How to Choose the Right Renewable Energy Installer

Posted by ISO Energy on 12th October 2022 -

In recent years the introduction of government subsidies to the renewable energy market encouraged a large influx of new installers. To the inexperienced purchaser, the range of choices and options may at times, prove overwhelming. Telling the difference between an experienced and reliable company and the more opportunistic and untested can be difficult.

Unfortunately, this difference is vital to ensure a high-quality end-product and a system that the client will be happy with. No two projects are the same so good product selection and effective design are key, particularly when considering air source heat pumps or ground source heat pumps. Some installers may prove excellent at using one favoured brand or technology, but lack the experience to use other systems that may prove a better fit for your needs. Other installers are willing to use any product but lack the in-depth knowledge and technical know-how that comes with experience. A good installer should be willing and able to offer you a realistic alternative product, have a good level of prior experience and be able to guide you with sound and clear reasoning on why a certain product suits your particular needs.

First and foremost, do you know anyone who has a renewable energy system themselves and would be prepared to recommend an installer to you? Having information from someone you trust is worth a lot of weight in making a decision. After all, so far in 2022, 80% of isoenergy’s new business has come from customer referrals. If you don’t know anyone who can make a recommendation, here are some tips.

What to ask an installer?

• How long has your installer been in this market and do they have experience with both the product and building type you have chosen?
• What’s their financial track record like?
• Can they show you any examples of their work and support them with actual running data?
• Have they any clients willing to endorse their services

The number of prior installations they have carried out and the level of customer satisfaction are also important facts to check out.

If they aren’t willing to provide case studies or let you visit prior installations, then you should consider searching elsewhere. Being able to trust your installer is vital. The quality of the information and explanation provided both before and during the installation is a good indicator of their quality as is the level of post-project support they provide. Speaking to existing clients will help you establish that.

Examining all of this, as well as more in-depth questions like ‘how financially secure is the company?’ provides a solid foundation during the selection process. Be prepared to take time and care doing this, the effort spent now will save a fortune in both time and money later. A faulty installation and sub-par service is always the more costly choice.

Product selection is a similarly in-depth process though a good installer will likely provide some measure of advice and guidance in this stage. A good installer will be impartial to the specific technology used. Instead they should focus on what will suit your needs even if that means sending you elsewhere. A bad one will herd you towards their preferred brands and models regardless of suitability.

Things to consider about your choice of product include:

Manufacturers: How well established they are and how long their business has been in the market are important things to check. Generally speaking the best, most reliable manufacturers have been established elsewhere in Europe before making the move to the UK. Being able to access a UK based website and English manuals is also a good sign, as is a solid reputation for quality and reliability in the market as a whole.

The availability of a UK branch or agent is also a key consideration as is the length of time they have been operating within the country. You need to give thought to the availability of spare parts and replacements and who stocks them and how quickly they can be made available should you suffer a break down. Knowing what your options are if the manufacturer goes out of business or leaves UK operations is also something worth thinking about.

Here at isoenergy we’ve been actively involved in the renewable energy business for over twelve years. We’ve conducted over 1,300 installations across England and Wales and have particular expertise with hard-to-heat homes such as listed properties. We also endeavour to provide an extensive service and maintenance package to ensure continued efficiency beyond the original installation.

If you have been provided a proposal by another company, you can discuss it with our team here who will help you identify the differences between their proposal and our offering to you. What may seem cheaper on paper may not turn out to be cheaper in the whole.

If you are considering renewable energy for your property, get in touch for a free, no obligation discussion and a site visit if required.