Choosing the right company or person to do your Solar System can be very cumbersome.

The fear of regret after choosing the wrong person is always real. Yet in most circumstances, the wrong people or companies are the ones that appear with the most exciting offers, as they are patient and willing to work with your budget as opposed to working with a practical design.

Practical guide to choosing the right solar Installer for your project.

1. Are they Qualified?

Your solar system needs to be done by someone who is trained to do Solar and more so trained by a legitimate verifiable institution? In recent years there has been a spiral growth in the number of institutions offering fly-by-night solar training courses as a response to the national power crisis. However, not all are offering legitimate training as the emphasis may be on the money as opposed to quality. A customer has the responsibility of checking whether their prospective installer has the right credentials to do the job.

2. Do they have a Physical Address

One of the most important things in choosing who is to do your solar installation is whether the Installer has a verifiable physical address. In cases of challenges that are always part of any project, a customer needs to know that their service provider must be physically reachable. The majority of those that have no physical addresses may prove to be difficult to deal with if they are challenges to be addressed.

3. Proven References

A good solar installer should have been in business for some time and should not have problems in furnishing you with references or testimonials from previous clients.

4. Solar Installers should be Accredited

The provision of Solar installation services is regulated by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA). It is of significant importance to check if your prospective installers are in compliance with the guidelines governing the provision of Solar Installation services in Zimbabwe. Are they ZERA registered? Do they have any other badges of endorsement to demonstrate their professionalism and excellence?

5. Get at least three Quotations

This will not only give you a chance to compare prices but the opportunity to get a feel for the company and whether you are comfortable working with them.

6. Good Companies don’t use High Pressure selling tactics

If you are feeling put under pressure by the company providing your quote it’s probably best that you don’t go ahead with them. Spot discounts and design compromise meant to try and hassle you into making a Quick decision should serve as Danger Warning signs.

7. Ask your Neighbor/Friends

If you know people who have installed solar already don’t be afraid to ask them if they can recommend the company that did for them. Most solar investors will be all too pleased to show you their system and talk to you about the company that installed it.