Find the Right Solar Panel Supplier -
You need to make sure that you choose the right supplier for you. The market has many installers who claim that they are the best. If you don’t know what to look for, you may get overwhelmed by all the information. Here are some tips to help you through the process of solar panel installation.
Tip 1: MSC Certified
It is of utmost importance that the installer you choose is MCS accredited. A good solar panel installer would generally be a member of the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) or the Solar Trade Association (STA). You should also be aware of who will carry out the actual solar system installation. If it is a subcontracting company, you have to make sure that they are MCS accredited as well.
Tip 2: Home Visit
The installer should be willing to visit your home and take the time to give you information about the suitability of solar panels for your home. You can also expect suggestions about how to save energy and how energy efficient your home is. If the installer is not willing to take the time and evaluate your specific requirements, you will most probably not get the best installation, either.
You should also receive in the design important information -
- Solar Panel Roof Layouts
- Inverter Compatibility
- Annual Output Performance Estimate including Sun Path Diagrams
- Self Consumption Modelling
- Structural Calculations
- Wind Loading Calculations
Tip 3: Ask for References
You should ask the installer to provide you with references and testimonial from previous clients. If they have been in business for a while, they should not have a problem with giving you references. You should also do some research on the installer. Neighbours and friends could also be a great source for recommending an installer. Talking to previous customers is a great way to find out how their installation process was handled.
Tip 4: Warranty
You should be aware of what kind of warranty the equipment comes with. The average warranty offered for the solar panels is around 25 years. If the warranty is for a shorter period of time you can safely assume that the quality of the panels is lower. Storage batteries and solar inverters have limited guarantee and it is around 10 years. Most installers also provide workmanship warranty, which should be 2 year.
For more information about product warranties please call us at Solar Partner.
Tip 5: Understand the Quotations
First of all you should get quotes from at least 3 installers. The quotations should be tailored to your specific needs. Then you have to compare quotes and consider what is included in the price. Some installations need scaffolding or additional work on your roof, so make sure that those are included. Otherwise you may end up paying way more than what you see in the quote.
The cost of the solar panels has decreased a lot over the past few years, and depending on the size of your system you will get a tailored offer.
Ask if there is additional work that needs to be done, which is not mention in the offer. In this way you will know if you have to make any other payments on top of the price mentioned in the quotation.
Tip 6: Beware of Sales Tactics
Installers who offer quality products and services do not need high pressure tactics to make you buy their products. It is common for some installers to give you some sort of discount or limited time offer in order to make you take a quick decision on the spot. Usually decisions like these tend to cost you a lot in the long run. If the company providing you with the quote is putting you under any pressure to make a sale, it is probably a good idea to just walk away.
There are many factors to consider when you want to find an installer for solar panels. It is crucial to move at your own speed, as well as investing time into research beforehand, so you can talk to the installer on more equal terms. Following this you will be able to make an educated decision about the product you really need.
Call Solar Partner to discuss your project.
