Solar panel quotes: 7 questions to ask before installing solar

A solar panel system is a significant investment, so it's essential to do thorough research before you go all in. Part of that process involves getting quotes from different solar panel companies to compare prices, products, and services to find the best fit for your home.

So before you sign anything, we've compiled a list of important questions you should ask your prospective solar panel installer to make sure your decision is well-informed.

If you’re wondering how much a solar & battery system could save you, just answer a few quick questions below and we'll immediately generate an estimate for you.

What questions should you ask a solar installer?

As you’ve probably seen yourself, there are many options out there in terms of solar installers, so it's easy to feel pretty overwhelmed by the amount of choice. 

Here are the crucial questions you should ask to ensure you get the best possible outcome.

1. Are you accredited?

Your first task is to ask the installer about their experience and credentials, including specific certifications.

The most important accreditations to look out for are Flexi-Orb and the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which both ensure that installers meet industry standards. Without either of these accreditations, you’ll expose yourself to a sub-standard installation, which may cause problems further down the line. 

Having an MCS or Flexi-Orb accredited solar panel installation also means you’re eligible for solar export tariffs via the Smart Export Guarantee, which enables you to sell your excess electricity to the grid. 

Other important associations that signify the installer follows best practices and is competent in their field include:

• National Association of Professional Inspectors (NAPIT) - another industry standards scheme
• Home Insulation and Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme (HIES) - this protects your deposit in the event of your solar installation not happening
• TrustMark - a Government Endorsed Quality Scheme relating to work carried in or around a property

Accreditations are essential in giving you confidence in the quality and longevity of your solar installation.

2. Are your estimates trustworthy?

When providing quotes, installers will also produce estimates for a solar panel system’s annual energy production in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and the corresponding financial savings. But to make sure these estimates are credible, they need to be validated by an industry body such as the Energy Performance Validation Scheme (EPVS).

EPVS provides an independent validation of energy-saving claims, ensuring that the figures provided to you are accurate and realistic. This verification helps protect consumers from inflated claims and ensures that their investment in solar energy is based on trustworthy information.

Of course, no estimate is guaranteed to be an exact prediction of what your system will produce, but some estimates are a lot more reliable than others. If you’re getting forecasts from a solar installer that don’t come with the EPVS seal of approval, you should be very careful.

3. What panels are you using?

Next, you need to ask about the specifics of the solar panels the installer plans to use for your installation. Above all, make sure you're getting high-quality panels, as it's crucial for the efficiency and longevity of your solar panel system.

Ask about the type of panels, as this will affect your overall solar panel costs - are they monocrystalline or polycrystalline? Polycrystalline panels are usually cheaper from the outset, but monocrystalline panels typically offer higher efficiency and durability.

The power rating of the solar panels, measured in watts (W), is also an important indicator of quality. For instance, a 430W solar panel will be able to generate more electricity than a 330W solar panel in the same conditions - and you should be looking for solar panels that exceed 400W.

You should also ask about the panels' efficiency rating, as this will tell you how well the panels convert sunlight into electricity. Most solar panels used for residential installations are somewhere between 18-23% efficient.

Lastly, the panels' warranty can provide insights into the manufacturer's confidence in their product and protect your investment over time. A longer warranty period is often a good indicator of panel quality and durability, so make sure you’re getting at least 25 years.

4. What battery are you using?

If your solar panel plan includes battery storage, ask detailed questions about the battery specifications to ensure it meets your needs for electricity storage.

Find out the brand and model of the battery to research its reputation for quality and reliability. The battery size, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), will determine how much electricity you can store for your energy needs once the sun has gone down. However, there’s no ‘ideal size’ of battery to recommend, as it varies significantly based on your situation.

Check whether the battery is lithium-ion or lead-acid. Lithium-ion batteries generally offer longer lifespans, higher power densities, and better performance in a wider range of temperatures than lead-acid batteries.

Again, ask about the battery warranty to get an idea of its expected lifespan and the manufacturer's confidence in its durability. Top-quality batteries should come with at least 10 years’ warranty.

5. How long will the installation take?

Clarify both the waiting period before the installation begins and the duration of the full solar installation process itself. You don’t want to be waiting months and months for your solar installation. 

First, ask the installer for an estimated timeframe from the moment you agree to their quote to when the installation will start. This period can vary based on the installer's schedule, any planning permissions needed (such as DNO approval), and the time required to prepare the equipment and materials.

Then, find out how long the installation will take once it starts. Installing usually only takes a day or two, although it can be longer if your roof is difficult to access. And don't forget about scaffolding - you usually need to allow about a week on either side of the installation for set-up/take-down.

Understanding both aspects of the timeline will help you plan accordingly and set realistic expectations for the project's completion.

6. Do you provide insurance?

Ask the solar installer if their solar and battery systems come with insurance.

This insurance is crucial because it keeps your investment safe from unexpected mishaps like fire, theft, and storms.

Accreditations like Flexi-Orb and MCS also require their members to offer Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) for the work they perform, providing you with added peace of mind about the installation's reliability and durability.

Solar panel insurance gives you a financial safety net so that you don't have to deal with unexpected costs if something goes wrong. But always verify the insurance details to understand what's included and any conditions that may apply.

7. Do you provide maintenance and aftercare?

Check if the installer offers ongoing maintenance and support services for the system after installation to handle potential issues, repairs, or hardware replacements.

This is crucial because, while a solar panel system is meant to be low-maintenance, sometimes things can still go wrong. A reliable aftercare service can fix any issues before they escalate into more significant, costly problems, and keep your system running efficiently.

It also provides peace of mind knowing that you have expert support available, helping to extend the life of your investment and maximise its return. 

If you’re put off by the high upfront cost of solar panels, consider Sunsave Plus - the UK’s first solar subscription, which has no upfront cost and also comes with a full monitoring & maintenance support package.

Summary

The switch to solar is an exciting journey for any household, but it’s vital this transition isn’t hampered by poor quality installation and bad aftercare. 

Don't be afraid to ask for references, certifications and details about the equipment and warranties. Your solar installer should be knowledgeable, transparent and willing to work with you to find the best solution for your home.

Interested in learning about the savings you could get from a solar & battery system? Answer a few quick questions below and we'll provide a personalised calculation.

Solar panel quotes: FAQs