That was my experience also. Out of ten or twelve phone calls and emails to installers in my area, one two called back, and only one followed through with an estimate.
However, perseverance was worth it. Now, we draw almost no net electricity from the grid except for the months from December to March, and with all the tax breaks, usage offset, and SRECs, the system will pay for itself in ten years.
If you're thinking about getting a solar system, DO NOT get sucked into solar panel financing. They offer deceptively attractive 25 year loans at 2%, but the real interest rate is much, much higher. The finance company will take all your tax credit, and charge both you and the installer a huge loan origination fee, with the result that you won't break even, if ever, for twenty-five years.
A co-worker recently got solar panels here in southern California. I think it was 14 panels and 4700kw and he pays $85 a month for 25 years.
The electric rate is around 19 cents a kw now which is 70% higher then most of the nation and will only go up to pay for the fat gov’t pensions.
Over 300,000 retired are getting over $100,000 a year.