Choosing Between Local Solar PV Installation Companies vs. National Brands such as Octopus or Nationwide

Why Choosing the Right Solar PV Installer Matters

Investing in solar for your home is a 25+ year commitment – that’s at least how long these systems will last with modern warranty periods etc. It’s really important that you choose the right installer – if you want long term support and a good quality installation, you may better off seeking a long-established local over a national entity.

In any case its worthwhile doing your research, here are some pointers:

Local Solar Panel Installers vs. National Brands: Key Differences to Consider

Local solar panel installers often enter the industry out of passion for renewables/green-tech, environmental stewardship, experience etc. Without marketing budgets, they build their reputation through word-of-mouth – for this you must do a good quality installation. Good installers do the work entirely in-house, without subcontracting any element out (except scaffolding etc.)

National brands leverage economies of scale (Octopus) and big marketing campaigns but may lack deep, established community ties. They also outsource to subcontractors (Nationwide, E.On) and don’t necessarily have their own teams. Those sub-contractors just don’t have to be motivated by reputation in the way smaller companies do – as long as they don’t get significant complaints, they keep getting the work in from the main contractors.

How to Ensure Long-Term Support and Quality for Your Solar PV Installation

Local solar PV installers are more likely to treat each home/roof as a unique project - they may better seek an understanding of what your needs actually are and thus offer a better-tailored solutions for you. What do you want from your system? Energy independence? Back up from the grid? Lower your carbon footprint? Etc.

Be wary of the installer (local or otherwise) that is bent on steering you down a certain path re: tech, battery and inverter size etc. Big brands often rely on standardised systems for simplicity, which might not suit every roof type, household usage pattern, needs/wants and requirements. Smaller companies that do this may do so because they don’t have the experience with different systems, mounting kits etc. Often, if your house or home is non-stanadard (or doesn’t fit their typical installation model), you may find yourself paying a higher price.

Key consideration for long term help & support: Find a company that has direct access to knowledgeable staff, possibly including the business owner which will ensure prompt problem solving or remediation if required. National brands rely on broader teams, which can lead to delays or less personalised assistance – or they may turn to their T+C’s and leave you out in the cold.

Big one: look on Companies House to assess the viability of a company. Don’t know what you’re looking at? Find someone that has some idea. Look up the directors – what is their history. Have they bounced from company to company over the last decade? Are they directors of multiple companies? This may spell pump and dump – they’ll fold and run when industry times are hard having taken their share out of things, leaving you in the dark if you have problems. Look for someone that wears the tough times, a company that rides the Solar-Coaster and sticks it out - they’ll be around for a long time yet.

Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Solar Installer

Look at their website

Do they use stock imagery? Take some images form their site that are questionable and reverse image search them. The dead giveaway here is silver framed solar panels with blue cells. Do their photos show installations on typically British housing stock/roof types? What PPE are they wearing? Are they using US or European style hard hats and hi-vis jackets (usually orange jackets with yellow vis stripes)? Granted you may not be in the construction industry and so may not be able to tell – ask someone. Are they doing a proper job of using scaffolding etc? (The dodgy ones will do a 2+ storey house off ladders! Not good). Follow/find their socials – incl. LinkedIn.

Reviews

As a company, I do find that it is hard getting your customers to leave reviews. If a company is honest, chances are they won’t have that many unless they really, really nag their customers to do this – or fake them. That said, a small portion of them do. Look for a steady stream of positive reviews over a long period. Trustpilot and google reviews.

Snake Oil

Do they also try to sell you extra things like Voltage Optimisers etc. that you don’t need? If a site promotes solar-assisted heat pumps/thermodynamic panels, run!

Neighbours, friends and family. Do you know anyone that has had it done recently? Can they make any recommendations to you? Do you have tradespeople that you already trust? Can they recommend anyone (and in doing so, uphold their own reputation with you?)

MCS registration

People do go on about whether this is required. We would say that it is – and not just because it’s such a hard thing to uphold. These types of certifications shows that the company you have been working with has undergone the training required to undertake this kind of work.

Experience counts for so much too, how long has this company been around, and how long are they likely to be around?

You can get a good installation from Octopus. Likewise with OVO, E.On, Nationwide etc. But there is also a chance that you’ll get a really poor installation (I’d say 20-25%, based on what I have seen in this industry). Think of the installer’s incentive to get it right.

Key Takeaway

Whether you prioritise cost savings and standardisation (national brands) or bespoke solutions and local trust (local specialists), getting multiple quotes is crucial – get a feel for the company. Who will actually do your installation? It’ll help you understand your options and make an informed decision. Finally – and personally, do you want to pay for some CEO’s 4th ski-holiday of the season? Or climbing lessons for the daughter of a local firm’s owner?

Grid Neutral is Your Local Solar Panels Installer

Need a quote? Contact Grid Neutral today to get started on your solar journey! Our team of experts is ready to provide you with a tailored solution that meets your energy needs and budget. Let’s work together to make your home more sustainable and energy-efficient.