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.
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