How can I ensure the quality of my solar PV product and installation?
When it comes to investing in solar and/or batteries, ensuring that both the products you choose and the installation quality are top-notch is crucial. Solar is a long-term investment, so making sure it lasts, performs well, and gives you peace of mind is important. Here are some essential factors to consider:
Choose reputable products and brands
Selecting reliable, trusted brands for your solar products is the first step towards guaranteeing quality. Opting for brands with good reputations helps ensure reliability, durability and excellent performance. Brands like JA Solar, Longi, Trina, and Q-Cells are popular choices, but don't be put off by somewhat newer brands like Aiko. Creative Low Carbon are big fans of Aiko thanks to their industry shaking innovations, such as cell level optimisation.
Similarly, picking dependable mounting system brands like Clenergy, Fastensol, and Renusol will ensure your installation remains secure, weather-resistant, and safe over decades.
Look for robust product warranties
High-quality solar products usually come with comprehensive manufacturer warranties. Typically, a good solar panel warranty includes:
Product Warranty: Covering defects or faults, usually lasting from 25 - 30 years.
Performance Warranty: Guaranteeing panels maintain at least 80–90% of their original output after 25 years.
The failure rate of panels is extremely low, they're also very cheap to replace in most cases. We would encourage you to focus more on the heart of the system, your inverter and battery/batteries. These warranties are typically:
Product Warranty: Covering defects or faults, usually lasting from 5 to 15 years.
Performance Warranty: Guaranteeing a minimum usable capacity after a given amount of 'cycles'
Some manufacturers (like SigEnergy) guarantee a throughput of energy opposed to a usable capacity after X cycles
Always ask about these warranties before committing to a specific brand or installer. Reliable manufacturers and installers should readily provide warranty documentation and explain exactly what's covered.
Choose a qualified, accredited installer
Selecting an experienced, professional installer is equally critical for your solar project. Solar PV installation involves electrical work and specific structural considerations, so it’s vital that installation teams hold the appropriate qualifications and accreditations.
Creative Low Carbon holds all relevant accreditations and qualifications to deliver installations to industry-best standards, ensuring your system is safe, effective, and professionally completed.
Ask about installer workmanship warranties
Beyond product warranties, reputable installers also offer workmanship warranties. These guarantees cover the quality of the installation work itself and ensure that any installation-related issues are corrected free of charge within a specified timeframe. A typical workmanship warranty will range from 2 to 5 years, depending on the installer.
At Creative Low Carbon, our customers enjoy clear, comprehensive workmanship warranties. This warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that your installation quality is fully backed and any potential issues will be addressed promptly for 5 years.
Read reviews and ask for references
Customer reviews and testimonials are valuable tools for evaluating both product quality and installer professionalism. Browse online reviews, testimonials on installers' websites. Platforms like TrustPilot or Google Reviews aren't always best to get a clear picture of customer satisfaction, as they're easily spoofed. We would recommend seeing real installations, and speaking to existing customers if they can be provided.
Asking your installer for direct references or examples of recent installations in your local area can also provide valuable insights. A reputable installer will be more than happy to provide these references.
Stay informed throughout the installation process
A professional installation team should keep you well-informed at every step, explaining clearly what they are doing, why, and when each step will be completed. If something isn't clear, always feel confident to ask questions. Transparent communication is a hallmark of a high-quality installation service.
Creative Low Carbon ensures you are fully informed and comfortable at every stage of your installation. Our team proactively communicates, ensuring you know exactly what to expect from day one.
Final inspections and certification
Once your installation is complete, a professional installer will conduct thorough inspections and electrical testing. They will also provide all necessary certification and documentation proving your system meets required standards. Keep this documentation safe, as you might need it in the future—for instance, when selling your property or for warranty claims.
At Creative Low Carbon, our final inspection process is meticulous and comprehensive. We provide clear documentation, ensuring your installation meets every regulatory requirement and provides lasting peace of mind.
If you’d like advice or have questions about ensuring high-quality solar PV products and installation, please get in touch with our experienced and friendly team. We're always here to help guide you through the process, step by step.
