So, you’ve decided to take the first step towards powering up with confidence and a solar-powered future. There is a lot to consider before and after installing a solar energy system, making it seem daunting from the outset. However the benefits of installing solar are brilliant, helping to reduce your energy bills and household carbon footprint.
Next step: Find an accredited and trustworthy solar installer in your area. Choosing the right installer for your solar installation is very important in making the process as straightforward as possible. With rogue installers, poor-quality work and even scammers existing in what is otherwise a reputable industry it’s important to find an installer you can trust. Our useful guide will help ensure you cover all the important steps in powering up with confidence.
What are you looking for?
Although your chosen installer will be able to discuss your needs and requirements, it is beneficial to have an idea of the problem you would like to solve. If you want to lower your electricity bills or will be purchasing an EV shortly then solar PV is the place to start. If you want to safeguard your home from power cuts then battery storage is a worthwhile investment. And if it’s expensive gas or oil bills you’re worried about then solar thermal or a heat pump is for you. These solar technologies often work hand in hand with each other too or can complement other renewable technologies such as heat pumps.
Once you have a basic idea of the technology you’re interested in you can then contact installers that specialise in this technology. These solar installers will be able to talk you through all your options to shine some light on powering up with confidence and the best solar solutions for your home.
Where to start?
Word-of-mouth Recommendations
A good recommendation from a trusted friend, family member, or even a neighbour can be worth its weight in gold. Do you know someone who recently had similar work carried out? Ask them about their overall experience with the company and even go to check out the system in person if you can. This can put your mind at ease if you have heard good things and seen the handiwork first-hand.
Industry Bodies
For small-scale renewable energy technology, we would highly recommend the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) database. The MCS is a quality assurance scheme supported by the UK Government, which certifies products and installers. This will also come in handy further down the line should you wish to be eligible for financial incentive schemes such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Additionally, you can also look for a reputable installer through the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC).
If you live in Scotland you can also find installers in your area (as well as customer reviews!) on Energy Saving Trust’s: Renewables Installer Finder.
Online Search
A general online search can also be carried out in conjunction with one of the above methods or used in its own right for powering up with confidence. Online searches can be useful to see the professionalism of a company. Although it’s important to note a good website or social media presence is not everything it can give clues to the legitimacy of a company, as well as show examples of previous work.
Now a few Dos and Don’ts
Do
- Shop around a little and get at least three written quotations. This will allow you to judge the true price of the work, protecting you from a busy or uninterested installer putting in a disproportionately high quote. If a quotation is 25% cheaper than the next lowest you may want to question what corners they have cut.
- Check out any reviews of the company if available. This can include Google, TrustPilot and even social media platforms such as Facebook. Don’t forget to investigate the Energy Saving Trust’s Renewable Installer Finder if you live in Scotland for impartial customer reviews.
- Go for a company registered with a Government approved membership scheme provider. This ensures installers meet strict qualification requirements and are regularly assessed to ensure their ongoing competence. For solar, this will mean ensuring your installer and product must be certified under the MCS or other relevant body. Other schemes worth checking include Trading Standards and TrustMark.
- Check if they belong to any other trade or professional organisations such as Renewable Energy Assurance Limited (REAL), National Association of Professional Inspectors (NAPIT), Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC), and Solar Energy UK. These bodies offer a quality benchmark that both professionals and consumers can recognise. Remember it’s always a good idea to check they belong to the organisation, using the registration body’s online search facility.
- Ask if the work is covered by any independent guarantee or warranty. The company installing your solar panels will usually offer two separate warranties. One which covers the product itself and one which covers the workmanship. Before going ahead with any installation, always check out the warranties and guarantees as they can vary from installer to installer. Generally speaking, the work will be covered for anything between 5 to 10 years, whilst the panels will be guaranteed for 20-25 years or even 40 if opting for SunPower’s Maxeon solar panels.
- Make sure the installer is insured. That way, if materials get stolen, damage is caused, or the work simply has to be redone, you’ll be covered for the extra cost. And don’t just take their word that they have insurance – ask to see the proof.
- Ask questions! It’s important you feel comfortable powering up with confidence before you hire an installer. This way you will know what to expect when works begin. Questions can include: Who will be the main point of contact during the project? How long will the installation take? What hours will they be working on your property or business? Consider a company unwilling or dodging your questions as a red flag!
- Be wary of heavy-handed sales techniques, such as pressure to sign on the day, high prices with large discounts for signing on the spot, or bogus monitoring scheme discounts.
Don’t
- Solely rely on recommendations from friends and family. Although this is a great starting point for powering up with confidence it’s always best to carry out further research to make sure they are the right installer for your job requirements…not just someone else’s.
- Trust installers who only operate with a mobile phone number with no other contact details or business address. Phone numbers can easily be changed making the installer completely uncontactable and potentially leaving you in the lurch with unfinished work.
- Take membership of government and industry schemes at face value. Anyone can copy and paste an accreditation logo onto their website. Instead, search for the company on the website database.
- Employ anyone who comes around cold calling at your door. Solar scammers often operate in this way offering unsolicited services, and no reputable trader gets work by cold-calling on strangers.
- Get fooled by low quotes. If it seems too good to be true – it often is. Instead, go with a solar company you trust to do a good job. Good installers who refuse to cut corners will seldom be able to compete on price with those that do.
- Rely on a verbal quote – get it in writing. You should also ask for a breakdown, with materials, labour and any additional costs all detailed individually so that you can see how the total has been calculated.
- Pay for work upfront. A small deposit that can vary depending on your project is acceptable to place your order but anything over 25% of the total cost should only be paid on completion of the works.
Ultimately, the individual or company you select for your project will determine the quality of the final result. Taking the first step towards a renewable future is a daunting prospect but also a very exciting time for powering up with confidence. Don’t let a cowboy installer or poor workmanship dull your shine.
