Things to consider when choosing a solar installer

In this blog I will explain the things to look out for when contracting a solar installer and questions to ask.  There is also some jargon that you may find useful along the way towards then end of this blog. 

Ultimately, if you are looking for an experienced solar installer in Maidstone, PBA Electrical & Renewables Ltd are here to help you on your solar journey.

How to find a solar installer in Maidstone 

First off, do you know anyone who has had panels installed?  Ask them who they used and are they happy with the install and service they received. 

MCS website – you will find a list of MCS registered solar panel installers in your local area.

Social media – always a good choice to find out who is recommended by locals. 

Getting a quote 

Many companies will give you a quote based on software which gives a bird’s eye view of your home.  In some respects, this is OK, it gives a ballpark figure but it doesn’t give accurate pay back rates as we need to know your usage and also assess your roof suitability. 

We always recommend a face-to-face meeting, a no pressure, free solar survey in Maidstone from PBA Electrical & Renewables is the best way forward.  We can discuss your energy usage, long term goals and future renewable requirements. 

Selecting your solar panel installer 

Always do your research!  Search them up on social media.  Sometimes reviews on companies’ websites can be falsified.  Also, some trade advertising sites allow members to mitigate with bad reviewers and not all reviews will be based on solar installs.

Ask to see their certificates.  Things to look out for are MCS, NICEIC, RECC and IWA (all of which are listed below in our jargon area).

Insurance – don’t let this one slip.  Protect your largest investment and make sure both the installer and scaffolding company hold the correct insurances.  Any decent installer will have all of this information they can email over to you

During the install 

If you are unsure of something, ask.  Don’t leave it until the install is done to ask questions as you will have a job to rectify issues.

After the install 

Make sure you have a handover pack – the handover pack contains important information about your installation including emergency shut down procedures, product information, warranties and your MCS certificate. 

In a nutshell, do your research.  There are many elements of a solar install to consider, from an electrical side you need a company who has sound knowledge of electrical systems to enable you to generate electricity.  From a panel side you need roofers who are knowledgeable about the type of roof they are working on and the limit of that roof.

Jargon 

MCS – Microgeneration Certification Scheme – An internationally recognised quality and safety scheme for small scale renewable energy technologies.

NICEIC – National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting – A well renowned voluntary body that regulates training and works for electrical contractors across the UK.

RECC – Renewable Energy Consumer Code – Consumer protection for small scale renewable technologies. 

IWA – Independent Warranty – Provides insurance backed guarantees and deposit protection to the home improvement sector.

You will be pleased to know that PBA Electrical & Renewables Ltd hold all of the above plus full insurances, if you are looking to have solar installed in Maidstone, contact our team today.