Getting the Best Out of a Solar Survey Part 1: Before the Survey

Richard Hill
Sep 23, 2012
2 min read

This article is the first in a 3 part series on how to get the most out of a solar survey. We’re members of the REAL Assurance Code, so it’s in our in our interest to promote information that helps customers to choose an installer that offers a good quality service at a fair price. The information here comes in part from the REAL Code, also partly from the consumer watchdog Which? and a little bit from us too, to top it off.

Check the planning regulations that apply to your property. It’s important that you know your situation. Solar panels are a permitted development under the Town and Country Planning Act but if you live in a conservation area, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or in a listed building there are rules you must abide by that may affect your decision, and even your ability, to install solar panels.

Check that the installers you speak to are MCS accredited. You won’t be able to register for FIT payments without the MCS certificate that an accredited installer will give you. Also, check if they are members of the REAL Consumer Code, as this means that they have signed up to abide by the quality standards set by the REA – a leading industry body. It also means your deposit and the workmanship guarantee you are provided with will be properly protected by QANW.

Don’t accept a price over the phone. I hope this is self explanatory, but nobody can quote you properly without looking at the property first. Be able to point out your house on Google Earth. This is great for the initial telephone call before we even book a survey. It means we can highlight any potential issues, like shading, over the phone and enables the surveyor to be even better prepared.

Dig out energy bills from the last year. We’ll be able to see what you’ve been paying and what your usage is like so that we can specify a system that will suit your needs and make accurate payback calculations, which are useful in deciding whether a solar PV system is right for you.

Check if the surveyor is an experienced surveyor or a salesperson. If they are a salesperson, another survey will need to take place before installation, and this means the price could change. A technical surveyor is best, as they will take the necessary measurements and gain an understanding of the technical challenges of your property necessary to give you a proper, final quote.