar proposal cover

Request a Free Quote

Step 1: Send us your electric bill

Your bill tells us how you use electricity and how you are billed for it, so we can size a system to your actual use and estimate what it can save you.

We look for:

  • The name on the account, so later paperwork matches your utility records
  • The service address, which is the property where the system would be installed and may differ from the mailing address
  • Your annual electricity use, so the system can be designed to offset a year’s consumption
  • Your current rate plan, so the savings estimate reflects what you actually pay
  • The meter number and account number, which we need if you decide to move forward, for interconnection and utility paperwork

These details are printed on a standard utility bill, often across more than the first page. The simplest way to send them is a complete recent bill, all pages included. If you have a full year of use, that helps, but one complete recent bill is enough to get started.

You can share your bill with the Request a Free Quote form at the top of this page or by calling 877-345-2470.

Step 2: We design your system

With the service address and your annual use in hand, we look up the property using aerial imagery and design a system sized to offset that use.

The design takes into account the roof or ground space that’s available, the direction and slope of the array, estimated shading from nearby trees or buildings, annual sun exposure at that exact location, local weather and cloud cover data, and equipment performance data. The goal is a layout that fits the property and a production estimate based on the site, not a generic average.

Trifecta Solar also automatically compares your original production estimate with your system's actual yearly output from your monitoring portal on an ongoing basis. We built this tracking capability into our own custom internal software, so we can catch a system that isn't performing as expected. Most solar installers don't have the automated capability to do this.

Step 3: We run the numbers

We model how much electricity the system is likely to produce over 30 years using the latest versions of the System Advisor Model (SAM) and PVWatts, tools from the National Laboratory of the Rockies (formerly NREL), and we keep those models current as new versions are released.

We then run the financial projections, including return on investment, with industry-standard assumptions that we review and validate periodically. Those projections include federal and state tax credits and other benefits that may apply to your project.

Step 4: Your proposal, presented in person

A sales representative generally presents the proposal in person and walks you through the design, the production estimate, and the costs. The proposal is free and comes with no obligation.

If you decide to move forward

If you want to proceed, we confirm your interest and, if needed, schedule a site visit to take measurements and photos that confirm the design. You sign the contract electronically, and the deposit payment starts the project.

From there, we handle design and approvals: an engineering plan set, the township or borough permit, and the utility interconnection application. Trifecta prepares those applications and pays the application fees. After installation, the system goes through final inspection and the utility's permission to operate. In closeout, we help with SREC broker setup, warranty paperwork, utility rebates, and virtual net metering where those apply.

For a closer look at what installation involves, see our residential solar installation steps and commercial solar installation steps.

How long it takes

Timelines vary from project to project. After the contract is signed, engineering takes about a week for a residential system and about three to four weeks for a commercial system. The project then enters the permitting and interconnection queues.

Permitting usually takes about three weeks to 60 days, depending on whether your municipality reviews zoning and building permits together or one after the other. Utility interconnection application and approval is generally the longest lead time, often by far.

From contract signing to the utility's permission to operate, smaller residential installations generally move faster at every stage and can expect about 4 to 8 months. Small commercial projects can expect about 7 to 12 months, and larger commercial projects often take more than a year.

Once permits and interconnection are approved, or are close to coming back, we order equipment and materials. Some customers choose to put a material deposit down earlier so we can reserve equipment when tax-incentive deadlines apply and lock in pricing. Material prices can rise between signing and installation, for example when tariffs or laws change. We can pre-purchase the materials and store them at your site or at our shop.

Frequently asked questions

Is a quote free?

Yes. Trifecta Solar proposals and estimates are free, with no obligation.

Do you need to visit my property?

The proposal is usually presented in person. A site visit may also be needed later to confirm the design with measurements and photos.

How long does it take to get a proposal?

About a week after we have your electric bill and your interest in a proposal.

I’m with a third-party electric supplier. Is that a problem?

It’s okay. Net metering requires being on your utility's default supply, but most supplier contracts can be cancelled without a penalty. Many of those contracts are also short-term, a year or less, so the term may end by the time the system is ready to turn on.

What if my utility requires an upgrade?

The utility identifies required upgrades, such as a transformer or service wire, during its interconnection review, before installation. We often have an idea in advance when an upgrade may be needed, but the utility has the final say. You can choose to pay for the upgrade, or we can potentially downsize the system to avoid it, though that adds time.

Will my roof need structural work?

Structural upgrades are rare and generally minor. Structural engineers review the design and confirm the roof can support the system before we apply for permits.

Can I lock in my equipment price?

Yes. Some customers put a material deposit down earlier so we can pre-purchase equipment, lock in the price, and store it at your site or our shop. That can also help reserve equipment when tax-incentive deadlines apply. Otherwise, we order equipment and materials once permits and interconnection are back or close to coming back.

Ready for a proposal?

If you live or work in Central or Eastern PA, send us your electric bill and we will get to work. Use the Request a Free Quote form above or call 877-345-2470.

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Have Questions? Call us at 877-345-2470

We want to ensure you are well-informed about our product line and how it can save you money on your monthly energy bills.

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