So, you’ve decided to go solar. Great choice! With rising electricity costs in Pakistan, solar panels can save you thousands over time.
But here’s the tricky part—choosing the right solar installer.
A bad installer can turn your solar dream into a nightmare. From hidden costs to poor-quality installations, the risks are real.
Before signing any contract, watch out for these five red flags.
1. No Proper Licensing or Certifications
Would you hire an unlicensed doctor? Of course not! The same logic applies to solar installers.
In Pakistan, a reputable solar company should be AEDB (Alternative Energy Development Board) certified. This ensures they meet safety and quality standards. Without this certification, you risk getting substandard panels, faulty wiring, or worse—a system that doesn’t work at all.
How to Check?
Ask for their AEDB certification number and verify it on the official website. Also, check if they are registered with NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) for net metering.
🚩 Warning Sign: If they hesitate or avoid showing their credentials, walk away!
2. No Portfolio or Customer Reviews
Would you buy a car without reading reviews? Probably not. The same goes for solar installation. A reputable installer should have a strong track record.
Look for companies that have completed projects in major cities like Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Faisalabad. Check their website for before-and-after photos and read customer reviews on Google, Facebook, or local solar forums.
How to Check?
- Ask for at least three references from past customers.
- Visit a completed installation near you and inspect the work.
- Check online reviews and ratings.
🚩 Warning Sign: If they have no reviews or refuse to provide references, think twice.
3. No Clear Pricing or Hidden Costs
Solar is an investment, and you need transparent pricing. Some shady companies lure customers with “too good to be true” prices, only to hit them with surprise charges later.
How to Protect Yourself?
- Ask for a detailed, written quote with a breakdown of costs.
- Make sure it includes panel cost, installation, wiring, and net metering fees.
- Compare multiple quotes from top-rated installers in Rawalpindi, Multan, and Peshawar.
🚩 Warning Sign: If an installer refuses to provide a written quote or pressures you to pay upfront, it’s a red flag.
4. No Warranty or After-Sales Support
A good solar system should last 25+ years. But what happens if something goes wrong?
Reliable installers offer warranties on panels, inverters, and workmanship. You should get at least:
- 10–25 years warranty on panels (depending on the brand)
- 5–10 years on inverters
- 1–3 years on installation workmanship
Also, check if they provide after-sales support in case of system failure or maintenance.
🚩 Warning Sign: If they don’t offer warranties or proper after-sales service, avoid them.
5. No Experience with Net Metering
Net metering allows you to sell excess electricity back to the grid, reducing your electricity bill. But here’s the catch—not all installers are familiar with the process.
In cities like Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Hyderabad, homeowners face delays due to incorrect paperwork or improper system setup. If an installer lacks experience in net metering, you might never see those energy savings!
How to Check?
- Ask if they have successfully processed net metering applications.
- Request to speak with a customer who has completed net metering.
🚩 Warning Sign: If they claim “it’s not necessary” or seem confused about the process, find another installer.
Final Thoughts: How to Find a Trusted Solar Installer?
Choosing the right installer is the most important step in your solar journey. Take your time, research multiple companies, and don’t fall for cheap deals that seem too good to be true.
If you’re looking for a trusted solar company in Lahore, Karachi, or Islamabad, check out this website for verified solar installers. A little research today can save you years of hassle!
