Supplier selection checklist

Please take your time and do some research to make sure you're getting a good deal and that you're not taking a big risk with your solar investment. As a start here are some things to consider before you commit to a supplier, and definitely before you pay any money: 

 - Do enough research to understand if any proposed system will meet your needs. If you're not sure have a read of this post, it will help you take a couple of measurements to help you size your solar and battery requirements. 

- When you're given a quote for a system pay particular attention to the sizing details. For example: make sure you understand usable capacity of your battery versus the stated capacity; and look at the kits specifications to identify any bottlenecks that might exist in your system (see this post for some details https://m.facebook.com/groups/2197329430289466/permalink/5862704957085210/) 

- Remember the way a supplier treats you when quoting is an indication of their ongoing customer service, so take that into consideration as well as the price 

- Don't let any supplier pressure you into making a decision (ie quote is only valid for today). Take your time and think it through. This is a long term investment and getting it right takes time to work out what's right for you 

- Make sure any quotes you obtain (you should try for at least 3) specify what the supplier is actually going to do and when they'll do it - a number of people are finding the supplier is not doing some of the things they'd expect (ie DNO approval) 

- Make sure the supplier you choose has suitable certifications particularly if you want to be paid for export. MCS has been the main one, although Flex-orb is starting to be accepted. You can check company here https://mcscertified.com/find-an-installer/ and https://www.flexi-orb.com/find/ 

- Read reviews of the suppliers on Trustpilot and the Renewables Installer Finder (https://rif.est.org.uk) 

- Join the UK Solar and Battery facebook group and ask for people feedback on any experience they've had with the supplier. If you’re concerned about doing it publicly ask them to PM you with feedback 

- Ask the installer to speak to one of their previous install owners. It's no guarantee of trusted feedback, but will give you some added assurance one way or another 

- Look the company up on the Companies house website to see: how long it has been trading; if the company has changed name or directors recently; are the company accounts up to date; have the directors been directors of other dissolved companies; make sure all paperwork (including certifications and invoices) use the same company name https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk 

- Make sure the supplier confirms in your quote that the kit you're being sold is available and that there is an agreed install timeframe 

- Make sure you understand if the work is being subcontracted and that your quoting company = installing company = certification company = invoicing company, or if it isn’t you understand why. Particularly watch out for subcontracted arrangements - see https://mcscertified.com/remaining-mcs-compliant-in-a-sub-contracting-arrangement/ 

- Check the contract (if there is one) and look out for anything which could cause a problem. Some examples include: what happens if there's an extended delay to your install date; how long scaffolding could be up for (some leave it for 4 weeks!!); Are they doing DNO paperwork (G98 notification or G99 pre-approval) 

- Make sure the kit is expandable (ie you can add more batteries to the battery bank) and if there are any restrictions to that expandability (ie does it have to be the same model battery - which might be an issue if the supplier discontinues it) 

- Keep all your paperwork - quotes, invoices, instructions 

- Do not commit to a survey or any other work based upon a refundable deposit. If you do and you choose not to go ahead or to go ahead with another installer you will be unlikely to get your deposit back! 

- Don't pay anything until your comfortable with the supplier you've chosen 

- When you do choose to pay a deposit, make sure it's only a deposit, not a large chunk upfront and ideally pay it with a credit card for extra protection 

- If the installer or supplier only accepts payment by bank transfer - consider carefully if you should proceed 

- When you're paying a deposit - make sure the installer registers the deposit with their consumer protection such as HIES 

- Only pay your balance when the job is completed to your satisfaction and you have the relevant paperwork (DNO approval of install; warranty certificates; and MCS certificate if applicable), and again use a credit card if possible 

- Consider the location of your batteries as they don't like to be too cold. If your batteries are in an area that will get very cold in winter (ie loft or garage) - consider insulating and heating them for winter. Discuss this with your installer 

One final note

If this blog has helped and you go on to installing a solar or battery solution, please let me know by leaving a comment and sharing this page as I really like to know I've been able to help. 

If you're considering a move to Octopus to charge your batteries in the darker months, please consider using my referral link below (click on the Octopus) as it will give each of us £50 off our Octopus bill.

Next Step: How the system should work 

One final note

If this blog has helped and you go on to installing a solar or battery solution, please let me know by leaving a comment and sharing this page as I really like to know I've been able to help. 

If you're considering a move to Octopus to charge your batteries in the darker months, please consider using my referral link below (click on the Octopus) as it will give each of us £50 off our Octopus bill.