10/08/2026
This is why you should charge for system design and quotation, especially when dealing with clients online.
Last week, a client from LinkedIn reached out to us. He explained what he wanted, and we sent him a link to conduct a seamless site survey and load audit.
He completed the process, paid for the system design and quotation, and we delivered exactly what he paid for.
Later that same evening, a fellow colleague sent me a screenshot of the quotation we had prepared for the client, complete with our headings and professional structure because he already knew us and our brand.
The client was already shopping around with the work we had done.
Now, let me be clear, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a client comparing options.
The problem is when professionals keep giving away their time, expertise, technical knowledge and intellectual work for free.
System design is not just typing figures into a document.
It involves understanding the client's load profile, analysing energy consumption, selecting the right system architecture, sizing the inverter, batteries, PV array, cables and protection, and putting everything together into a technically sound proposal.
That is professional work. And professional work has value.
Your time is money.
Your knowledge is money.
Your experience is money.
Your design is money.
Don't allow anyone to walk into your professional space, collect your expertise for free, and walk away with everything they need to find someone else to execute it.
