Take this list back to the representative
You do not need industry vocabulary to ask complete questions. You need the answers in writing, on the same documents you would sign.
- What is the cash price, and what is the financed amount, separately?
- Is there a dealer fee? In dollars, not as a story about monthly payment.
- What yearly production are you promising, and what shading did you assume?
- What are the exact panel, inverter, and battery model numbers?
- Can those models be swapped for “equivalent” later without my written OK?
- What utility-rate growth did you use in the savings chart?
- Are any tax credits in the savings numbers still available to me?
- Who is the contractor of record, and what is the license number?
- When is the last payment due relative to permission to operate?
- What is the cancellation period stated in the contract?
- If this is a lease or power purchase agreement, what happens if I sell the home?
If the answers are verbal only
Ask for them on the proposal or contract. A second read is for the paper, not the handshake. Bid + Contract Review exists to compare those two documents before you commit.
Keep a record of the answers
Illustrative example: “we take care of repairs” is not enough to compare offers. Ask which repairs, who performs them, what you pay, and where those terms appear in the agreement.
FTC guidance identifies maintenance responsibilities and home-sale transfer conditions as points to review in a lease or power purchase agreement. FTC: Solar Power for Your Home (U.S. consumer guidance, April 2022)
- Put your questions in a short numbered list.
- Record the document and page supporting each answer.
- Request corrected documents when the answer changes the agreement.
- Leave unanswered questions visible; do not treat a verbal promise as a completed check.