10 Questions to ask your installer
The world of solar panels is quite technically challenging to navigate. Below you will find 10 questions to ask your solar panel installer.
If looking for a quote we only install solar panels locally in the South West – Devon and Cornwall.
1) What accreditation do you have?
Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
According to the Energy Saving Trust “The government has worked with industry to develop the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), to ensure the quality of renewable technology installations and products. The scheme sets industry standards for installers of small-scale renewable energy technologies. It demonstrates that an installer can install to the highest quality every time, using products that have met rigorous testing standards. ”
However from experience having an installer registered as MCS certainly does not mean you will get a good installation. Always ask for recommendations and references.
Trading Standards Institute (TSI) Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS)
According to the Energy Saving Trust “It is mandatory for all MCS members to be registered with a Trading Standards Institute (TSI) Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS). Presently the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC), the Home Insulation and Energy System Contractors scheme and the Glass and Glazing Federation consumer code are the only TSI registered schemes available.
2) What warranties do you offer?
Panel warranties
All panels sold in the UK have a 25 year performance warranty. This means after 25 years they should have an output of least 80% compared to new.
Product warranty is more important. This means if the panel fails to produce energy the manufacturer will send a replacement panel (subject to certain conditions). All panels in the UK have a at least a 10 year product warranty with some manufacturers offering 25 years.
Inverter warranties
Most inverter warranties are least 5 years. Most inverter companies also offer a warranty extension. Having a 10 year warranty is a natural choice over a 5 year warranty but it is not always the best option.
A 5 year warranty from SMA for example is worth more than a 10 year warranty from some other companies, which may not be trading for the full warranty period.
Workmanship warranties
All companies must offer a 2 year underwritten workmanship warranty. This means if a workmanship fault is identified, the installation company will need to resolve the issue under warranty in the first 2 years. If the installation company is no longer trading the insurance policy will cover the costs and arrange for the issue to be rectified under warranty. These warranties typically range from 2-10 years.
3) Do you carry out structural calculations?
In most cases structural software can be used; however, sometimes a structural engineer will need to be appointed.
4) Will you check for shade?
A shade assessment should be carried out using 3D modelling or using a shade analyser.
5) Maintenance?
All solar panels need cleaning every three years. Budget for cleaning the panels every year.
The inverter is also likely to need to be replaced in 8-10 years.
6) What is being installed?
The quotes should specify the solar panels, inverter and mounting system being used. When comparing quotes, the number of solar panels is irrelivant, what matters is the output in kW of the whole system.
7) How will the panels be held on the roof?
This is particularly important if you have a slate roof. Some systems such as the Solar Limpet are incredibly quick to fit – you just drill holes straight through the slates and then apply silicon to seal (they are MCS accredited). This means the weight of the solar system is transferred onto the slates. Good systems will transfer the weight to the rafters and the roof should be equally or more watertight than before installing solar panels.
8) What ‘s the layout?
Some contracts allow the installer to put the solar panels anywhere they want – including the north roof! Make sure you know where the panels are being installed.
9) Do I need planning permission?
The quotes should specify the solar panels, inverter and mounting system being used. When comparing quotes, the number of solar panels is irrelivant, what matters is the output in kW of the whole system.
10) Will you help with applying for feed-in tariffs?
Find out if the installer will help with the paperwork and if they will visit to explain how the system works following installation.
