Choosing the right installer comes down to what happens at the quote and consultation stage: get the warranty in writing, an itemised bill of quantities, a clear timeline, and confirmation of who handles your IESCO/NOC paperwork. Installers who answer these clearly and in writing, without hedging, are far more likely to deliver a system that performs as promised.
Questions to Ask During Your Site Survey and Quote
- "Can I get the warranty terms in writing, itemised by component?" — workmanship, panels, inverter, battery and mounting structure should each be specified separately, not bundled into one vague number.
- "Can I see an itemised bill of quantities (BOQ)?" — a proper BOQ lists exact panel model and wattage, inverter model, mounting structure type, cable specifications and quantities, not just a lump-sum price.
- "What's the installation timeline?" — a well-run residential install typically takes 3-5 days once the site survey, design and agreement are complete; be cautious of installers who can't give a realistic timeline.
- "Who handles the IESCO net-metering application and NOC paperwork?" — this should be included in the service, not left to you; confirm who submits documents and tracks the ~4-6 week approval process.
- "Can I speak to past customers or see completed projects nearby?" — references and visible local project history are a strong signal of reliability.
Red Flags at the Quote Stage
- Verbal-only warranty promises with nothing in writing.
- A single lump-sum price with no component breakdown.
- Vague or unrealistic timelines ("we'll fit you in soon").
- No mention of NEPRA certification or IESCO approval when asked directly.
This Is Different From Vetting the Company Itself
The checklist above is about the conversation you have once you're already talking to an installer. If you haven't picked a company yet and want to vet credentials like NEPRA certification, IESCO approval, ISO certification and years in business, see our separate guide on how to choose the right solar company — that page covers company-level vetting, while this one covers the installer-conversation checklist.
How Tripower Handles These Questions
Every Tripower quote includes an itemised BOQ, written warranty terms across all components, a defined 3-5 day residential installation timeline, and full handling of your IESCO net-metering paperwork. Our installation service follows the same 6-step process for every project: site survey, design, proposal, documentation, installation, and commissioning with customer training. Book a free site survey and ask us these questions directly, or call 0333 5207151.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get quotes from more than one installer?
Yes — comparing itemised BOQs and warranty terms from two or three installers makes it easier to spot vague pricing or missing coverage before you commit.
Who is responsible if something goes wrong with my net metering paperwork?
A reliable installer takes ownership of the IESCO application and NOC documentation as part of the service, and should be able to tell you the current status at any point during the ~4-6 week approval window.
What should the installation timeline look like on paper?
You should get separate estimated dates for the site survey, design approval, documentation submission, physical installation (typically 3-5 days for residential), and commissioning/net-meter activation.