Why it’s important to beware of Cowboy Installers – A real life example from Warwick.
Client Name: Mr James N.
Location: Warwick
Date of Quote: March 2025
Proposed System:
- 7 x 455W Aiko ‘All Black’ Solar Panels
- Fox ESS 5kW Hybrid Inverter
- 10.36kWh Battery Storage
- BirdBlocker System (included as goodwill)
- Turnkey Price: £7,513 (inclusive of all professional services and certification)
Overview
In March 2025, we provided a comprehensive and competitive quote to Mr James N. in Warwick for a high-quality Solar PV system. Our offer included not only premium components but also a professional, certified installation process:
- Professionally erected scaffolding by certified scaffolders
- Solar panels installed by qualified roofers
- System wired and commissioned by a fully qualified NICEIC electrician
- Full compliance with MCS standards and NICEIC certification
- G99 application (if required), fully insured workmanship warranty, and turnkey project management.
What happened?
Mr James responded very positively to our proposal. However, a few days later, we received the following message:
“Hi both,
Apols I didn’t get back to you.
I agreed to a deal on Monday with a company in Yorkshire who installed the next day and price matched you. To be honest, I got a bit caught up in the moment.
Service wise you came across really well and your price was competitive.
The company I used cut costs by not using scaffolding. I’m now dealing with that as they’ve not done a great job aligning the panels.
Hopefully the info is useful.”
Red Flags in this Scenario:
A next-day install may sound convenient, but it raises concerns. Quality solar installations require planning, permissions (such as the G99 application where applicable), and scheduling of specialist teams. An immediate turnaround suggests corners were likely cut.
Professional installers use scaffolding to ensure the safety of both installers and homeowners and to protect the property during installation. Skipping this step puts both the installation and safety at risk — and often voids insurance cover.3.No G99 Application:
Based on the speed of installation, it is almost certain that the installer did not file the necessary G99 application, which is legally required for systems with inverters above 3.68kW. This process typically takes up to two weeks for DNO approval. The alternative would have been to downsize the inverter to 3.68kW to fall under G98, compromising system performance — especially with a 10.36kWh battery.
The Consequences:
While the client may have paid the same price, the shortcuts taken likely resulted in:
- Suboptimal panel alignment
- Compromised safety
- Reduced inverter capacity (likely 3.68kW instead of 5kW)
- Lower battery performance due to inverter bottleneck
- No BirdBlocker system included
- No professional scaffolding
- Risk of non-compliance with MCS and NICEIC standards
A 3.68kW inverter may appear to be “enough,” but when paired with a 10.36kWh battery, it limits the system’s ability to charge and discharge efficiently, particularly during peak household energy usage. This reduces the long-term benefit and ROI of the system. The cost difference between a 3.68kW and a 5kW inverter is marginal, and in our view, well worth the investment.
Conclusion: You get what you paid for
This case highlights the risks of rushing into a solar installation with companies that offer speed over quality. While Mr James matched our quoted price, the value he received was significantly lower.
At Elektra Smart Energy we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, safe, and future-ready solar solutions — with no compromise on compliance, safety, or workmanship. A well-designed system is an investment for decades, and cutting corners to save a few days or a few pounds can lead to long-term regret.
If you’re considering solar — take your time, ask questions, and choose a company that does it right the first time.
