If you’ve decided to invest in solar panels then first of all, allow me to congratulate you on your choice to be more sustainable and cost-effective. The benefits of solar panels cannot be understated but if they’re not properly installed, they suddenly become far less of an advantage.
For this reason, it’s essential to do your research and find a solar panel installer that’s reliable, reputable, and up to the challenge.
Sifting through the sea of options can feel overwhelming so it can help to know what to look for. Here are my top tips for finding the best solar panel installer in your area.
The Most Important Factor: Certification
A company that prides itself on delivering the best service and installation is going to want to shout this from the rooftops. That means obtaining the necessary accreditations and certifications which give you, the consumer, the confidence that the installer knows what they’re doing.
The absolute minimum you should look for is a company that is MSC-certified. This certification not only gives you a guarantee of high-quality equipment but also that the equipment will be installed to an industry-level standard.
In addition to this, you may wish to look for a company that has other accreditations to further boost your confidence in them. This may include a membership with the STA (Solar Trade Association), RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code), or REAL (Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd).
The more certifications that a company has, the more you can feel confident in its ability to deliver the standard you would expect.
Other Things To Look For When Choosing A Solar Panel Installation Company
While accreditations and certifications are of the utmost importance, a company may still fail to meet your needs if they have them. This is why it’s also vital to look for other things and gather as much information as you can. After all, you’ll be making a serious investment so you don’t want to risk losing money.
Reviews And Customer Satisfaction
One of the simplest ways to judge an installation company is to look at their previous work. Past customers are incredibly reliable as they’ll usually give an honest review of their experience which will tell you a lot about what to expect.
While you can find a lot of helpful reviews online, you might also ask the company for references. If they’re above board, they’ll be more than happy to provide this information.
Also, be sure to take a look at the Checkatrade website. All good solar panel installers will have a page here where you can discover reviews, look at photos, and find out more about the company.
Sales Tactics
A reputable solar panel installation company isn’t going to give you the hard sell. They understand that investing in solar panels is a big decision and will try to offer you as much guidance as possible without putting you under pressure.
If you’re feeling as though you’re being put on the spot to make a decision, take this as a red flag. A bad company will simply be desperate to secure work while a good one will want to make sure you’re completely satisfied before making any agreements.
Assessments And Visits
Nobody would be able to give a realistic quotation regarding solar panel installation without first looking at the property. Even the most experienced installer will need to perform an initial assessment to look at the suitability of the property and determine what work needs to be done.
If you’re offered a quote without this service then it’s probably best to ask why.
Explore Your Options
As I mentioned earlier, a good installer isn’t going to put any pressure on you. In fact, they’ll be happy to assess your property and provide a quote at the same time as stepping back while you look at other options.
While the end game will be solar panel installation, no two companies are the same and will offer different benefits. This is why it’s vital to gather several quotes (I’d recommend no less than three) and compare your options to find an installer that’s right for you.
After receiving your quote, take a careful look at what’s included, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if anything needs to be clarified. A reputable company will include a breakdown of ALL associated costs including any preparatory structural work and scaffolding, for example.
What Happens After The Installation?
The last thing you want is a company that simply installs the solar panels and then leaves you to get on with things.
A good installer will have aftersale support, a warranty, and other such things. Note that the average warranty on a solar panel is around 20 years, any less than this and you should be questioning why.
You’ll also want to find out how long the work is guaranteed for as this is often far less time than the equipment. Generally speaking, you should be covered for between five and ten years but this will vary by company.
Educate Yourself
All of the above tips will help you to find a reputable and reliable solar panel installer but it doesn’t hurt to have a bit of background knowledge yourself.
Understanding the installation process of solar panels and how everything works will allow you to talk more openly with potential installers.
Instead of having to politely nod your head at jargon, you’ll be able to get to grips with what’s being offered. Plus, if you’re clear on the process, industry standards, and other information, you’ll more clearly be able to see if a company is trying to cut corners or pull the wool over your eyes.
