APN Solar helps homeowners understand their options and connect with solar panel installers operating in their area.

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How Do I Find Solar Panel Installers Near Me?

 

Searching online for solar installers near me will normally produce a mixture of:

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• independent local installers

• regional solar companies

• national solar businesses

• lead-generation websites

• electrical contractors offering solar

• specialist renewable-energy companies.

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There is nothing automatically better about a national company or a small local installer.

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What matters is whether the company can demonstrate the competence, certification, experience and financial stability required to design, install and support the system properly.

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A useful starting point is the MCS installer directory. MCS is the UK certification scheme covering small-scale renewable-energy technologies including solar PV, battery storage and heat pumps.

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You can then compare those installers with recommendations, reviews and quotations from companies operating locally.

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What Is an MCS-Certified Solar Installer?

 

MCS stands for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.

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It provides standards and quality assurance for renewable technologies and the contractors installing them. Government guidance describes MCS as covering technologies such as solar PV, batteries and heat pumps together with the installers responsible for fitting them.

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For a homeowner, using an MCS-certified installer provides an important level of assurance that the company is working to recognised installation standards.

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MCS certification can also be important when applying for export payments and certain government-backed schemes.

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Energy Saving Trust therefore recommends using MCS-certified installers when arranging domestic solar.

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Solar Installers Near Me – Should I Choose a Local Company?

 

There can be advantages to using a genuinely local solar installer.

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A local company may offer:

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• quicker site surveys

• good knowledge of local housing types

• shorter travelling distances

• easier communication

• more personal aftercare

• established relationships with local electricians and roofers.

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A company that regularly installs solar on similar properties in your area may also understand the practical issues associated with local roof types and building construction.

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However, locality should not replace proper due diligence.

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The company five miles away is not automatically better than a specialist installer operating from 50 miles away.

The right comparison is:

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quality + specification + service + price + reliability.

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Solar Companies Near Me – What Should I Compare?

 

When comparing solar companies near you, avoid simply placing three total prices next to one another.

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The systems may be completely different.

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A £6,000 quotation and an £8,000 quotation cannot be meaningfully compared until you know what each company is actually proposing.

Compare the following.

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Total System Capacity

Look for the proposed system capacity in kWp.

This is much more useful than simply counting panels.

One installer might propose ten 450W panels:

4.5kWp

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while another might propose ten lower-output panels producing a smaller total system.

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Solar Panel Manufacturer

Check:

• manufacturer

• panel model

• power output

• product warranty

• performance warranty.

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You should know exactly which panels are included in the quotation.

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Inverter

The inverter is one of the most important components in the installation.

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Ask:

• which manufacturer?

• what model?

• what capacity?

• what warranty?

• can battery storage be added later?

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Do not accept a quotation that simply says “solar inverter included.”

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Predicted Annual Generation

Every serious quotation should include an estimate of how much electricity the proposed system is expected to generate annually.

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The figure should relate to your:

• postcode

• roof direction

• roof pitch

• shading

• system capacity.

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Be cautious if one solar company predicts dramatically greater output than all the others without being able to explain why.

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How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

 

Solar-panel costs vary according to system size, equipment, roof access and installation complexity.

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Energy Saving Trust currently estimates that a typical domestic system is around 3.5kWp and costs approximately £6,100 to install.

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That should be treated as an industry guide rather than a fixed price.

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Your quotation may be lower or higher depending on factors such as:

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• system size

• panel specification

• inverter

• scaffolding

• roof type

• access

• electrical alterations

• battery storage

• optimisers

• EV charging

• monitoring.

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Energy Saving Trust notes that costs can also increase where roof access is difficult or the roof covering needs work.

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Solar Panel Cost – Don't Compare Price Alone

 

Solar is one area where chasing the lowest possible quotation can prove expensive later.

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Imagine two systems.

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Company A: £5,800
Company B: £6,700

Company B might include:

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• higher-output panels

• better inverter

• longer warranties

• scaffolding

• bird protection

• monitoring

• better mounting equipment

• stronger workmanship warranty

• more comprehensive aftercare.

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If Company A charges separately for several of those items, the apparent £900 saving may disappear.

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It is therefore better to compare whole-system value.

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What Should a Solar Installer Survey?

 

A quotation prepared entirely from satellite imagery can provide a useful initial estimate.

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However, before installation, the company should establish that the property is suitable.

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The assessment should consider:

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• roof condition

• roof construction

• available area

• orientation

• pitch

• shading

• access

• existing electrical installation

• consumer unit

• inverter position

• cable routes

• possible battery location.

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Energy Saving Trust's installation guidance recommends that the roof is assessed for suitability and that the system is properly designed before installation.

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The objective is to design a system for your property, rather than simply selling a standard package.

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How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?

 

There is no universal number.

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The installer should consider:

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roof space + electricity consumption + system objectives.

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A household using substantial electricity may benefit from a larger system.

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Likewise, somebody planning to add:

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• an electric car

• heat pump

• air conditioning

• battery storage

• home office

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may reasonably want to generate more electricity in the future.

