7 questions to ask before choosing a solar solutions provider

When it comes to affordable solar-powered solutions, homeowners have more options than ever before. However, not all companies have the proper expertise, and while homeowners might be tempted to go for the cheapest option, the wrong choice could result in more problems than solutions.

Homeowners are advised to get a third-party opinion. You can do this by looking up the company’s social media pages, online testimonials and reviews on sites like hellopeter.com, or speaking to neighbours or friends who have recently installed home PV systems.

This is according to Cala van der Westhuizen, Head of Marketing and Sales at Energy Partners Home Solutions, who says as the cost of solar panels have become more affordable to property owners, many consumers in South Africa have been able to install photovoltaic (PV) systems in their homes. Cala says this in turn has resulted in an increase in the number of solar solution providers entering the market. 

He says not all suppliers are equal in the quality of service that they provide. Homeowners have to make sure that they get the best value, best support and best installation available if they choose to install PV systems. All of these factors have a direct impact on the payback period for their systems. 

According to Cala, there are seven questions that every homeowner should ask a solar solutions provider before engaging their services. 

1. Does the business have a proven track record and a solid reputation? 

First and foremost, homeowners have to choose a company with a proven track record, which shows that their employees have the necessary experience and expertise to install reliable, efficient solar solutions. 

Find a company that has been in business for a number of years and is a stable operation. Remember that the lifespan of an energy system is crucial to its value, and a good system can reasonably be expected to last between 20 and 25 years. 

Solar technology is improving at a rapid pace to keep up with the fast-growing industry. It is therefore important that the company is up to date with the latest technology and is able to provide you with the best possible solar solutions on the market.

You therefore need to be sure that the company will remain in business for the entire period you will be using your system in order to deliver maintenance support. 

Homeowners are advised to get a third-party opinion. You can do this by looking up the company’s social media pages, online testimonials and reviews on sites like hellopeter.com, or speaking to neighbours or friends who have recently installed home PV systems. 

2. What is the return on investment? 

A good home solar energy system should reduce electricity costs by up to 70%, depending on the amount of roof space that the house has available. 

A proper solar solution should pay for itself in cost savings, and a carefully planned and designed solution could pay for itself within five years. Ask your supplier if they can make this promise. 

3. Are their systems regulation-compliant? 

Solar energy systems have to comply with local regulations and most municipalities require that homeowners apply for permission to connect their systems to the grid. 

Your solar solutions supplier should advise you on or even manage this process on your behalf to help ensure that your system is compliant. In our experience, we have seen homeowners with existing solutions discover that their original suppliers never registered their systems. This opens property owners up to the risk of steep fines. 

4. Is the company using the latest technology? 

Solar technology is improving at a rapid pace to keep up with the fast-growing industry.

It is therefore important that the company is up to date with the latest technology and is able to provide you with the best possible solar solutions on the market. 

Before installing a solar system, the company should first do a thorough home energy assessment, taking into account factors such as the size of the home, number of family members and the area in which the home is located.

5. Is the solution right for you?

A good solar solutions supplier takes the individual needs of their customers into account and offers customised solutions that meet their unique home energy requirements. 

Before installing a solar system, the company should first do a thorough home energy assessment, taking into account factors such as the size of the home, number of family members and the area in which the home is located. 

6. Does the supplier take a holistic approach? 

As much as 40% of the energy that traditional solar PV systems could generate, often goes unused. A smart system designer will make sure that the maximum amount of energy is produced as a result of smart design, optimised usage and efficient storage. 

A solar solutions provider should be able to see the bigger picture when it comes to helping homeowners save on electricity, and be able to recommend additional energy-efficient solutions as well. 

7.  Does the supplier have foresight? 

When you compare quotes from different suppliers, do not forget to ask some vital questions.

Finally, the expertise to help the homeowner plan properly are vital. When implementing a solar solution into a new home design, it is key that the supplier is capable of working with an architect and builder so that he/she understands the home’s requirements and effectively incorporates the system into the project plan. 

The company should have the skills to instruct your builder or electrician on how to install the required wiring as part of your renovation or building project to avoid extra costs later and a neat installation.