What to do if you've had a bad solar PV installation, and how to avoid the Cowboys
April 7, 2023
Information
Unfortunately, despite plenty of trustworthy and honest solar PV installers across Sussex, some cowboys cut corners and provide poor service. Solar PV systems are complicated, expensive pieces of equipment that require expert installation to work efficiently and safely.
You must always choose a solar installer with a proven track record, otherwise, you run the risk of, at best, a solar panel system that doesn’t function correctly, and at worst, having to spend a lot of additional money having it fixed.
At Savent Solar, sadly we get called to fix the work of shoddy solar panel installers regularly, and the costs can easily run into the thousands. In this guide, we’re going to talk through some of the signs that you may have worked with a poor solar panel installer, and what to do if you have.
How to spot the signs of a bad solar panel installer
This is not an exhaustive list, but it should give you some useful pieces of advice to help spot some of the main red flags.
- Cold Calls & High-Pressure Tactics: We recommend treating unsolicited phone calls, emails, or door-to-door visits from solar installers with caution. Reputable solar installers generally do not use these sorts of tactics.
Unreputable solar installers may use high-pressure tactics to encourage quick and unconsidered decisions. An example of this could be a one-time or time-limited offer, or a discount for additional services. Legitimate solar installers will provide the information you need and let you make an informed decision.
Be cautious of installers who promise you massive savings or that their system will pay for itself in a short amount of time. Depending on your usage, installation and the prevailing energy prices, solar panels generally take 10-15 years to pay for themselves.
- Lack of MCS Accreditation: Legitimate solar installers should be licensed and certified by an MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) appointed body. Ask to see their credentials and research the installer online. Technology which is MCS accredited has been installed to a high standard and will operate both safely and efficiently. The MCS is certified by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
- No Physical Address or Office: Be very cautious of solar panel installers who do not have a physical office or if their address cannot be verified. Any reputable company should have a listed address, as well as a functioning website and Google Business Profile.
Likewise, genuine, reliable solar installers should be able to provide references or have positive reviews from previous customers. If the installer cannot provide any, it might be a cause for concern.
- Incomplete, Vague Contracts or Large Payments Upfront: Make sure the contract with your installers outlines all the details of the installation, including costs, equipment specifications, and warranty information. Unreputable companies often use vague contract wording to avoid their obligations.
Similarly, be wary of companies that insist on large upfront payments before starting work. We’ve heard of companies that take your money and then disappear. Legitimate companies typically request a reasonable deposit, with the balance due upon completion.
On one project we had to fix, the original installers disappeared the next day never to be heard of again. Another team kept saying they would send the MCS to the customer, whilst demanding final payment for work they hadn’t completed. We’ve also heard of cowboys leaving without supplying any warranties, a registration with UK Power Networks, an electrical certificate or a microgeneration certificate (MCS).
- Poor Communication: If the installer is unresponsive, doesn't answer your questions adequately, or avoids providing clear information, we recommend proceeding with caution. For such a large investment, your solar installer should ensure you are very clear with what you are getting, the timescales for the installation, and what you can expect afterwards.
What to do if your solar installation has gone wrong
Contact Savent Solar
If you think your solar panel installation is not up to scratch, there are several things you need to do. As we’ve said previously, it may be the case that your system simply isn’t functioning efficiently or correctly, but in extreme cases, there could be a safety issue.
We’ve got plenty of experience in diagnosing and fixing shoddy jobs from unreputable installers. Whether it’s the wiring or the installation of the panels themselves, we’ll take time to check the entire system and propose a solution. We’ll also work with an electrician to ensure everything works properly, and to provide you with your MCS certification.
Keep all your documents and get everything in writing
Whenever you’re dealing with a solar panel installer, reputable or otherwise, make sure you keep all of your documentation and try to get everything in writing. This will give you something to refer back to, should it be required, and also ensure that all parties are in agreement with what’s required. Any good, legitimate solar panel installer will have no problem with this as the benefits work both ways.
We recommend that even conversations that take place over the phone or in person are summarised via email afterwards. We also recommend that you get an itemised proposal and a clear contract to sign.
If you’ve been the victim of a cowboy solar installer and you think you need expert help, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ve got plenty of experience in rectifying bad installs and ensuring that your system works at maximum efficiency for years to come.