How To Choose A Solar Installer: 8 Questions To Ask

Search for solar panels and you will find a lot of companies that all say they are the best. So how do you choose?

We think the right installer is the one who helps you make a good decision, even if that decision is to wait. These are the questions we would ask if we were in your shoes.

Key Takeaways

• Check the basics. MCS certification, a proper survey and the grid paperwork are not optional.
• Ask who does the work. The people who sell it are not always the people who fit it.
• Walk away from pressure. A good design will still be a good design next week.

1. Are You MCS Certified?

MCS is the standard for small scale renewables in the UK. Your system needs an MCS certificate to get paid for the power you export under the Smart Export Guarantee. Ask for the certification number and check it on the MCS website.

2. Who Will Actually Fit My System?

Some companies sell the job and pass it to a subcontractor. Ask whether the people on your roof work for the company you are signing with, and who you call if something is not right.

3. Have You Looked At How I Use Power?

A good design starts with your bills, not a standard package. Your system and any battery should be sized from your real annual usage and your plans, like an electric car or a heat pump later on.

4. Will You Survey My Roof In Person?

Satellite images are a good start, but they do not show the roof structure, the wiring or where an inverter and battery can go. A final design should come after someone has been to your home.

5. Will You Handle The Grid Paperwork?

Every system has to be registered with your local network operator, and bigger systems need approval before they go in. Your installer should do this for you and tell you where it stands.

6. What Warranties Do I Get, And Who Backs Them?

Panel, inverter and battery warranties come from the makers. The workmanship warranty comes from the installer. A long warranty is only worth something if the company behind it is still around. We explain more in our guide to solar and battery warranties.

7. How Many Panels Do I Really Need?

More panels is not always better. A good installer will explain why they chose your system size and what it means for you. Our guide on how many solar panels a home needs goes through it.

8. What Happens After The Install?

Ask who sets up your monitoring, who shows you how it all works, and who you call in a year if something stops working.

Warning Signs

• A price that is only good if you sign today.
• A quote given on the doorstep or over the phone before anyone has seen your home.
• Big promises about savings with no workings behind them.
• Vague answers about who fits the system or who handles the paperwork.

Talk It Through With Us

We are a small team based in Frome. We will look at your home and your usage, explain the options in plain English, and leave you to decide. Read more about our solar panel installation, or book a discovery call. No pressure. Just clear advice.

If you have any questions, please give me a call on 07782 246447.