Mistakes when choosing a solar installer
Choosing a solar installer is a critical decision. You’re investing in long-term energy savings, avoiding the annoyance caused by loadshedding, and adding value to your property. But rushing the decision or selecting an installer based on price alone can lead to expensive regrets.
Solar installer checklist
Here’s a breakdown of the most common solar installation mistakes people make, and how to avoid them. Use this as your checklist for selecting your solar installer.
1. Not checking experience with your type of installation
Residential and industrial systems are different. A team that installs solar for homes may not be equipped to handle factory-scale or three-phase systems. At Newrel, we handle both. See our commercial solar solutions and residential installations.
Ask for similar project references. Don’t settle for a general portfolio. Ask if they’ve installed in your area, handled a similar roof type, or worked with your energy requirements. You may find their work will be displayed on the gallery or portfolio page of their website.
2. Focusing only on price
Cheap quotes may indicate corner-cutting. Low prices usually come from cheap components, poor planning, or unqualified labour. These systems might work initially, until they don’t.
We only use high-quality brands with proven backup support. Our clients in Durbanville, Melkbosstrand, and surrounding areas in Cape Town choose us because we balance cost and quality for long-term peace of mind.
3. Not verifying qualifications and accreditations
Installers should be qualified and compliant. This affects your insurance, safety, and your ability to register with your local municipality.
At Newrel, our solar team consists of qualified engineers, electricians and technicians. We are also registered with the Association of Renewable Energy Practitioners and the Engineering Council of South Africa, as well as being a preferred installation partner for Rubicon. Every installation is signed off properly, with safety and compliance guaranteed.
4. Ignoring after-sales support
Solar needs maintenance. Installers who vanish after payment are more common than you think. Panels, inverters, and batteries may need updates or firmware upgrades.
We offer long-term maintenance and also handle inverter or battery replacements.
5. Overlooking system design and energy profile
Your solar system should match your roof, usage habits, and backup needs. Copying the installation from another home can lead to under-performance, or even waste money with over-catering for your needs.
We analyse energy usage, factor in future upgrades, and recommend options for batteries or generator integration.
6. Skipping a site inspection
A phone quote is not enough. Roof condition, shading, orientation, and DB board setup all affect your system design. Quotes without a site inspection are rough estimates at best.
We do detailed site visits and provide layout options with real data from your property before quoting.
7. Not planning for expansion or upgrades
Solar is scalable, but only if planned properly. You may want to add batteries later, or expand your system. Poor planning can make this costly or impossible.
We ensure that your solar installation is expansion-ready by default.
8. Choosing installers who say yes to everything
Some installers agree to whatever you ask, even if it’s non-compliant or will cause problems later.
At Newrel, you get experts who give honest advice, explain the risks, and follow the rules. We’ll tell you when something’s not possible or needs a safer alternative. That’s how we protect your home, your warranty, and your system performance.
Common mistakes when choosing a solar installer
Choosing the right solar installer is about more than just your upfront cost. It impacts the safety, reliability, and long-term performance of your entire system. By avoiding the mistakes listed here, you’re far more likely to get a setup that works for your needs, complies with regulations, and lasts for years.
At Newrel, we don’t cut corners. We provide honest advice, quality components, and full support after installation. If you’re considering solar for your home or business, get in touch for a site inspection and tailored quote. You can also explore our full range of solar services to see how we can help.