Getting the Best Out of a Solar Survey Part 3: After the Visit

This article is the third in a 3 part series on how to get the most out of a solar survey. We’re members of the REAL Assurance Scheme, 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.

Read part 1 and part 2 here.

After the visit you should expect an in-depth quote. It should cover:

Information on the solar panels chosen;

Information on the inverter;

Warranty details;

Terms and conditions;

Some payback information and how it has been calculated;

Rate of return and estimated savings.

It should include a complete breakdown of your quote – including 5% VAT and any costs for scaffolding – to show you what you are spending (and on what) so that you can compare like for like with other companies.

How have the system performance estimates been calculated? Did the installer use the recommended SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) or a different method? What is the difference between the two? The installer’s quote should contain this information.

Is the quote tailored to your property or based on a standard or average one? If a surveyor has taken the time to visit and take measurements then it will most likely use these details. If it was a salesperson, however, a lot of the detail may be assumed and, again, you may find that the quote changes after the survey.

Take the opportunity to discuss the output of the PV system and ensure it comes with a guarantee. Solar panels often come with a 5 year product guarantee and a 25 year performance guarantee, which are slightly different. Sunpower panels now offer a 25 year product guarantee as standard and greater performance over the lifetime of the system.

Check maintenance requirements. Generally this is low for solar PV, but some installers offer various maintenance packages that can be bought along with your system. Can you buy maintenance as part of the package? Does it cost extra or is it something that is available separately?

Lastly, and this can’t be reiterated enough, don’t accept any pressure sales tactics from installers. It isn’t necessary and it certainly doesn’t help you make a decision.

If you need more info on installing solar PV, or finding recommended installers, take a look at www.which.co.uk/solar or www.local.which.co.uk.

The Energy Saving Trust is also a great informational resource on everything from solar to energy efficiency.