Key Questions to Ask Your Solar Installer: Ensuring a Smooth Installation Process

Installing solar panels is a significant investment for your business, and choosing the right installer is crucial. Having a good installation experience will cost money - having a bad installation experience will cost a lot more! To ensure you make a well-informed decision, here are some essential questions to ask your solar installer before proceeding.

1. Can You Help Me with Grant Applications?

There are a variety of grants available for solar PV installations and your installer will be able to help guide you in the right direction and will also support your application. Ensure they are properly certified to allow you to claim the maximum grant.

• Grant Eligibility: What grants or incentives am I eligible for? Which one do you recommend and why?
• Application Process: Do you assist with the paperwork and submission process? What will I need to make a successful claim? 
• Timelines: How long does it typically take to receive approval for my grant and will I receive the money before or after I pay you??



2. How Will the Installation Impact My Business Operations?

If you're a business owner, it's important to understand how the installation may affect your daily operations:

• Installation Timeline: How long will the installation take, and will it disrupt my business? Will there be heavy machinery on site and do you need any special access? 
• Working Hours: Will your team work during regular business hours, or will it be scheduled outside of these times?
• Noise and Disturbance: What level of noise can I expect during the installation?
• Power outage - Will I lose power when my solar installation is being connected? For how long? 

3. What Steps Do You Take to Handle Complaints?

Understanding how the installer manages complaints can give you peace of mind:

• Complaint Resolution Process: What is your procedure for handling customer complaints? Have you had any issues in the past?
• Warranty and Guarantees: What warranties do you offer, and how do they protect against defects? What do you protect against and what might I need to contact the manufacturer about? How do I contact the manufacturer?

4. What Regulations Should I Be Aware Of?

Solar PV installations must comply with various regulations. New planning permission exemptions for rooftop solar panels came into effect in October 2022, with the aim of fast tracking our national solar uptake. if you are within a safeguarding zone, you are restricted to 300 square meters, without needing planning permission. Ground mount installations of more than 17 kWp also need planning permission. 

• Local Regulations: Does my business fall within one of the Solar Safeguarding Zones? https://housinggovie.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=5d9bad421ce242b280cd709d4c50afca 
• Compliance: Will this installation have any environmental impact? How do I ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations?

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/9ba0e-new-planning-permission-exemptions-for-rooftop-solar-panels-on-homes-and-other-buildings/

5. What Business Impact Should I Expect During Installation?

Understanding potential business impacts can help you plan accordingly and select the right installer. Installers should work with you to minimise business impact, though you should flag any particular concerns in advance of work starting.

• Downtime: Will there be any downtime required for my business, and if so, how long will it last?
• Preparation: Are there any preparations I need to make before installation begins? Does my roof need any prepping or cleaning in advance? Are there any ground or civil works I need to complete separately?
• Post-Installation Support: What ongoing support do you provide once the installation is complete? How does the monitoring app work? Where will the data be sourced from?

6. What is Excluded from the Terms of Work?

It’s crucial to understand what may not be covered in your contract. Each project is different and your project team will be able to guide you, depending on your site and project.

• Exclusions: What specific tasks or issues are excluded from the installation agreement? Are these things I will need a specialist for? Or should I be able to complete these myself?
• Additional Costs: Are there potential additional costs I should be aware of? Will your installer leave the job complete and switched on, or will they need someone else to finalise the project? What about monitoring of the project? Will they have an app up and running for you on the day of installation?
• Liabilities: What liabilities do you hold, and what falls under the client's responsibility?
• Health and Safety: Who is responsible ? 

7. Can I add on to an existing solar project?

Whether you want to extend an existing project, or you want to start with a small project, your installer will help you plan. You will be limited by your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) in the first instance, though you can upgrade your line if necessary.

If you are adding to your existing system, your installer will need to know current connection size, MIC and details of cables and inverters to price the extension correctly. 

If you are planning on a future upgrade, or getting additional work done in the future, keep all documentation and drawings in a safe place, to make it easier to share and plan for future developments.

8. Financing Options

Many installers can help with financing, whether supporting grants for CapEx projects, or connecting you with a financier for PPA projects. Review information from your installer to understand the payback period for a CapEx project, compared with the unit rate for a PPA project.

It’s important to understand what is covered in your after-sales service. Will they monitor your software over the lifetime of the project? Is annual cleaning included? What about call out fees?

Finally…

Choosing the right solar installer is key to a successful and hassle-free installation. By asking these questions, you can ensure that you select a professional who prioritises safety, compliance and customer satisfaction. Each project is different, so utilise your installers expertise to ensure you are maximising your investment. We will be working through answers these questions and more, over the coming weeks. We welcome your thoughts and input - should you wish to contact us.

Take the time to research and engage with your installer, and you'll be well on your way to harnessing the power of solar energy for your home or business. Contact Kale@ShannonEnergy.com to find out more about how we at Shannon Energy can help with your smooth and safe solar installation.