Rebates, tax credits, and installer discounts affect your budget in different ways. A rebate may reduce your cost quickly, while a tax credit often matters later when you file.
When you compare proposals, ask each contractor to separate equipment cost, labor, electrical work, permit fees, and any assumptions about incentives. That makes it easier to spot missing scope and understand what savings are truly guaranteed.
It also helps to keep one running project sheet with your likely upfront cost, expected paperwork, and timing for any reimbursement. That turns a confusing stack of offers into a decision you can actually compare.