Making the switch to solar energy is an ideal way to reduce your carbon footprint, celebrate sustainability and reduce your energy bills. Ensuring that you are investing in the right solar panel system for your needs is essential, which is why it’s important to spend some time selecting your ideal solar panel installer.
Data shows that there are more than a million solar panels harnessing power from the sun on properties in the UK and the number of solar panel installers has increased in line with the growing popularity of solar panels amongst homeowners. With so many choices out there, we’re here to guide you through the process and have collated some of the top factors to consider when making your decision.
The Importance of Selecting an Accredited and Experienced Installer
The only way to guarantee that you’re getting a quality product and service for your investment is to work with an accredited and experienced installer. Look out for an installer who has obtained certification from a respected organisation such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), as this will allow you to verify that they adhere to industry standards for compliance, quality and competency.
Green Flare is an example of an accredited renewable energy installation company with a high level of expertise and excellent aftercare, which is supported by customer reviews and testimonials. Experienced installers like Green Flare will always be happy to answer every question you have, including explaining the efficiency ratings of the solar panels they offer. They will also never make you feel pressured into making a decision or committing to anything that you aren’t comfortable with.
It’s also a great sign if your chosen installer has joined Solar Energy UK and has signed up to the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC).
How to Obtain and Compare Quotes
When beginning the process of finding your ideal installer, it is advisable to obtain quotes from at least three different installers. It is important to ensure that these quotes are tailored to the unique needs of your property and energy expectations, not just generic quotes based on rough estimates or similar properties. In order to provide you with an accurate and comprehensive quote installers will need to visit your home, so it’s always a red flag if you’re offered a quote without a home consultation.
Different installers may have different practices when it comes to providing quotes, however, at the very least, the quote you receive should include:
Details about the specific solar panel system that would be installed on your property
The supporting equipment required to complete the installation safely, such as scaffolding or roof reinforcement
The energy output you can expect from the system
Information about the warranties that apply both to the panels and components and to the installation itself
Your home consultation is also an excellent time to ask about whether there are any financing options available. As well as explaining any company-specific financing options, your installer should also be in a position to provide you with information regarding things like government grants that you may qualify for, which will help you to ensure you aren’t spending more than you need to.
It is also important to ask whether your installer will be working with a subcontracting company. If the answer to this question is yes it’s not an immediate red flag, however, you will need to ensure that all subcontractors are also fully accredited and have a proven track record of delivering high-quality results.
Understanding the Details of the Proposal
You certainly don’t need to be an expert on all things solar, however, it can be extremely beneficial to have a basic understanding of the process to ensure you’re getting the most value from your investment.
The proposal you receive from each potential installer should be clearly laid out and easy to read. It should include detailed product descriptions, data to support all efficiency claims that are being made, a clear diagram setting out how the panels will be laid out on your roof, and the warranties that apply to the particular components that your system will include.
When comparing quotes, spend some time looking through each proposal to understand precisely what is included in the price you will pay. At this point, it is also important to enquire about your potential installer’s policies, including how they deal with scaffolding and related costs, the safety practices that are in place for their team, and ensuring there are no attempts to avoid responsibility for any aspect of the project. Paying attention to the fine print here is essential.
Proposals should also clearly set out the post-installation support that would be available to you. Occasionally, you might find that manufacturer and installer warranties are of different lengths, so make sure you clarify in writing who would be liable for labour costs if maintenance is required on an installation where the manufacturer warranty is valid but the installer warranty has expired.
Selecting the right solar panel installer is crucial to ensuring you get the most out of your investment. By choosing an accredited and experienced company, such as Green Flare, you can rest assured that you’re receiving top-quality service and support. Our expertise, customer-focused approach and commitment to excellence make them a standout choice for your solar energy needs. Contact us today to start your journey toward a more sustainable and cost-effective energy solution.
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