Solar + battery · 3 bids · ZIP 92008 · sample data

Your bid comparison

Each bid has been mapped into the Apples to Apples Bid Standard. Orange marks something missing or worth questioning.

BID A

Coastline Solar Co.

License active

$38,950 $3.00/W solar

Bid completeness18 of 20 items

1 item to ask about · 6 miles from you · 14 years in business

BID B

License active

$41,700 $3.40/W solar

Bid completeness17 of 20 items

2 red flags · 22 miles from you · 3 years in business

BID C

No license # on bid

$34,500 Not itemized

Bid completeness9 of 20 items

5 red flags · 80 miles from you · 1 year in business

Show differences only

Bid Standard item	A · Coastline	B · Brightline	C · SunValue
CONTRACTOR
CSLB license	#[LIC-A] · Active, C-10 / C-46	#[LIC-B] · Active, C-46	Not on bid
Years in business	14	3	1
Disciplinary actions	None on record	1 citation (2025)	Can’t check without license #
SYSTEM
Solar size	7.6 kW DC	8.0 kW DC	7.2 kW DC
Panels	19 × [Brand] 400 W	20 × [Brand] 400 W	Brand & model not listed
Inverter	Microinverters, [Model]	String + optimizers, [Model]	Not listed
Battery	13.5 kWh	10.0 kWh	13.5 kWh, brand not specified
Est. yearly production	11,800 kWh	12,300 kWh	Not stated
SCOPE
Permits & inspection	Included	Included	Not stated
Main panel upgrade	Excluded, possible extra cost	Included	Not stated
Exclusions listed	Yes, 4 items	Yes, 2 items	None listed
PRICE & PAYMENT
Solar portion	$22,800 · $3.00/W	$27,200 · $3.40/W	Not itemized
Battery portion	$16,150	$14,500	Not itemized
Down payment	$1,000	$5,000, above CA limit	$1,000
WARRANTY & TIMELINE
Workmanship warranty	25 years	10 years	Not stated
Install timeline	6–8 weeks	4–6 weeks	Not stated

BID A · COASTLINE

Will my home need a main panel upgrade, and what would it cost?

BID B · BRIGHTLINE

Can the down payment be reduced to the $1,000 limit? What was the 2025 citation for?

BID C · SUNVALUE

What is your CSLB license number? Which panels, inverter and battery are included, and what does the workmanship warranty cover?

[Map: your home + 3 contractor pins]

A · 6 miB · 22 miC · 80 mi

Read reviews from homeowners who uploaded a signed contract with each of these contractors.