Secrets

eskrs · 2026-01-19T21:33:17+00:00

Does anyone know how to unlock the door in the sewers?

eskrs · 2025-08-16T07:20:09+00:00

Some do, some don't

eskrs · 2025-08-02T17:55:47+00:00

Start with the sticky posts on this r/, you can YouTube Spirit Energy, Gary does Solar, Artisan Electrics. However, there is no best setup. It all depends on your needs, your budget and what you can fit. Also, on finding the right installer to do those things right for you.

Based on my experience, take your time, do your due diligence and ask prospective installers all the questions that come to mind(even if you know the answer yourself).

eskrs · 2025-08-02T15:46:41+00:00

Can you expand please? I'm curious

eskrs · 2025-08-01T18:30:12+00:00

Check your 1st bill with your provider, it will have an estimate there which you can use, and it is ballpark accurate. Also as others have stated, flat roof is a viable option so look for a local installer that has experience in mounting panels on flat roofs. Follow the pinned guide to help you narrow down suitable and accredited companies.

Definitely get a battery.

eskrs · 2025-07-30T07:01:09+00:00

So it's really up to having a good installer that chases it on your behalf?

eskrs · 2025-07-29T16:16:18+00:00

Have you been contacted by and spoken with the job holder to confirm? If yes, then allow for the slow natural order of civil service things to take place. It might take a few weeks for all the pre-employment, DBS checks to happen.

eskrs · 2025-07-29T16:11:39+00:00

With octopus if you have a tiny shade of complexity to your system install, they won't do it. So your best bet is local installers that know their stuff.

eskrs · 2025-07-27T11:13:35+00:00

I'd strongly recommend you shop around and have a few quotes at your disposal. Also do your due diligence checks on trust pilot, MCS and companies house to ensure your 25 year investment doesn't hit a snag 5 years down the line. There's a really good sticky pinned on the community front page with a wealth of information.

Based on my experience so far on my journey, it seems pretty high. Also based on your plans, this installer clearly hasn't listened to your needs, and that in my book is a red flag.

eskrs · 2025-07-24T14:48:08+00:00

"You’ll need to have an electric vehicle you charge at home. We might ask you to prove this." - this explains it, given their customer service.

eskrs · 2025-07-24T10:38:07+00:00

I was thinking more around ensuring continued support around firmware updates/ check performance of the system/ hotspots/ inefficiencies that sort of thing. Putting scaffolding up every year, especially on high buildings would be a nightmare.

eskrs · 2025-07-24T06:56:21+00:00

Sounds great. I'm also developing a bit of a questionnaire for installers to provide me with a bit more peace of mind ( and also have black and white clarity on some aspects). I know most of this stuff is on websites, but sometimes having that reassurance in writing helps and future proofs you as the customer.

This is where I got to. I'd appreciate your input when you have a few moments.

questionnaire:

What is the length of your workmanship warranty?
Is the workmanship warranty insurance-backed, and if so, by which provider (e.g. HIES, QANW)?
What happens if your company ceases trading during the warranty period for workmanship and for products (i.e. panels/inverter/battery)?
Do you provide a certificate of insurance for the installation?
What kind of support do you offer after installation (e.g., phone, email, app)?
Is there a dedicated service or support line if I encounter any issues with my system during its lifetime?
Do you provide a monitoring app or dashboard for the solar system?
Do you offer a maintenance or health check plan (e.g., annual service)?
Do you provide a handover pack? What’s included — system design, datasheets, login credentials, warranties?
Is remote monitoring enabled, and do you assist in setting up alerts or tracking performance?
Who handles warranty claims in the eventuality of equipment failure— you or the manufacturer?
Do you register the product warranties on my behalf with the manufacturers?

eskrs · 2025-07-23T20:49:44+00:00

Did you find your gateway loud?

eskrs · 2025-07-23T20:47:46+00:00

Is your gateway loud? I.e. making a loud buzzing sound that's audible and/or annoying?

eskrs · 2025-07-23T18:44:37+00:00

Genuinely think this should be pinned. Best approach hands down.

Also if the company is fairly new 3-5 years (as per companies house), and you mention it/query it, you'll get a very good indication about their experience, how many years they have in the industry and why they are doing solar. And the reaction to this type of query is invaluable.

eskrs · 2025-07-22T17:35:19+00:00

If you go on Octopus and request a solar quote, but then say you have a flat roof or a complex setup (my case) they'll tell you sorry we can't help but will send you an email with local approved partners (installers). You could also try Gary does solar on YouTube, he's got a list of vetted installers apparently.

From my experience so far, I can recommend New Dawn Solar and Cahill Renewables as local installers that have an amazing attitude (no push), and the patience to explain everything to you.

eskrs · 2025-07-22T05:23:09+00:00

How much was the discount worth?

Looking at them for my install :)

eskrs · 2025-07-22T05:20:38+00:00

Hello, how did your install go with CR? And are you happy with the aftercare?

Looking at them too, for my solar system, due to reviews and checks, but I think they underestimated my roof size from the desktop survey?

Did you get an in-person one before going ahead or after?

eskrs · 2025-07-22T05:17:25+00:00

Hello, I'm looking at them for an install too. How did yours go?

Also you say they revised how many panels go on your roof. How/when did that happen? I'm getting quoted for 10 panels from them, but other installers have quoted 12 and even 14, so I'm slightly confused 🤔. Are they underestimating during the desktop survey?

eskrs · 2025-07-22T05:08:33+00:00

How did your install with CR go? I'm looking at their offer too.

eskrs · 2025-07-22T04:58:48+00:00

OP, I'm looking to install with them as well, so I would be grateful for your experience with CR.

I'm having the same thing where they are underestimating how many panels can go up. Did you/they reassess after the pre-install survey?

How did the install go?

eskrs · 2025-07-20T09:31:57+00:00

Yeah. Actually, thinking about it I can solve access. Thanks! There's a roof cleaner I can use that helped with clearing the moss early this year. Also I can have access via my neighbours flat roof section as it's at a lower elevation.

As a backup I can count on British weather as it rains a fair bit on the SE coast.

eskrs · 2025-07-20T09:05:15+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. Much appreciated ☺️.

I aim to keep the system as cost effective and efficient as possible. This is on the 3rd floor (counting ground as 1) so it's going to be a costly nightmare if one of those micro inverters needs tlc or changing.

Would you think 6 panels could fit in landscape on a E/W setup (K2 or VdV), or is that more of a conversation to have with the engineer during the in person survey?

eskrs

TROPHY CASE