A U.K. homeowner ordered a solar panel system for their house and paid the deposit, but claims the company hasn't sent anyone to do the final home inspection before installation.
Now the homeowner is asking whether they should cancel the order and go with a simpler, cheaper plug-in solar setup.
Here's what to know
In a thread on r/SolarUK, the buyer said a pending order was already in place for an in-roof system with 12 new solar panels, a 10kW inverter, two batteries for extra energy, and four existing rooftop panels to be reused. But after repeated calls with the company, the original poster summed up their frustration: "It's just the lack of communication that's annoying me."
So the homeowner wondered whether they should pivot to a plug-in solar setup, a small panel that plugs into an outlet and doesn't require professional installation or permits.
Reddit users quickly pointed out that plug-in solar is nowhere near as good as a proper full system, so it would be a major downgrade. Others emphasized that the problem isn't the system itself, but clearly the company.
Tools such as EnergySage can help shoppers get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes before committing.
What can be done?
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. If that is part of your plan, EnergySage offers information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
For shoppers who want more control over the process, EnergySage also offers free tools that let homeowners curate competitive bids from local installers without sharing their contact information unless they choose to move forward with one. That can make it easier to compare professionalism, price, and system design before signing anything.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
It is also worth checking EnergySage's solar map, which shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state. Together, those resources can help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations.
Where can I learn more?
These stories dig into many of the same issues, from vetting solar installers to comparing rooftop options. They cover homeowners avoiding shady sales tactics, making sense of solar pricing, and checking what incentives are still available.
• A homeowner said EnergySage was instrumental in saving money after a shady installer nearly closed the deal.
• A new homeowner turned to Reddit after predatory solar calls made finding a legitimate installer harder.
More From EnergySage
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
• EnergySage's COO broke down interconnected factors behind solar costs that often confuse first-time buyers.
• In Australia, a resident flagged brazen online scam ads falsely promising free solar panels.
• A home energy expert said homeowners can still cash in on incentives for rooftop solar.
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