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Eight questions to ask before you pay anything
You do not need to be an engineer. You need eight questions and a straight answer.
The short version
- • Get the panel and inverter model in writing before any money moves.
- • Keep the last payment back until net metering is approved.
- • Ask who you call in year three. You want a name, not a slogan.
Good companies answer these quickly, because they get asked every week.
About the equipment
- Which panel, exactly? Brand, model and wattage, written on the quote.
- Which inverter, and is it on my DISCO's approved list? This decides whether your net metering goes smoothly.
- What is the warranty on the panels, the inverter, and your work? The third one is the one people forget, and it covers a leaking roof.
About the price
- What is the price per watt? They should do this in their head.
- What is not included? Ask it in exactly those words.
- What is the payment plan? Around 40% on order, 40% on delivery, 20% after the meter is fitted.
About the work
- How will the panels be fixed, and what about waterproofing? Roof holes are the usual cause of a leak next monsoon.
- Who do I call in year three? You want a name and a number.
Two answers that should stop the conversation
Full payment before delivery. And net metering "guaranteed in one week". Neither is a negotiating position.
What we can and cannot tell you
Our directory is built from public sources. It lists companies and the areas they cover. We have not phoned them and we have not checked anyone's licence, so nothing here is an endorsement. Ask for the licence yourself, and for two customers you can call.
Browse by area, then ask all of them the same eight questions.
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