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. Nevermind, 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, we know. However, you needn't worry, as 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. While the act of installing a solar panel may seem relatively one-dimensional, 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 installed. This number can rise to around 300 for larger buildings.

So, 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 perhaps won’t narrow things down as much as you’d hoped, as a large percentage of Essex solar panel installers will offer both residential and commercial services. 

The Credentials

In theory, anyone could claim to be able to install solar panels if they wanted. Even your neighbour’s parrot could give it a go after enough training. That’s why professional credentials are a very important factor to look out for. 

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 have good aftercare and support for their customers after a job is completed.

• - NAPIT Approval: Renewable energy installation requires a lot of electrical work to be carried out. NAPIT approval means that the electrician working on your home has proved they can work to extremely high standards, keeping up with safety standards and passing competency tests.

• - FCA: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates service firms across the UK. It is designed to protect customers and ensure they can trust the company they are relying 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 underperformance or defects. They will also prove important if you come to sell your home, potentially enhancing its retail value.

Solar panels 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, keeping them efficient and effective for years to come. It’s worth noting that not all companies will have such 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, prices, and reputability of each offering. Plus, give each company’s customer reviews a look. A company with an average of 4.5/5 from over 150 reviews is likely to do a great job.