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“That sounds like an ‘F-you’ quote, they don’t want the business.”
Photo Credit: iStock
One California homeowner questioned whether they were being taken for a ride after receiving a $4,000 solar repair quote.
On Reddit, the Orange County homeowner said their solar panel system was three years old, but several optimizers had failed. 
“Installer is completely out of business and no longer exists,” they continued. “Found another certified installer, they want $800 per optimizer to install, 5 optimizers total so $4,000.”
The original poster then asked, “Is this a ridiculous price? I saw the optimizers are about $70 each so the labor seems high.” 
Based on the homeowner’s estimate, the parts alone would cost about $350.
“Yes, ridiculous,” the top comment read. “That sounds like an ‘F-you’ quote, they don’t want the business. A single $800 for all of them would be generous. It takes 2 minutes each. … It’s also DIY-friendly if you’re comfortable on the roof.”
Another wrote, “They should be embarrassed to even quote that number. Unless they are the 5 optis in the middle of [a] huge array that would require them to lift a s*** ton of panels to reach them, that’s nuts.”
A third suggested that a reasonable bill would cover five hours of work at $200 an hour.
With energy prices through the roof, there’s never been a better time to go solar — and EasyHome can help you find the best prices from the best installers in your area.
EasyHome takes the guesswork and headaches out of energy upgrades by showing you estimated savings from a network of vetted local partners. To get started, just enter your ZIP and share a few details about your home — seeing your estimate is really that easy.
When working with a vetted installer, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy, and solar leases in particular can deliver hundreds of dollars in monthly savings without any upfront costs. Homeowners can use EasyHome‘s free explorer tool to see their potential savings and find dependable installers in their area.
Several users recommended filing a warranty claim to seek replacement optimizers while gathering additional service quotes. 
Another commenter suggested, “Search for installers near you with service departments and make some calls.”
For homeowners needing advice or considering a solar panel installation, EasyHome can help homeowners explore their options for both solar and backup battery storage. Pairing solar panels with a battery allows homeowners to maximize savings and power their home with solar energy when the grid goes down.
Other homeowners have faced steep solar repair quotes or struggled to find service after their installers closed. 
• A solar owner facing monitoring problems received a $2,000 panel inspection quote for their aging system.
• A New Jersey homeowner was stunned when they received a $90,000 quote to fix their solar panels.
• After their solar company closed, a homeowner got a free replacement inverter, but it wasn’t plug-and-play.
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© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.

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