8 Questions to ask Your Solar PV Installer

Author: Molly

May. 20, 2024

115

0

0

8 Questions to Ask Your Solar PV Installer

For more information, please visit Building-integrated photovoltaics supplier.

With more than 4,700 solar companies registered with REAL (Renewable Energy Assurance Limited), finding a trustworthy and qualified installer for your renewable technology can be challenging for homeowners.

Unfortunately, aggressive sales tactics and subpar practices are prevalent in any sales industry, and renewable energy companies are no exception. With recent reports highlighting deceptive "Deal of the Day" sales tricks by certain unscrupulous solar installers, it’s vital to thoroughly research potential solar installers before making any commitments.

Here's a closer look at how to choose a solar installer and the essential questions to ask.

Firstly, gather quotes from several certified solar installers, ideally those accredited with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or an equivalent. Solar Guide suggests obtaining four quotes, which they can arrange at no cost and obligation.

1. Is the Solar Installer Certified?

All solar installers registered with Solar Guide are accredited with MCS or a similar scheme. Ensuring your installer is certified guarantees their qualifications and protection under the scheme if their work proves faulty.

2. Is a Structural Report Included in the Quotation?

A structural report from a qualified ISE structural engineer is crucial. Your solar installer should determine your roof’s strength and capability to hold the weight of the panels. A detailed, specific report tailored to your roof's characteristics, including rafter size, spacing, and wind zones, is necessary.

3. Will My Roof Need Strengthening?

After the structural report, the installer will assess:

  • Whether your roof is suitable
  • If it requires strengthening

Approximately 65% of UK roofs need strengthening, potentially adding £200 to £500 to the installation cost. Without this, you could face beam sagging and ceiling cracking.

4. How Will the Panels Be Held on the Roof?

Understand how the installer plans to secure the solar panels to your roof, whether it’s tiled, slate, or flat. Proper installation is crucial for maintaining the panels' effectiveness and protecting them from severe weather conditions.

5. Will You Need to Carry Out Shading Analysis?

Shading analysis is vital to assess how surrounding objects, such as buildings and trees, might affect energy yield. A professional installer should provide a computer-simulated shading analysis to optimize your system's efficiency.

6. Who Will Be Installing the Solar Panels?

It’s common for solar installers to subcontract tasks like scaffolding. However, ensure you know who will be responsible for the entire installation process and whom to contact if issues arise.

7. What Warranties Will Be Offered?

Solar panels typically last 20 years, with most installers offering a 10-year workmanship warranty. Check the inverter's warranty too, as it usually lasts 10 years and may need replacement.

8. Does the Price Include Any Extras?

Ensure you know what’s included in the price. For instance, does it cover a monitoring solution? Wireless displays can help you maximize the panels' efficiency by providing real-time and historical performance data.

For more photovoltaic roof tiles australia information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Explore more:
Top Lithium ion Battery Manufacturers - DNK Power

Your Solar Installation Checklist

  • Do your homework. Get testimonials from previous customers. Solar Guide customers can rate and review installers, making it a good place to start. Also, ask neighbors, friends, or work colleagues for recommendations. Google is a valuable tool.
  • Read the fine print and don’t sign anything if you have doubts.
  • Ask questions. If you don’t understand something, seek clarification.
  • Take your time deciding and avoid high-pressure sales tactics.
  • Ensure the installer is MCS certified (or equivalent). They should also be accredited under the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC).
  • Get four quotes!

Tier 1 Vs Tier 2 Solar Panels: What to Choose and How to Decide?

The lifespan of a solar farm is over 25 years, and the cost of solar panels is a significant part of the total project (up to 40%). Choosing the right panels ensures optimal energy production.

Homeowners often ask these questions:

  1. What is the lifespan of a solar panel? What warranties do manufacturers offer?
  2. If production issues arise, how likely will the manufacturer honor the warranty?
  3. Which brand produces the most power over the project’s life?
  4. How much more should one spend on high-quality panels?

In summary, solar panels are categorized into Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3, with Tier 1 being the most reliable.

What Basis Differentiates Solar Panel Tiers?

Solar panels consist of six main components assembled in high-precision facilities: junction box, back sheet, EVA film, solar cells, tempered glass, and aluminum frame. Reputable manufacturers ensure no drop in quality by being vertically integrated.

However, some use outsourced parts, making quality control challenging. Panels are categorized based on automation and manufacturing process integration, with Tier 1 panels being premium quality.

What Do Tier 1 Solar Panels Offer?

Tier 1 panels utilize the highest-grade silicon, advanced robotics for manufacturing, and significant R&D investments. They provide extensive warranties and are produced by well-known brands like Jinko Solar, JA Solar, LONGi, Trina Solar, and Canadian Solar.

What Do Tier 2 Solar Panels Offer?

Tier 2 manufacturers use partial robotics, relying more on manual labor, which may introduce errors. These manufacturers focus on good panels at reasonable prices with moderate warranties.

What Do Tier 3 Solar Panels Offer?

Tier 3 manufacturers typically assemble panels from other manufacturers' cells using manual production lines, which can lead to variability in quality. Warranties are generally inferior compared to Tier 1 and Tier 2 panels.

Answering the Key Questions

What is the Lifespan of a Solar Panel? What Warranties Do Manufacturers Offer?

Solar panels last over 25 years. They come with product warranties (5 to 12 years) and linear performance warranties (15 to 25 years).

If Production Problems Arise, How Likely Will the Manufacturer Honor the Warranty?

Tier 1 manufacturers have a strong reputation for quality and service, making them more reliable for honoring warranties.

Which Brand Produces the Most Power Over the Project’s Life?

Reliable top-performing solar panels are supplied by Tier 1 manufacturers like Jinko, JA, LONGi, Trina, and Canadian Solar.

How Much More Should One Spend on High-Quality Panels?

Expect to spend 10% to 30% more on Tier 1 panels.

Conclusion

Choosing a trusted Tier 1 brand mitigates most quality risks and ensures reliable power production throughout the panels' lifespan.

For more information, please visit our website Mono Solar Panel manufacturer.

Comments

Please Join Us to post.

0

0/2000

Guest Posts

If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us.

Your Name: (required)

Your Email: (required)

Subject:

Your Message: (required)

0/2000