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However, fitting the maximum possible number of panels is not always the best financial decision.

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The installer should explain how the proposed system size relates to your expected electricity use.

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Best Solar Companies – What Actually Makes a Good Solar Company?

 

There is no single best solar company for every property.

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A better question is:

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Which installer is best for my particular project?

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Several characteristics distinguish a strong solar company.

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Proper Certification

Check the company's MCS status where appropriate.

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Do not rely solely on a logo displayed on a website. Verify the company through the relevant certification directory.

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Consumer Protection

Schemes such as the Renewable Energy Consumer Code – RECC set consumer-protection standards covering the sales and installation process. RECC members agree to follow its consumer code, which works alongside MCS installer standards.

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RECC provides a searchable register of current members, allowing consumers to confirm whether a company claiming membership is actually registered.

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Clear Quotations

A good quotation should identify the actual equipment rather than simply promising:

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“10 premium panels.”

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You should receive enough information to compare one proposal with another.

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Realistic Sales Advice

Be cautious where a salesperson:

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• promises enormous savings

• guarantees an unrealistic payback period

• says you must sign immediately

• offers a discount that expires that evening

• insists you need a battery without explaining why

• refuses to provide an equipment specification.

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Solar should be sold as a long-term energy investment, not through pressure selling.

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Established Track Record

Consider how long the company has traded and whether it appears capable of supporting the installation after completion.

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Solar panels may last 25 years or more. Energy Saving Trust currently describes a typical solar system as having an expected lifespan of around 25 years.

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That makes aftercare and warranty support important.

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Solar Panel Companies – What Questions Should I Ask?

 

Before accepting a quotation, ask the installer:

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Are you MCS certified for solar PV?

Who will actually carry out the installation?

Are your installers employees or subcontractors?

Which solar panels are you proposing?

What is their output?

What is the total system size in kWp?

Which inverter are you installing?

What annual generation do you predict?

How did you calculate that figure?

What effect does shading have on the forecast?

Is scaffolding included?

Are roof mounting and flashings included?

Is bird protection included?

Are all electrical works included?

Will you deal with the DNO?

Will I receive monitoring?

What workmanship warranty do you provide?

Who deals with warranty claims?

Can I add a battery later?

Will the system work with an EV charger?

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The answers will often tell you more about the installer than the headline price.

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Should I Get Three Solar Quotations?

 

Yes.

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Energy Saving Trust currently recommends obtaining three quotations from MCS-certified installers.

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Three quotations normally provide enough information to establish:

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• approximate market price

• sensible system size

• commonly recommended equipment

• differences between installers

• whether one quotation appears unusually expensive or unusually cheap.

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It also gives you an opportunity to compare how each company approaches the design.

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One installer may simply maximise panel numbers.

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Another may analyse your electricity consumption and recommend a slightly smaller system with a better likely financial return.

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That difference in approach can be important.

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Should I Tell Solar Companies I'm Getting Other Quotes?

 

Yes.

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There is nothing unreasonable about comparing companies when making a purchase likely to cost several thousand pounds.

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A professional installer should expect homeowners to obtain competing quotations.

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However, try to compare proposals based on the same information.

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Give each installer:

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• annual electricity consumption

• property address

• roof details

• expected future energy requirements

• EV plans

• battery requirements.

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That produces a much more meaningful comparison.

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Beware of Solar Sales Companies That Don't Install Solar

 

Not every company advertising solar panels actually installs them.

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Some businesses operate primarily as sales or lead-generation organisations and pass the work to another contractor.

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That does not automatically mean the arrangement is poor.

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However, you should know:

who you are contracting with

and

who is responsible for the actual installation.

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Ask who provides:

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• the survey

• design

• installation

• electrical work

• MCS certification

• workmanship warranty

• aftercare.

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If several different companies are involved, establish clearly who is responsible if something goes wrong.

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Are National Solar Companies Better Than Local Installers?

 

Not necessarily.

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Large national companies may have advantages including:

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• substantial purchasing power

• dedicated administration

• large installation teams

• standardised processes

• extensive geographic coverage.

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Smaller companies may offer:

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• greater flexibility

• direct access to the business owner

• local experience

• more personalised installation

• quicker aftercare.

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There are excellent and poor businesses in both categories.

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Judge the individual company and proposal, not simply its size.

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Check the Solar Company's Reviews

 

Customer reviews can provide useful information, particularly when patterns emerge.

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One negative review among hundreds should not necessarily cause concern.

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More important are repeated complaints about issues such as:

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• installation delays

• roof leaks

• poor communication

• failed inverters

• warranty disputes

• unfinished electrical work

• problems obtaining documentation.

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Look at recent reviews as well as the overall score.

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A business that had excellent reviews five years ago may have changed ownership, installers or operating practices.

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Likewise, a newer company may have excellent technical staff despite having fewer reviews.

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Check the Company's Financial Position

 

Solar warranties can potentially run for decades.

