Solar panel guarantee risk?

Obukit

Quick question - I see talk on here about solar panel companies saying they're not renewing registrations, wholesalers who have no trade... is it not massively risky that any solar install company could be out if business very soon? That means if there are any issues you'll be on your own getting the kit off the roof?

I only ask because I have a friend in a not dissimilar situation. If he has any faults the equipment company will fix it - if he pays £600 for the scaffolding.

If you're having any installs before April I would insist on paying by credit card. :eek:

EricMears

Obukit wrote: »

Quick question - I see talk on here about solar panel companies saying they're not renewing registrations, wholesalers who have no trade... is it not massively risky that any solar install company could be out if business very soon? That means if there are any issues you'll be on your own getting the kit off the roof?

I only ask because I have a friend in a not dissimilar situation. If he has any faults the equipment company will fix it - if he pays £600 for the scaffolding.

If you're having any installs before April I would insist on paying by credit card.

Any 'guarantee' is only as secure as the company that issues it. Ideal situation would to have an insurance company backed guarantee.

No need to pay all of the costs by credit card; the company will quite reasonably point out the commission charged by CC companies. But most would probably accept a deposit by CC which should be enough for the CC issuer to havejoint responsibility for the full cost.

chaoszone

I figure that after doing a lot of researching of various companies the fact that eco-cute offer insurance backed products is one of the things that swung it for me. (Two other major factors are that it's a Which! Trusted Trader & Trading Standards approved.) I've been stung with cowboys in the past and am more wary if there's less backing for if they go under.

Cottage_Economy

All the guarantees with the panels I'm having installed next week are insurance backed.

My deposit is also insurance backed.

I also checked that there was nothing in the terms and conditions of the insurance that the panels require a yearly service or inspection (I think that will be the next money spinner for the industry).

The_Green_Hornet

I suppose it all depends on how you evaluate the risk of your panels becoming faulty and whether you think the cost of insurance is worth it.

World’s First Modern Solar Panel Still Works After 60 Years

https://inhabitat.com/worlds-first-modern-solar-panel-still-works-after-60-years/