When it comes to solar, there’s one mistake we see far too often:
Homeowners shop purely on price, and end up paying for it later.
At first glance, the cheapest solar quote might look like the smartest deal. But dig a little deeper, and those low numbers often hide the real story: missing scaffolding, no workmanship warranty, poor-quality panels, or installers who disappear when you need aftercare.
Solar is an investment designed to last 25 years or more. Choosing the wrong installer can turn that investment into an expensive headache.
Here’s what to look out for, and how to make sure your quote really delivers value, not hidden costs.
1. Scaffolding “Extras” That Suddenly Appear Later
Many low-cost installers exclude scaffolding from their quote to make the price look more attractive.
Once you sign, you’ll discover that scaffolding is a mandatory requirement for health and safety, and it’s coming straight out of your pocket.
Typical scaffolding costs:
- Small bungalow: £300 – £500
- Two-storey house: £600 – £800
- Complex roofs: £1,000 +
That’s a big surprise expense you didn’t budget for.
At Novus Energy, scaffolding is always included in the quote.
No hidden add-ons. No fine print. Just one clear, honest price that covers the full installation safely from start to finish.
2. Missing or Misleading Warranties
Another hidden cost of a cheap quote is poor warranty coverage, or none at all.
Always check:
- Product warranty: Covers the panels, inverter and battery (usually 10 years).
- Performance warranty: Guarantees power output for 25 years.
- Workmanship warranty: Covers the installation itself (repairs, roof integrity, etc.).
Many cheap installers skip the workmanship guarantee entirely. Others promise “25 years” on panels but only use budget imports with no UK-based warranty support.
When something fails, you’re left paying for parts and labour yourself.
Novus Energy’s difference:
✅ 25-year performance warranty on all Tier-1 panels
✅ 10-year product warranty
✅ 10-year insurance-backed workmanship guarantee
✅ UK support teams and MCS certification on every install
That’s real protection, not marketing fluff.
3. Inferior Components That Don’t Last
Low-price solar often means cheap hardware.
Panels with low efficiency ratings, inverters from unverified brands, and batteries with short cycle lives are common cost-cutting tactics.
The result?
- Lower generation = smaller savings
- Shorter lifespan = higher replacement cost
- Poor compatibility = upgrade problems later
Investing in Tier-1, high-efficiency panels and trusted inverter brands like SolaX ensures your system performs as promised for decades, not just the first couple of years.
As the saying goes: “Buy cheap, buy twice.”
4. Poor Workmanship That Costs More Later
A cheap quote can also signal rushed or unqualified installation teams.
We’ve been called out to fix countless systems where:
- Panels were fitted without proper roof anchoring
- Cables were left exposed to weather
- Systems weren’t registered correctly with the DNO
Those errors can lead to leaks, electrical faults or even invalidate your insurance.
Every Novus Energy installation is handled by our MCS-accredited engineers.
We design, fit and test every system to national standards, with clean finishes and full documentation for your peace of mind.
5. No Aftercare or Monitoring Support
Solar isn’t just about installation, it’s about ongoing performance.
Without proper monitoring, you have no idea if your system is running efficiently.
Cheaper installers often skip setting up the inverter app or providing post-installation support. Once they’ve been paid, communication ends.
At Novus Energy, we register your monitoring app, walk you through how to track generation, and remain available for aftercare and maintenance whenever you need us, even years later.
Because long-term support shouldn’t be optional, it should be standard.
6. The Hidden Cost of Non-Accredited Installers
Only MCS-certified installers can legally register your system for Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments, the tariff that pays you for exporting power back to the grid.
If your installer isn’t accredited:
🚫 You can’t earn export income
🚫 Your system may not be covered by insurance
🚫 You could face costly re-inspection fees to get certified later
All Novus Energy systems are fully MCS-accredited, Part P compliant, and DNO-approved before handover, so your system is guaranteed, certified and fully compliant from day one.
⚡️ The True Value of Quality Solar
A fair, transparent quote from a professional installer may cost slightly more up front, but it will save you thousands over the life of your system.
When comparing quotes, ask yourself:
✅ Is scaffolding included?
✅ Are the warranties comprehensive and insurance-backed?
✅ Are the panels Tier-1 quality?
✅ Is the installer MCS-certified?
✅ Is there aftercare support in place?
If the answer to any of those is no, that “cheap” quote might be the most expensive decision you make this year.
💡 The Novus Energy Way
At Novus Energy, we believe in doing things properly, from survey to sign-off.
Every quote includes:
- Scaffolding and safety equipment
- DNO approval and certification
- MCS registration
- App setup and aftercare
- 10-year insurance-backed workmanship guarantee
No hidden extras. No shortcuts. Just premium installations built to last.
🏠 Ready for a Quote You Can Trust?
If you’ve had a “too-good-to-be-true” quote, let’s review it together.
We’ll break down what’s missing, show you the real value behind a high-quality install, and design a system that performs for decades, not just the first few years.
📲 Get your free solar quote today, simply fill out the form below or give us a call on 01422 768113.