Sun Switch blog

8 Questions You Must Ask Any Solar PV Supplier

There are lots of reasons for choosing to install solar PV panels on your roof, but how do you go about choosing a solar PV supplier? Here are some questions that we think you should aim to get answers for. Some will be apparent from looking at websites, others you will have to ask in person or over the telephone. It’s important that you are satisfied with the answers; while a solar PV system is a sound investment, it is a serious investment and should be treated as such.

1. How long have you been in the business?

Because the benefits of solar PV and energy efficiency are so great, lots of new companies have sprung up to take advantage of people’s interest in these areas. So find out how long they’ve been providing these, or similar services. Sun Switch is brought to you by National Energy Services, a well-established energy efficiency organisation based at the National Energy Centre in Milton Keynes. We have over 25 years’ experience of helping individuals and organisations to improve energy efficiency in their homes and commercial premises. So it’s safe to say we’ve been doing this for a while, and we know what we’re talking about!

2. Will you subcontract any of the work, and if so, to who?

Specifying and installing a solar PV system is a complicated job. There’s no reason why any PV supplier shouldn’t subcontract out part of the work, but you should find out who to. Sun Switch has partnered with J Tomlinson for installations. With over 60 years’ experience of designing and installing mechanical and electrical services, J Tomlinson is NES’s partner of choice to install Sun Switch PV systems.

3. Can you provide testimonials from existing customers?

Any good PV supplier will want to shout from the rooftops about their happy customers! If there aren’t any testimonials on the website, do ask. We’ve published a few testimonials on our website from genuine, happy customers. Make sure you can read quotes from customers and see photos of previous installations.

4. How much energy will the system generate, and for how long?

You should ensure that the system you are buying is of the highest quality and generates enough clean, renewable energy for your needs. Not only is this important now, but also in the years to come. Sun Switch only uses high-quality Schuco panels, with an output tolerance of +5% and -0%. By comparison, many Chinese panels are +3% and -3%. Schuco warrants the electrical output of the Solar PV Panels to be no less than 80% of their designed performance after 25 years. Read more about our guarantees.

5. What does the quote cover?

Ensure there aren’t any hidden surprises, and that the price you are quoted is the price you pay. Sun Switch will be glad to provide you with a free survey and proposal. The proposal covers the system cost along with any installation costs, such as special scaffolding requirements or other additional work, as well as giving a full breakdown of the energy and income the system is likely to generate.

6. Are you talking to a salesperson, or a PV expert?

Make sure that you talk to a person that understands the finer details of PV and of the system you are buying. All our Solar PV System Designers are professionally qualified energy assessors, passionate about energy efficiency, and can answer questions you have about the system and PV in general.

7. How long does the installation take?

You should ask how long the installation will take, and what to expect during that time period. For most Sun Switch systems, the full installation will take two days to complete, and we’ll need to access to various parts of your home. Before we leave, the system will be checked and fully explained to you. To ensure minimum disruption to you we will clear surplus debris and make arrangements for the removal of the scaffolding.

8. Are you and your products accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme?

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is an independent scheme that certifies microgeneration products and installers in accordance with consistent standards. The primary aim of the MCS is to provide consumers with confidence and protection by evaluating microgeneration products and installers against robust criteria. The MCS is the only certification scheme to cover all microgeneration products and services, and has support from the government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change. Sun Switch uses Schuco panels that are MCS-approved products. Our installation partner, J Tomlinson, are MCS-accredited for solar PV systems.

Summary

Make sure you get all these questions answered, as well as any others that are relevant to you. You aren’t expected to be an expert, but your supplier should be, so make sure you are confident in them and their services. And if you want to talk to us, or you’d like us to come round for a free site visit, don’t hesitate to get in touch.