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That makes the financial stability of the installer worth considering.

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You can check basic company information through Companies House, including:

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• incorporation date

• directors

• filing history

• accounts

• company status.

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This does not tell you whether a company is a good installer, but it can help establish whether you are dealing with an established business.

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Be particularly careful where a company makes very long workmanship promises but has only existed for a short period.

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Solar Installers and Workmanship Warranties

 

There are several different warranties associated with a solar installation.

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Do not confuse them.

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Panel Product Warranty

This covers faults in the physical solar panel.

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Panel Performance Warranty

This relates to the amount of output the panel manufacturer expects the module to retain over time.

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Inverter Warranty

This covers the inverter and is often shorter than the panel warranty.

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Battery Warranty

Where storage is installed, the battery normally has its own warranty conditions.

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Installer Workmanship Warranty

This covers the installation work itself.

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Ask whether the workmanship warranty is insurance-backed and what happens if the installer stops trading.

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Solar Companies and Consumer Protection

 

Consumer protection is particularly important because solar systems involve both expensive equipment and work to the property.

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The Renewable Energy Consumer Code states that its consumer standards cover the customer journey before, during and after the contract is agreed.

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When comparing companies, therefore, look at more than technical qualifications.

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Also consider:

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• contract terms

• cancellation rights

• deposit protection

• warranties

• complaints procedure

• insurance arrangements.

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A good installer should be comfortable explaining these matters before you sign.

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Avoid High-Pressure Solar Sales

 

Solar installations should not need to be sold through pressure.

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Be cautious of statements such as:

“This price is only available today.”

“Your neighbours have already signed.”

“Government funding ends tomorrow.”

“We have one installation slot left.”

“You must sign now to receive the discount.”

A solar installation is a significant home investment.

You should have enough time to:

read the quotation
compare equipment
check the installer
review finance
and obtain alternative quotes.

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If a company does not want you to do that, there are plenty of other solar installers.

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Should I Buy Solar Panels Directly and Hire an Installer?

 

It is possible to purchase equipment separately, but for a typical homeowner I would generally favour a complete designed-and-installed package.

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The installer then takes responsibility for:

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• system compatibility

• design

• roof mounting

• electrical installation

• commissioning

• certification.

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Buying panels because they appear inexpensive online can create problems if they are poorly matched to the inverter or mounting system.

A complete quotation also makes responsibility clearer if a problem later develops.

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Solar Companies and Battery Storage

 

A good solar installer should discuss battery storage without automatically insisting that you buy one.

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A battery may make sense if your property produces substantial surplus electricity during the day and consumes significant electricity during the evening.

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But batteries also add substantial cost.

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The installer should ideally provide figures for:

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solar only

and

solar + battery

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so that you can compare both investments.

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The battery should solve an identifiable energy problem rather than simply increase the order value.

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Solar Panel Installers and EV Charging

 

Tell the installer if you already have or expect to buy an electric vehicle.

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EV charging can significantly change household electricity consumption.

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A suitable smart charger may allow surplus solar electricity to be directed into the car during daylight hours.

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That can increase the amount of generated electricity used within the property rather than exported.

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The solar company can then consider:

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• future electricity demand

• charger location

• electrical capacity

• inverter sizing

• battery-storage options.

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Designing for a future EV at the beginning can be easier than modifying the system several years later.

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Solar Installers and Heat Pumps

 

The same applies if you are considering a heat pump.

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Replacing a gas boiler with an electrically powered heat pump can materially increase annual electricity consumption.

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A homeowner expecting to install a heat pump should tell the solar designer.

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The optimum solar array for today's electricity consumption may not be the optimum array for the house five years from now.

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Do Solar Installers Deal With the DNO?

 

For normal grid-connected solar PV, the local Distribution Network Operator needs to be notified and in some circumstances approval is required.

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A competent solar installer will normally manage the appropriate network process as part of the project.

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You should confirm that this is included in the quotation rather than assuming it is somebody else's responsibility.

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Solar Installers and Export Payments

 

Solar PV systems in Great Britain may qualify for payment for surplus electricity exported to the network through the Smart Export Guarantee, subject to the eligibility requirements of the scheme and supplier.

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Ask the installer what documentation you will receive after completion because this can be relevant when arranging an export tariff.

The installer should not, however, promise a particular future export rate because tariffs can change.

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Should I Choose the Cheapest Solar Company Near Me?

 

Not automatically.

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There is nothing wrong with finding a competitive price.

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But if the difference between two quotations is relatively small, I would generally favour the proposal offering the better combination of:

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equipment
design
installer quality
warranty
aftercare
and projected performance.

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A solar system costing £6,500 rather than £6,000 represents an additional £500.

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Spread across 20 or 25 years, that difference is relatively small if the more expensive company provides a materially better installation.

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Conversely, do not assume that a very expensive quotation is automatically better.

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The objective is value, not simply price.

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How Do I Compare Solar Panel Installers?

One simple approach is to score each quotation.​​