How to Choose the Right Solar Panel Installer

Choosing a reliable solar panel installer is one of the most important things in your journey to renewable electricity. Hiring a good company can be the difference between having a trouble-free installation and years of problems with your system.

There are some things you can look for in a solar company to ensure that you choose a high quality installer that will provide excellent customer service.

No-pressure and informative sales process

The company should be open and transparent about their products and their business. They should be honest about the returns you can make from installing solar panels at your home and should be able to offer advice about products that would benefit you. Never sign up with a company that says you need to sign up on the day, as this is a tactic commonly employed by cowboy companies.

Professional documentation

If a company offers you a professional quote with all the expenses outlined and the spec sheets for all the components in the system, you can feel confident that the company is serious and organised. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the installation will be the best, but it’s certainly a good start. When you sign with the company, they should sent you an invoice and instructions about what will happen next.

Good communication

The company should turn up on time and call ahead if they are going to be late. They should ensure that you know exactly where your solar panels and inverter are going to be installed and make sure that you’re happy before starting. Once they’ve completed the work, they should show you what they have done and explain to you how the inverter works. They should also clean up after themselves and get your warranty sent out within the next week.

Ask them who services their warranties

It’s vital that you ask the company who will cover the cost of shipping an inverter or panel back to the manufacturer and fitting the replacement if the worst happens. If they can’t answer your questions and nothing is outlined in their terms and conditions, they’re a dodgy company. Some cowboy installers force you to have a yearly check-up and if you miss the appointment they will void your warranty. Don’t sign with a company that insists on this.

After sales service

A good solar company won’t disappear straight after the installation. They should follow up to make sure that the solar system is working correctly and producing the electricity it estimated it would.

Above all, all solar installation companies must be MCS-certified in order for you to receive FITs payments.