Choosing the Correct Installer

Choosing the correct solar installer is very important.

Having a solar system installed, whether it be thermal or PV is an important decision. Having the installation done by professional, qualified installers is the next decission. 

Here are some pointers to help you make the right decission.

1. Find out how long they have been in the solar business.

Lincs Solar Ltd have been in business since October 2006

2. Ask if they sub-contract any of the work and if so, to who.

We have a roofer that sub-contracts to us for the installation of the panels on the roof.

3. Are they qualified electricians.

Our installers are Elecsa Approved Contractors, fully qualified electricians to 17th edition Part P.
Also qualified Logic Certification Solar Photovoltaic Installers.
 
Electrical work can be necessary with a thermal install, not just a PV install.

4. Ask for recommendations from previous installations.

Lincs Solar Ltd thrive in the knowledge that we have so many satisfied customers and we have a folder especially for their comments and recommendations.

5. Make sure the quotation is comprehensive - it should itemise all of the equipment to be installed.

Our quotations include an itemised listing of equipment used in an installation, where this equipment is to be located and SAP calculations.

6. Get companies to give an estimate of how much the system will generate.

 SAP calculations are an estimated prediction of energy to be generated.

7. Ask for advice on the size of the system, don't be sold a system on a standard size kit.

We discuss with our customer what their needs are and expectations are from having a solar system installed.

Size of system will depend on several factors:

PV
*  which type of PV cell you choose, 
*  how good your site is,
*  which part of the country you live in
*  how much electricity you want to generate
*  how much electricity you want to be able to export
*  affordability 
As an example: a 1 kWp system will generate an average of 850kWh of power in the UK. Most domestic systems are between 1.5 and 3 kWp.
Thermal
*  what your hot water needs are
*  how many people live at the property
*  whether you have south facing or east west roof
*  whether you have a conventional cylinder system or a combi boiler

8. Ask what the benefits of the diffferent modules is.

There are 2 different types of solar PV panels that we use, Polycrystalline and Monocrystalline.
Crystalline silcon technology is the most commonly used in the UK and the most efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. It consists of thin slices of silicon cut from a single crystal (monocrystalline) or from a block of crystals (polycrystalline).

Monocrystalline performs most efficiently with modules typically converting 15% of solar radiation into electrical energy, and with the best products reaching 21.5%

Polycrystalline silicon converts between 8 and 12% of solar radiation into electricity.

9. Get a really good feel for what the person's like. Talk to them and make sure you feel they really understand what they are talking about and that they are an engineer and not just a salesman.

As a MCS registered company we have to be able to comply with their specifications and requirements, not only as installers but in the office as well. Being aware of the latest building regulations, wiring regulations, national & international standards and approved documents needed.
We are also members of the REAL assurance and have to keep our work to standard.

10. Make sure they look at the fuse box and look at the structure of the roof.

Lincs Solar Ltd do a full survey of your property. This includes checking the fuse board and roof structure and attic space. A roof has to be in good condition for solar panels to be installed on, have minimal shading and space for the panels. 
At the time of this survey, we take photos of your property, for the installation of a solar system to be installed, for our records only.