7 Must-to-Know Checks Before Choosing the Right Solar Company in Pakistan

With your neighbors going solar, you also made up your mind and got some savings in your hand, but you’re not sure where to start or which solar company to choose.

Then, these seven effortless steps will help you choose the best solar company for your solar system installation.

For those people who are reading my blog first time, let me reassure you that I don’t believe in generic content that leaves you feeling unsure of how to take action. 

Instead, I walk you through the real-world use cases and ink-down guides after exchanging views with many homeowners (during my site inspections) who have already installed solar. 

Now, let’s scan these steps. 

Read online reviews and complaints

In this digital world, I always recommend reading online reviews and complaints before making a decision.

But the truth is, it’s not always easy to find reliable information, especially for local Pakistani companies.

Further, you won’t find much helpful information on platforms like Yelp or Solarreviews, as these are more suited to European and US markets with more established online presences.

Instead, I recommend these three straightforward steps:

Google map

Go to Google Maps and enter the solar company name you want to check the ratings and what people are saying about them. This is very useful as you find there relevant information about the company and plenty of organic reviews.

Reddit platform

Search on Google for the company you’re considering, and add the word “Reddit“ to the end of your search. This will bring up any relevant discussions on the Reddit platform, where you can find real reviews from people who have used the company’s services.

Facebook page

Go directly to the company’s Facebook page and check out the reviews there. This is often a more reliable source of information for Pakistani companies, as customers will share their experiences (both positive and negative) directly on the business’s page.

Taking the time to read through these online reviews can give you a much clearer picture of what to expect from a solar company.

Talk to your neighbors who have installed solar

Whenever someone asks me about which solar company to select, I always tell them:

“Believe your eyes, not your ears.” 

What that means is, when you find a solar system already installed in your neighborhood, you can see the quality of the work, the system’s performance, and the price tag. 

I’m sure you can easily find 1-2 solar systems installed in your neighborhood (galli, mohalla). Visit that solar system and have a friendly chat with those homeowners. 

Ask them about their experience with the installation process, the company’s customer service, and whether they’re satisfied with the system’s performance. 

That firsthand experience is worth more than any sales pitch or marketing materials.

Experienced and in-house electricians

For the last 2 years, it’s been my routine task to inspect the solar system (on behalf of IESCO) before connecting to the grid. I’ve observed some trends in the solar industry that I think you should be aware of. 

While many solar companies have sleek offices and impressive sales teams, they often lack experienced electricians who do the actual work.

These companies hire untrained, project-based electricians to handle the solar panel installations to save on costs. 

This can be a major problem, as improper installation work can lead to many issues down the line – from safety hazards to underperforming systems.

Before you choose a solar company, I encourage you to look beyond the fancy marketing. Take the time to vet their installation team and make sure they have experienced, in-house electricians handling the work.

Get multiple quotes and compare

Getting multiple quotes allows you to compare the pricing, equipment, and warranties of your solar system.

First, we need to understand what the quote is.

When you visit a solar company’s website, you’ll see a pop-up offering a free quote. Simply fill in details like your monthly electricity bills and home energy usage, and the company will provide a rough estimate.

Don’t stop there. Be sure to get quotes from at least three to four different solar providers. This will allow you to compare overall costs side-by-side. 

Some companies may have better pricing, while others might offer more comprehensive warranties or customer service.

Ask the installer some questions

When selecting a solar company, it is important to ask the installer some questions. This not only clarifies matters but also sends a message to the vendor that you have done your homework (it’s better for you to give the installer a hard time).

• What is the brand of the solar panels, inverters features and prices, and other equipment the company uses? 
• What are the efficiency ratings, warranties, and performance guarantees?
• Will the company handle the net metering paperwork with your utility company?
• How long have they been in business?

After-sales service

Tell me, when you purchase a car in Pakistan, what is your top priority besides the cost?—of course, the after-sales service.

The same is the case with solar systems, as it is not a one-time fitting of panels and an inverter but a 25-year investment.

You want to ensure that the solar company you select will be there to support you when something goes wrong.

After all, the people who know your system best, are the ones who installed it.

In the solar business, which is still relatively new in Pakistan, some companies are focused on profits rather than providing quality service. That’s why it’s crucial to check whether it provides after-sale service or not.

How can you check the after-sales service even if you haven’t installed the system yet?

No worries. Do some extra work by reaching out to the homeowners in your circle who installed the system roughly 2-3 years ago. That will give you better insight into the company’s service.

What to avoid when selecting a solar installer

There are a few key things you’ll want to avoid when selecting a solar installer in Pakistan.

You should also be aware of installers who use high-pressure sales tactics to finalize the deal. Reputable solar companies understand that this is a big decision and will give you the time and space to review the details carefully. 

If someone is rushing you to close a deal, that’s a red flag (something fishy, fishy).

Finally, don’t choose an installer solely based on the lowest price. While saving money is important, quality of work and customer service should be the top priorities.

Wrapping Up

We’ve covered all the necessary checks before selecting any solar company for your home.

And I’m sure, If this little homework will make your investment safe and give you peace of mind then you are not going to miss it.

Frequently Asked Questions