PV -Magazine Prepares a guide for Zonne -Zonne installations, aimed at those interested in installation but are new to the market and want to make an informed decision. We have spoken with associations, installers and industrial specialists in large solar markets around the world to put together the best practical guidance and advice that apply to home institutions for home and everywhere in the world.
Following the first article in the series, where market leaders shared their top tips to consider and avoid red flags to be selected in selecting an installer, this second article adopts advice from leading associations, installers and industrial specialists in large solar markets around the world in the best ways to find an installer who finds you.
Find the right solar installation program
Different sources presented PV -Magazine That potential buyers use mouth -to use and speak with friends, neighbors or acquaintances who had a good experience in installing home sings to find a reliable company. Ahmed AshrafBusiness Development Lead at Saudi Arabia based Halla -EnergyThe aforementioned mouth -mouth advertising is particularly useful in countries where the residential solar market is saturated with a lot of choice.
The internet is a valuable but enormous source of information on potential solar installers. Industrial leaders propose to search for forums and social media pages to find positive testimonies from former buyers. According to AshrafLinkedIn can be a good tool if you want to make direct contact with sales representatives.
Checking whether installers are registered with a recognized branch organization can also help homeowners feel safe that they are dealing with a reputable and reliable installation program. Some countries have registers of certified installers, as established in the UK MCS Certifieds Contractor tool. In some countries, the National Solar Association, National Renewable Energy Association of National Association of Electrical Contractors may also offer a list of renowned installers. Examples are the German solar associationS Tradesman search.
Jacopo PiccagaliProject and policy officer at Solarpower Europepointed to a list of Solar associations throughout Europe on the SolarPower Europe and Europe’s list of National associations of electrical contractors To find the right contact.
In some countries, the best way to look for an installation program can be at local, instead of being a national level, especially if the country has national or regional levels of energy associations. Examples are the California Solar & Storage Association In the United States, who can confirm whether a local contractor is a member of his board. Other places that could possibly help homeowners with their search, include their local municipal planning authority or local distribution network operator.
And although it may not help with finding an installation program, a free tool that is available in some countries is a solar card or atlas, such as the German space center, that can help you determine the potential of solar energy on your house.
When asked by PV -Magazine If homeowners have to choose a large company or a small -scale installation program to complete their installation, sources said it is ultimately due to individual preference, with both options that offer different benefits.
“Large companies tend to offer structured service, robust guarantees and reliability, although they can reach a higher price,” said Ashraf. “Small installers, on the other hand, often offer more personalized service and lower costs, but require thorough control to guarantee reliability.”
Verify information from a solar installation program
The key to checking the reliability of an installation program is to view their available certifications and licenses by contacting the relevant authorities. Such a confirmation can testify to the technical possibility of an installation program, as well as compliance with the regulations. You have the right to ask to see details of the required certifications and this must be information on which the installer is happy to provide details.
It is important to know that some certifications will be mandatory, while others optionally. When in doubt, an industrial association or the certifiers must be able to give you clarity.
In many countries, such as South Africa, an electricity contractor may need a valid Wireman’s License to do the work. “Homeowners have the right to request proof of this license and to verify its authenticity,” advised Sinethemba MnguniJunior Technical Specialist at SapviaThe South African photovoltaic industrial association.
In some countries it will be possible to contact the relevant government authorities, such as the Guild Guilds in Germany. In other cases, local authorities can also check licenses. Homeowners can also check whether a company is correctly registered with the help of services such as a Chamber of Commerce. Italia SolareS Cecilia Bergamasco Added that another way to check companies that adhere to the tax regulations would be to check the financial stability of an installation program online.
Sources also proposed to verify the possibilities of an installation program by assessing earlier work. Héctor de LamaTechnical director of Spain UNEFsaid that some installers post photos and technical information from previous installations on their social media pages.
Ahmad TahaChief Marketing Officer located at Tanzania AG -ENERGIESIs one of those which suggests references from previous customers as a good way to verify the track record of an installation program. Homeowners were also able to consult former customers to ask questions about how the service was carried out, how long it took and whether there would be administrative obstacles to overcome.
Another way can visit an existing installation and see how it works firsthand, which Ashraf Added is a “excellent way to assess the quality and performance of the work of an installation program before he makes a decision.”
In the next part of the series, PV -Magazine will relate to how you can contact and share information with the installer and which services must be included in their offer. In the first part we have treated the most important considerations to make and red flags to avoid when we go solar energy.
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