How to Read a Solar Quotation — Every Line Item Explained
Getting a solar quotation but not sure what everything means? Here's a plain-language breakdown of every component on a typical Philippine solar BOM (Bill of Materials).
The 8 Major Components of a Solar Quotation
1. Solar PV Panels
Listed by: brand, model, wattage, quantity, and price per panel.
What to check: Is the wattage STC-rated? (All proper specs are STC). Is the brand Tier-1? Does the warranty cover 25 years product + 30 years performance?
Example: JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0 550W × 10 panels = 5,500 Wp ≈ 5.5 kW system
2. Solar Inverter
Listed by: brand, model, rated output power (kW), and price.
What to check: Is the output kW matched to your panel total Wp? (inverter output should be 80-110% of panel Wp). Hybrid or grid-tied? How many MPPTs?
3. Battery (Hybrid Systems Only)
Listed by: brand, model, voltage, capacity in kWh or Ah, and price.
What to check: Is it LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) — the safest lithium chemistry? What is the usable capacity vs. rated capacity? Depth of Discharge (DoD) should be 80-90%.
4. Mounting System
Listed by: rail type (aluminum profile), roof hook or L-foot type, clamps.
What to check: Is it aluminum (rust-proof) or galvanized steel? Is the hardware rated for your roof type (clay tile, metal corrugated, concrete)?
5. DC Wiring and Connectors
Listed by: cable size (4mm² or 6mm²), length in meters, MC4 connector pairs.
What to check: DC cables should be solar-rated, UV resistant, double-insulated (TUV/UL certified). MC4 connectors should be from Staubli or compatible brand — not cheap knockoffs.
6. AC Wiring and Distribution
Listed by: THHN/THWN cable size and length, conduit (flexible or rigid), distribution board.
What to check: AC cable size should match the inverter output current. Conduit should be used for all exposed runs.
7. Protection Devices
These should appear on every proper quotation:
DC SPD (Surge Protection Device) — protects panels and inverter from lightning surges
AC SPD — protects appliances from utility surges
DC Circuit Breaker — isolates panels from inverter
AC Circuit Breaker — isolates inverter from load
Net Metering Enclosure — required for Meralco/utility connection
8. Labor and Installation
Should include: installation labor, commissioning and testing, permit assistance, net metering application assistance.
What to check: Is travel cost included? Is there a post-installation warranty on workmanship (at least 1 year)?
Sample BOM Summary — 5kW Hybrid System
Item | Spec | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
JA Solar 550W Panel | 550W PERC Mono | 10 | ₱6,250 | ₱62,500 |
Deye Hybrid Inverter | 5kW, 2 MPPT | 1 | ₱35,000 | ₱35,000 |
Pylontech US5000C | 4.8 kWh LiFePO4 | 1 | ₱62,500 | ₱62,500 |
Aluminum Mounting | Rooftop kit | 1 set | ₱18,000 | ₱18,000 |
DC/AC Wiring | 4mm², 6mm² solar cable | 1 lot | ₱12,000 | ₱12,000 |
Protection Devices | SPD, breakers, enclosure | 1 set | ₱8,500 | ₱8,500 |
Labor & Commission | Installation + testing | 1 | ₱25,000 | ₱25,000 |
TOTAL | ₱223,500 |
Red flag: A quotation that only lists "5kW solar system — ₱280,000" with no itemization. You have no idea what you're getting.
Generate your own professional BOM for free using our Solar Quotation Tool. Use it to verify and compare quotes from installers line by line.
Engr. Jason Morales — Founder, SolarEnergyPH