How To Choose an Essex Solar Panel Installer

So, you've decided that you want to invest in solar panels for your property.

The thought of installing them yourself briefly entered the walls of your mind… until you remembered your fear of heights and critical lack of experience in solar panel installation. A quick Google search of “solar panel installers Essex” is bound to point you towards a reputable, trustworthy renewable energy company.

Instead, the search engine offers up around half a million different installation companies, each claiming to be better than the last.

It’s demoralising, making a simple job seem incredibly tough. However, you needn't worry. In this article, we’ll guide you towards what you need to look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company.

Project Type

Before you hang your hat on a certain company, you NEED to be sure they’ll be able to handle the project at hand. Some solar installation companies specialise in residential properties, while others have pivoted towards commercial installations. The installation process for solar panels may seem relatively one-dimensional. However, there’s a huge difference between residential and commercial solar panel installations.

Let us briefly explain:

• - Residential installations: These are on a much smaller scale, with between four to 16 panels being installed. They also tend to take place on sloped roofs, which requires a different approach to flat roof solar installation.

• - Commercial installations: Commercial solar installations are usually large scale, with the smaller buildings still needing upwards of 80 panels. This number can rise to around 300 for larger buildings.

If you want a solar system installed on the roof of a three bedroom home, make sure your chosen company deals with residential properties. This likely won’t narrow things down as much as you’d hoped. A large percentage of Essex solar panel installers offer services for homes and businesses. 

The Credentials

In theory, anyone could claim to be able to install solar PV systems if they wanted. That’s why professional credentials are hugely important. 

An absolute must-have accreditation for a solar power installer is the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Being MCS Certified holds a company up to a high standard. It ensures their work is of great quality and they have taken adequate steps to ensure worker safety. 

Other certifications to look out for are:

• - Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC): RECC membership once again requires installations to be of the highest quality. RECC certification also requires companies to provide good aftercare and support for their customers after completing a job.

• NAPIT Approval: Renewable energy installation requires electricians to carry out a lot of electrical work. NAPIT approval means the electrician in your home has shown they can work to high standards. They follow safety rules and pass tests to prove their skills.

• - FCA: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates service firms across the UK. The authority protects customers and ensures they can trust the company they rely on.

Solar Panel Warranties and Aftercare

When you choose a company to install your solar energy system, always check the warranties available. These will protect you in case of solar panel inefficiency or defects. They will also prove important if you come to sell your home, potentially enhancing its retail value.

Solar panel systems will require annual servicing and in-depth maintenance once every three to five years. Try to pick a company that offers aftercare and servicing options, as this will make things all the more convenient in the future. 

With adequate maintenance and management, you can extend the lifespan of your solar panels to upwards of 25 years. This will keep them efficient and effective for years to come. It’s worth noting, not all companies will offer aftercare options.

Ask Questions, Gather Quotes

Whatever you do, don’t just choose the first company that comes up on your internet search results for your installation. Even if they are the best option, you’ll never know until you do a bit of shopping around. As a rough guideline, you should aim to get quotes from at least three separate companies before making a choice.

When communicating with different companies, don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have. A good company will be able to answer everything you put in front of them, within reason of course. Reputable solar installation companies will also be able to run you through the entire process from beginning to end.

Think Before You Jump

While one of the best investments you’ll ever make, having solar panels installed is unlikely to be a cheap process. After you’ve gathered information from various companies, weigh up the pros and cons, and prices of each company. Plus, give customer reviews a look, as they provide genuine insight into a company's installation practices. A company with an average of 4.5/5 from over 150 reviews is suitable for solar panel installation.

[Want to know more about the cost of solar panels? Check out our 2025 solar panel guide.]