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Before your installation
When starting your journey to making home improvements, it is important to choose the right accredited installer when installing a renewable energy system.
Finding an Installer
You can check that the installer you choose is registered with TrustMark (a government endorsed quality scheme for energy efficiency home upgrades and renewable energy installations). The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is an accreditation scheme for renewable installers and products. One of the conditions of the MCS certification is that installers must also be members of a consumer code.
You can find accredited installers in your area (as well as customer reviews) on the Energy Saving Trust Renewables Installer Finder.
Which? and Home Energy Scotland recommends that you get three detailed quotes for any work that you want done before proceeding. However it is noted that finding three quotes can sometimes be difficult in Arran. Here is a list of accredited providers who have previously worked in Arran.
A range of quotes should help you find a fair rate for the work needing to be carried out as well as giving you the opportunity to meet the tradespeople in question. Never feel pressured to sign for work then and there and be wary of large discounts for signing on the spot.
Financial Support
There are grants and loans available for installing energy saving home improvements. See our funding document here. You will need to apply for funding before going ahead with any installations.
If you’re using a Home Energy Scotland Grant and/or Loan to install a renewables system, including zero and low emission heating and electricity generation, your installer and the product must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for the system they’re installing.
Planning permission
Depending on the kind of property and installation, you may need to get planning permission or a building warrant from our local authority. If your home is a listed building, you will almost certainly require consent from local authorities.
See the Scottish Government website here.
Check your home insurance
It is good practice to check that your current home insurance policy covers the changes you are making to your home and will be able to advise you if you need to make any amendments.
After your installation
Learn about your system
Make sure your installer explains how the new system and its controls work before they finish, make sure that they hand over any manuals that come with the system as well. This is a standard part of the installation process and any competent install should be happy to help take you through this.
Check your MCS Certificate
Make sure to get a Commissioning Certificate from your installer once the work is complete.
After commissioning, you should also receive an MCS installation certificate. The installer must register your system within 10 working days of installation, as required by MCS. Using an MCS-certified installer and product is essential for most funding schemes.
Organise a follow-up EPC
Many installers provide a follow up EPC, however if they don’t you could consider getting a follow-up EPC to update your property’s energy efficiency rating.
For retrofitted energy-saving measures that aren’t visible, such as wall, floor, or loft insulation, it’s crucial to keep evidence of the work. Take photos before and after installation, save receipts for materials, builders’ invoices, and building warrant plans.
If an EPC surveyor cannot see the insulation because it’s inaccessible, they will need this evidence to include the measure in your EPC rating. Without evidence, the insulation will be ignored, and the rating will be based on assumptions about the building’s age. This could lower your energy efficiency rating significantly.
Claim financial support
Check to see what paperwork is needed to complete your application. Most schemes require your MCS certification to process the claim.
Happy or Unhappy with the services provided?
Sometimes not everything goes as planned. Most installers are usually willing to inspect any issues and work to identify the cause. If the problem stems from the installation, they may offer to fix it at no extra cost.
However, this isn’t always the case. The company might no longer be in business, be hard to contact, or may not provide the support you expect. If that happens, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the situation:
- Contact your funder.
- Contact the installers trade association or accreditation scheme.
- Contact Citizens Advice.
Citizens advice has a useful online webpage that outlines how to deal with problems regarding building work, or home improvements.
If you are happy with the service then please do thank the installer and let Arran Eco Savvy know that you have had a good experience for the benefit of other community members.
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