Solar panels can be one of the most important and practical investments for any home, or business. But, it’s important that you ask your solar panel installer certain questions before giving the go-ahead on the project. This ensures that you’re able to make the most informed decision possible about which installer to trust.
Here are the five key questions you should ask during the consultation process, and why.
Are you MCS certified?
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification means that the installer is a part of a nationally acknowledged renewable energy installation quality assurance scheme.
Is MCS certification necessary? No. But when you’re investing in a solar installation, it will allow you extra peace of mind about the standards of quality your installer is used to working to.
There is another benefit to hiring an MCS certified installer. When you install a new solar system you can benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. However, the system will need to consist of MCS certified equipment and be installed by an MCS registered installer in order to qualify for the scheme.
Forever Green Energy are MCS certified installers which means you don’t have anything to worry about.
Will my roof need to be strengthened?
This is an important question to ask before you go ahead with any work. Solar panels and other renewable energy equipment can be heavy, which makes them unsuitable for certain roofs unless they’re strengthened.
If your roof does need to be strengthened, you can still have solar panels installed, but it will add to the final price and take a little bit longer for the project to be completed.
We will come out and complete a full site survey before recommending a solar installation and will be able to advise you on any issues with your roof before you decide to go ahead.
What fixings are used to hold the panels on the roof?
The fixings used need to be of the highest quality possible, and they need to be weatherproof. Over time wind, rain, and the elements can gradually weaken inferior quality fixings to the point where your solar panels may become dislodged.
We use the best quality fixings on all our projects to ensure the quality and longevity of your installation.
Who will be installing the panels?
Some companies only deal with the sale of the panels, then subcontract the actual installation. Take care to ask ahead of time if your installer will be using their own installation specialists, and if all the employees will be working for the same company.
For your peace of mind, ask what sort of training and standards the people installing your panels have had – this is your investment, your installer should have no problem answering this question.
At Forever Green Energy all of our installers are employed and trained to the highest level. We are also NAPIT and RECC approved.
What warranties does the installation come with?
If the panels come with a warranty, make sure you understand it clearly. You need to know how long the warranty will last, what sort of things it covers, any exceptions to coverage, how you go about claiming if you need to, and what the maximum allowable claim can be.
At Forever Green all of the solar installs come with a 25-year warranty.
If you have any other questions about installing solar panels to your property please call us on 01242 370 308 or email info@forevergreen-energy.co.uk.