Installing solar panels at your home or business premises can give you peace of mind as you no longer have to worry about the impact that your electricity bill has on your bank balance. The first challenge you face when considering installing a solar PV system and reaping these benefits is obtaining solar panels quotes. You might wonder from whom to get the quotation, how many quotes to obtain, what factors to consider before requesting solar quotation, and how to understand the given quotations from installers. These are all questions you may have encountered before. However, here we will provide you with the information you need to ask/understand before obtaining a solar panel quotation from an MCS certified installer. We will also guide you on what a solar panel quote is and what it entails.

To receive free solar panel quotes, simply fill out our quotation form, which takes no longer than one minute to complete. After submitting the form, a professional from MAK Energy will promptly get in touch with you and provide you with a competitively priced solar panel quotation. If you have already obtained quote for solar panels, don’t wait until tomorrow. Get your solar system installed now and start enjoying free electricity for years to come.

13 Things to Ask Before Getting Solar Panel Quotes

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1 – Why Get a Solar Panel Quote?

Before getting a solar panel system installed, individuals typically want to gather information about it. One would obtain a solar quote to learn about the cost, specifications, and available options for installing solar panels. Getting a quote enables individuals to assess the financial feasibility of solar panel installation, compare prices and offerings from different providers, and make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the project. It provides valuable information about the required investment, potential savings on electricity bills, and the overall benefits of switching to solar energy.

2 – How Much Electricity Do You Use Annually?

The first and foremost thing you need to check before obtaining solar panels quotes is your annual electricity usage. This will help you determine your energy consumption and the appropriate size of solar panels you require. To check your annual electricity usage, simply refer to your electricity bills from the past 12 months. If you are unable to find this information, contact your supplier, and they will provide you with the necessary details. On average, a 3-bedroom home consumes approximately 3000 kW per year, and for such homes, a 3-4 kW solar system is typically sufficient to power the electricity needs of the house.

3 – Is Your Electricity Usage Going to Increase Soon?

Are you planning to install any new electric appliances in the near future that could potentially increase your electricity bill? For example, if you’re considering installing a heating system or a heat-only boiler in a large house, or if you plan to have an electric vehicle charging point at home, it is crucial to take these factors into account before obtaining solar panel quotes. Failing to consider these future plans may result in higher energy usage and a solar panel system with insufficient capacity, leading to continued high electricity bills. Therefore, it is important to keep your future plans in mind when requesting solar panels quotes.

4 – Where You Will Install the Solar Panels – Roof Top or Ground Mounted?

Not every rooftop is suitable for solar panel installation due to various factors such as shading areas near the roof, the condition of the roof, and its design. It is essential to assess the location where your solar panel system will be installed before obtaining a quote for solar panels.

5 – What Type of Solar Panel Will You Need?

Usually, two types of solar panels are commonly used: monocrystalline and polycrystalline.

Monocrystalline

Monocrystalline solar panels are generally more expensive compared to other types of solar panels, but they offer higher efficiency rates. Their efficiency typically ranges between 15% to 25%.

Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline solar panels are a cost-effective option that is more affordable than monocrystalline panels, although they have slightly lower efficiency. Despite this, they remain highly effective and environmentally friendly. The efficiency of polycrystalline solar panels typically ranges between 13% and 17%.

6 – Is Your Roof Suitable?

In most cases, solar panels are installed on rooftops. However, it is important to determine if your roof is suitable for solar panel installation before obtaining solar panel quotes. Suitability means ensuring that your roof has sufficient space and that the panels can be tilted vertically at an angle between 30 and 45 degrees. This angle ensures that the solar panels are optimally exposed to sunlight, resulting in increased electricity generation.

7 – Does Installer Hold the MCS Certification?

The MCS Certification is a quality assurance initiative that ensures the installer is well-equipped and maintains quality and reliability for the customer. Therefore, it is important to check whether the installer from whom you are obtaining the solar panel quote is MCS certified. If they are certified, you can proceed with confidence. However, if the installer is not certified, it is advisable not to obtain a quote for solar panels from them.

8 – How Many solar Panels Quotes Should I Get?

The more sources of information you have, the more familiar you become with solar PV systems. This holds true for obtaining quotes for solar panels as well. It is recommended to gather at least three quotations from competitive installers and compare their products and costs. Remember that cheaper isn’t always better. Therefore, it is important not to rely solely on the price but also consider factors such as the quality of products, the reputation of the installation company, and the number of systems they have successfully installed.

9 – What is a Feasibility Study?

The assessment of a solar system’s financial and technical aspects is commonly known as the feasibility study of the solar panel system. This study serves as the initial step in evaluating a new renewable energy project. The scope of the feasibility study depends on the size of the system, whether it is small or large. However, typically, a feasibility study assesses the following areas:

• Project Background
• Site Selection
• Recommended Technologies
• Economic Analysis
• Community Impact

10 – What Should Solar Panels Quotes Include?

Geographical location and number of sunlight hours your house receive every day make huge impact on the productivity of the system. and the quote should start off with consideration of geographical location and sunlight hours.

11 – List Of Hardware Included in The System

The hardware usually includes the solar panels, solar inverter, batteries, racking, brackets and other important parts for the system. these are the hardware for the new panel system installation. if you already have installed system at your place and want to upgrade it, the case could be different. But usually following are the items are included in the quotation:

• Solar Panels
• Solar Inverter
• Brackets
• Racking
• Batteries (Optional)
• Mounting Structure
• Scaffolding.

Any Warranty

The solar panel quotation should include a warranty that covers all defects in the solar system. These defects may include issues such as reduced production of solar panels, disconnected cables, failed isolators due to water damage, or a loose racking system. While warranty terms may vary among different suppliers, typically, solar panels come with a 25-year warranty. They often provide a 90% production warranty for the first 10 years and an 80% production warranty at 25 years.

Proposed Roof Plan Sketch

To alleviate any concerns about whether your roof is suitable for solar panels, a solar panel quotation should include the proposed layout of the solar panels on your roof. It should clearly indicate the tilt, spacing, and orientation of the panels. This information allows you to assess whether the proposed layout is suitable and practical for your specific needs.

12 – Brands of the Items Use in the System

The solar panel quotes should also include the company of solar panels, which company of solar inverter will be used and batteries if added. You can yourself research about the best solar panels before getting a quotation.

Number of Panels

You must be aware of the number of solar panels that will be installed, and this information should be included in the solar panel quotation. The number of panels will impact the size of the installation and the area they will cover.

Projected Energy Output

The projected output refers to the estimated energy production of the solar panel system. It is important to know how much electricity your solar panel system will generate throughout the year. Additionally, it is crucial to check whether the solar panels quote indicates any potential deficiencies in the solar panel production, such as shading issues. This estimate will provide a more accurate assessment of the expected energy output.

Projected Money saving

The solar panels quote will also outline the potential savings on your energy bill that can be achieved by installing the particular system. This projection will be based on the information you provide about your annual electricity consumption to the supplier. It’s important to note that if you increase your electricity usage after installing the solar system, the savings will naturally decrease accordingly.

13 – Overall Cost of Your System   

The total cost will encompass the breakdown of hardware prices, installation charges, and labour costs. The solar panels quote should include a clear outline of individual items to ensure transparency and clarity. Additionally, the quotation should account for any additional costs related to tiled roofs or split arrays.

We hope you now understand how to prepare for the solar panels quotes and what should be included in it. If you are in need of a solar panel quotation, MAK Energy is here to assist you. To obtain a free quotation, simply leave us a message or fill out the quotation form.