We’re a Which? Trusted Trader

More about Which?

Since its launch in 1957 as a product review magazine, Which? has evolved into an independent consumer champion that campaigns on customer issues and provides a massive range of services.

The organisation carries out in-depth testing on more than 3,600 products every year to help you find the best purchases, and produces up-to-date guides on everything from energy switching to legal advice.

This funds Which?’s charity, the Consumers' Association, which educates and protects customers, as well as advocating and even taking legal action to fight for consumers’ best interests.

Its reputation as an authoritative, principled voice for consumers makes Which? one of the most effective consumer bodies in the country.

What is a Which? Trusted Trader?

Every Which? Trusted Trader has passed the rigorous assessment set by Which? trading standards professionals, demonstrating that they’re the highest quality traders in the field. 

It’s an intense application process, and involves thorough evaluation from independent experts.

Which? has put Sunsave under the microscope to test our installation standards, business practices, insurance policies and working environment. And they’ve spoken with our customers – like you – to ensure we’ve adhered to our terms of installation.

Check out our Which? Trusted Trader profile to learn more about our endorsement and see our customers’ reviews.

How Which? assesses its traders

Which? works to ensure all its approved traders are financially healthy, carry out their jobs to a high standard, value their customers’ needs, and have a sound business plan and structure.

The organisation checks these aspects by obtaining a credit report, asking recent customers about the trader’s work, combing through the company’s business and administrative procedures, and getting an expert to interview the trader about how they run their firm.

At the end of this process – which usually takes around 30 days – Which? will provide a report with feedback and any steps the company has to take before being allowed to become a Trusted Trader.

Some traders, though, simply don’t make it through this exacting process. And if you don’t pass the tests Which? sets, you don’t get to be a Trusted Trader.

How does this benefit you?

Using a Which? Trusted Trader is a must when you’re getting an expensive, long-term installation like a solar & battery system.

If you choose an installer who’s trustworthy, competent, and set to be around for the foreseeable future, your system can keep working well for 30-40 years – so it’s worth going for someone reliable.

1. High standards across the board

After becoming a Trusted Trader, companies – including us – have to sign up to the Which? Code of Conduct, a comprehensive list of best practices and procedures.

The Code covers issues including a trader’s conduct, quotations, contracts, insurance, goods, payment process, guarantees, warranties, and the way they handle complaints.

They range from your trader being told to “act responsibly, professionally, and be polite at all times”, to regulations compelling them to cover all relevant labour and materials.

If a trader doesn’t have access to an accredited dispute resolution provider, Which? will provide its own independent service. And any company that violates the Code of Conduct can have their Trusted Trader status revoked.

We maintain very high standards at Sunsave, but don't just take our word for it: check out our reviews on Trustpilot.

2. Dispute resolution service

If anything goes wrong, all Trusted Traders are subject to an independent dispute resolution service that Which? provides access to but doesn’t influence.

This is a not-for-profit organisation full of experts – currently the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – who can deal with any complaints that you and your trader can’t resolve.

You can call the service at any time to settle an ongoing conflict. Your and your installer will both have to submit your sides of the story, along with evidence to back up your accounts. 

The service’s ombudsman will attempt to help you negotiate with each other, and can issue a ruling.

This is easier, faster, and less costly than going to court, and you still end up at an impartial, expert-led conclusion.

Thinking of going solar?

We can help you go solar with no upfront cost, thanks to the UK’s first solar subscription, Sunsave Plus.

Instead, you make fixed monthly payments across 20 years – and in many cases, your monthly savings may exceed your monthly loan repayments, meaning you can make a net gain.

This happens because all the electricity your panels produce will go to your home or battery – and all the electricity you don’t use will be sold to the grid on one of the best export tariffs around, allowing you to benefit either way.

If you go through our bespoke, highly accredited service, your solar & battery system will also be protected by the Sunsave Guarantee, which ensures your system will keep performing well for at least the next 20 years.

You’ll receive 24/7 monitoring and maintenance, free replacement parts (including a battery and inverter), and downtime cover. Your system will also be insured by Aviva against damage, fire, and theft.

And if you ever decide to pay off some or all of your remaining credit amount, you can do so at any time, without incurring any penalties.