Choosing a solar installer in Malaysia: 7 checks before you sign

Licences, warranties, equipment and after-sales: the questions that separate good installers from the rest.

A solar system is a 25-year decision. The installer you choose affects your savings, your roof and your peace of mind for the whole of that time. Here are seven checks to make before you sign anything.

1. Are they a SEDA Registered PV Service Provider?

Under Solar ATAP, only a SEDA Registered PV Service Provider can submit your application. If an installer asks you to handle the SEDA or TNB paperwork yourself, treat it as a red flag.

2. Do they hold the right licences?

Ask for their Suruhanjaya Tenaga electrical contractor licence and CIDB registration. A licensed company has registered competent persons who are accountable for the electrical work on your property.

3. Did they check your roof before quoting?

A serious installer looks at your roof's condition, orientation, shading and structure before designing anything. A quote sent without a site visit or a proper roof review is a guess.

4. Is the system sized to your usage?

Under Solar ATAP, unused export credits are forfeited each month, so bigger isn't automatically better. Ask how the system size was worked out from your TNB bills and daytime usage.

5. Is the quote itemised?

You should see the panel and inverter brands and models, the number of panels, the mounting system, cabling, and what's included for approvals and TNB coordination. Ask whether structural work and roof protection are included, to avoid surprise charges later.

6. What warranties do you actually get, in writing?

There are three separate warranties to check:

• Panel warranty from the manufacturer, covering product defects and long-term power output.
• Inverter warranty from the manufacturer.
• Workmanship warranty from the installer, covering installation defects and roof leaks.

Get all three in writing, with the equipment models listed.

7. What happens after switch-on?

Ask how your system will be monitored, who you call if output drops, and what maintenance and cleaning they offer. A good installer is still around years later.