About Glean
Glean is an online solar broker that does the hard work to collect and help you compare the most important aspects of 3 custom solar quotes. We also provide grant/loan application guidance and help you decide which solar installer is right for you.
Glean sends you 3 solar quotes plus our expert solar quote comparison summary document to make it easy to compare the unique features of each quote. This makes it easier for you to find the best price, warranty, solar panel layout and solar installer. Our service is free for homeowners!
Already have solar quotes? We are happy to help you compare your quotes to our extensive database of quotes so that you can decide which installer is best!
Here’s how Glean works:
1. Tell us about your property
Start by entering the required information about your property on our GET SOLAR QUOTES page. We collect your name, address, contact information and roof information. We will then reach out requesting photos of your electrical panel and a copy of a recent electricity bill so that the solar panel system can be sized to meet your specific needs.
Only essential information will be shared with solar installers. Your name, email and phone number aren’t shared. Your address is shared so each company can use satellite imagery to assess your home and create a more accurate quote.
2. Receive a rough estimate
Before we send your information to 3 solar installers, we will send you a “rough estimate” that includes:
- an example layout image with solar panels shown on the roof of your home
- an electricity production estimate for that example system in kWh/year
- a price range that is based on our extensive database of quotes and what we are currently seeing for similar projects
- information about available grant/loan incentive programs that are available
The rough estimate will give you an idea of what you can expect from installers. If it aligns with your expectations, we will move to the next steps.
3. Begin applying for incentive programs
Some grant or loan programs require that you apply before getting solar quotes so that you know if you’ve been accepted in advance. If this is the case for an incentive you are interested in, we will guide you through the application process and ensure that all steps are completed in the right sequence.
4. Receive quotes
If you are a good candidate for Glean’s service, the rough estimate aligns with your plans and you’ve begun incentive applications, we will begin getting you 3 solar quotes from our network of local and verified solar installers. Once we get the quotes, we will send you a detailed quote summary PDF document comparing the most important aspects of each quote apples-to-apples. You will be able to easily compare price, system size (kW), four different warranties, equipment brands, electricity production, financial metrics, estimated installation month, installer profiles and experience, solar panel layout images, and more!
We will also schedule a 1-on-1 quote review call with a Glean solar expert to ensure you understand the differences between each quote and that all your questions are answered. This call can be completed over the phone or video meeting depending on your preference. Typically the meeting will run for 30 minutes, but we are prepared to take as much time as you need to feel comfortable understanding how solar works and the differences between the quotes. The review call can be recorded and sent to you after for a family member to listen to if you’d like.
5. Choose the best installer
Once you have decided which solar installer quote is right for you, we will introduce you to the company and people behind the quote. Then the work begins. The installer will be in touch with next steps. The solar experts at Glean are always around throughout the process to answer questions.
Save energy, emissions, and money!
Frequently asked questions:
Is Glean in my area?
We are currently able to deliver 3 solar quotes to homeowners across Canada. In some areas, the quality or quantity of installers does not exist for us to guarantee 3 solar good quotes. In those cases, we are happy to help you review and compare any quotes you get on your own.
Can Glean help me access the grant and loan?
Absolutely! All of our Glean solar experts are knowledgeable about how to access grants and rebates. We can help you jump through the hoops necessary to get that free cash! See our solar incentive page to learn what’s available.
Is there a cost for Glean services?
Our solar quote brokering service (where we get each homeowner 3 quotes) is free for homeowners to use. Since Glean connects homeowners who are serious about pursuing solar with quality local solar installers, our installers pay us a modest finders fee on a per-project basis. This fee is the same for all installers so there is no financial bias towards one installer over another.
For homeowners who already have solar quotes and would like to compare them to our database to quotes and/or solicit our unbiased advice, we offer a free and paid solar quote review service.
Can I contact multiple installers myself?
You can! But…
- That takes time. Time to communicate with each installer. Time to sift through each quote. Time to make sense of the information in each quote.
- By presenting you with multiple solar quotes through Glean’s platform, we can get you the best solar array for the best price.
- Our installers know that in order to win work through our service, they have to provide the most competitive price upfront. This is why Glean quotes are typically more competitively priced than quotes received outside Glean’s service.
- For homeowners who already have solar quotes and would like to compare them to our database to quotes and/or solicit our unbiased advice, we offer a free and paid solar quote review service.
Why does Glean Exist?
We believe that solar is too hard and we want to make it easier by connecting those that want to get solar panels with high quality and ethical companies that can make that happen. All the while, making the planet a little gleaner in the process.