24 Sep The definitive checklist before hiring a solar installation

Solar photovoltaic energy from a solar installation has established itself as one of the best investments for homes and businesses, offering savings, sustainability, and energy independence. However, the success of your project depends largely on good planning and choosing the right installer. 

Before signing a contract, it’s a good idea to review several key points to ensure the investment will be secure, profitable, and long-lasting. To avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure a smooth, profitable investment, here’s a practical checklist to help you compare quotes and providers wisely.

Checklist for hiring a solar installation step by step

1. Evaluate your consumption and your goals: Before contacting any company to contract a solar installation, it is crucial that you have a clear idea of ​​what you expect from your installation and its technical feasibility.

• Review your electricity bills for at least 12 months. This will help you correctly size your installation.
• Define whether you want partial or total self-consumption, or even the sale of surpluses.
• Consider whether you plan to add electric cars, heat pumps, or new equipment in the future.
• Available space: Evaluate your roof or site. Does it have enough shadow-free space? What is its orientation?

2. Check that the installer is certified and experienced: Don’t settle for the first quote. Compare and evaluate. Request at least two quotes for your solar installation.

• Certifications and Accreditations: Search for accreditations, certifications, and references from similar projects. 
• Proximity: A local company can offer better after-sales support and faster response times.
• Check if they offer after-care maintenance and their own technical service.

3. Demand a personalized study (not just a standard quote)

• They must analyze orientation, inclination, shadows, roof structure and hourly consumption.
• The report must include a calculation of estimated production and return on investment.
• Ask what happens if actual production is lower than expected.

4. Know the quality of the equipment

• Make and model of panels, inverters, batteries (if any).
• Manufacturer and installer warranty (they are not the same).
• Efficiency, annual degradation and European certifications.

5. Check permits and aids

• Does the installer manage construction permits and procedures with the distributor?
• Are you responsible for applying for available grants and tax breaks?
• Request everything in writing: deadlines, rates, and conditions.

6. Clarify after-sales service

• Does it include online monitoring?
• Do you have direct contact with technicians or just a call center?
• What type of maintenance does the facility require? Is there preventive maintenance or just corrective maintenance?
• How are incidents or breakdowns managed?
• What is the exact process for injecting surpluses into the grid and offsetting them?
• Will I be able to expand my solar installation in the future?
• What is the estimated useful life of the main components?
• Do you have any client references I can contact?

7. Evaluate financing options

• Compare the installer’s own financing vs. banks vs. energy leasing.
• Ask if there are any penalties for early cancellation.
• Calculate the monthly payment vs. the estimated savings on the bill.

8. Ask for the entire contract in writing (and read it)

• Production or performance guarantees.
• Maintenance conditions and response in case of breakdown.
• Responsibilities in case of damage to the roof or structure.

Once you’ve reviewed all these points, you’ll have the information you need to make an informed decision about your future solar installation. Don’t be swayed by the lowest price alone; the quality of the components, the installer’s experience, and after-sales support are crucial to the long-term success of your solar investment.

And if you still have questions about any aspect of your solar installation, don’t be afraid to ask. A professional installer will answer clearly and patiently.

A solar installation is a long-term investment. By following this checklist, you can compare companies with objective data and choose the one that best suits your needs. At GenPower, we believe transparency and customization are key: that’s why we always conduct detailed preliminary studies, use top-quality equipment, and support our clients throughout the entire lifecycle of the installation.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about solar installations, please contact us and we will provide you with information without obligation.