Choosing the right solar installer matters more than choosing the right panels. You can have the best equipment in Zimbabwe, but if the installation is done badly, the system will underperform, develop faults, or become a safety hazard. Here is what to check before you hand over your money.
1. Ask for a Written Quote with Full Specifications
Any installer worth hiring will give you a detailed written quote. Not a WhatsApp voice note with a number. Not a verbal estimate. A proper document that lists: the inverter brand and model, the number and wattage of solar panels, the battery type and capacity, all mounting hardware and cabling, installation labour, and the total cost.
If an installer will not put it in writing, walk away. A written quote protects both of you. It means you know exactly what you are paying for, and the installer cannot change the spec after you have agreed.
2. Check Their Qualifications
Solar installation is electrical work. In Zimbabwe, installers should have relevant electrical training and ideally be registered with ZERA (Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority). Ask to see certificates or proof of training. A qualified installer understands wiring standards, earthing requirements, and safety protocols.
Being new does not mean being unqualified. A recently qualified installer building their registration profile can still do excellent, safe work. A good installer will happily show you their training credentials if you ask. Any installer who gets defensive about qualifications is not someone you want on your roof.
3. Ask About Warranty and After-Sales Support
Equipment warranties only matter if the installer will still be around to honour them. Ask these questions: Who do I call if something goes wrong in six months? Do you provide a workmanship warranty separate from the equipment warranty? Have you serviced or repaired systems you installed previously?
A good installer stands behind their work. They are reachable by phone, they come back when there is a problem, and they do not disappear once the money is in their account.
4. Ask for References or Photos of Previous Work
An experienced installer will have photos of completed installations. Ask to see them. Even better, ask to speak with a previous client. Someone who is proud of their work will happily connect you with satisfied customers.
For newer installers, training project photos or references from their training programme are reasonable alternatives. What matters is willingness to show their work.
5. Compare Like for Like
When getting multiple quotes, make sure you are comparing the same thing. Quote A might include a lithium battery while Quote B uses lead-acid. Quote A might include a Deye inverter while Quote B uses an unbranded unit. The headline price means nothing if the specifications are different.
Look at: inverter brand and model, panel wattage and number, battery chemistry and capacity, and whether installation and wiring are included or charged separately.
6. Watch for Red Flags
Be cautious if an installer:
- Cannot or will not put the quote in writing
- Demands full payment upfront before any work starts
- Uses only verbal communication (no email, no written spec)
- Will not specify equipment brands ("I will use what is available")
- Quotes a price dramatically lower than everyone else (this usually means cheap equipment or shortcuts)
- Has no photos of previous installations to show you
- Gets angry or dismissive when you ask questions
7. Check the Site Assessment Process
A proper installer visits your property before quoting. They check your roof orientation and condition, the distance from the roof to where the inverter will be mounted, your DB board and existing wiring, and your actual power usage. An installer who quotes without seeing your property is guessing. And guessing leads to undersized systems, unexpected extra costs, or installations that do not work as promised.
The Bottom Line
Solar is a significant investment. Take the same care choosing your installer that you would choosing a builder or a plumber for a major job. Ask questions. Get things in writing. Compare properly. And choose someone you trust to come back if something needs attention later.
RedLine Energy offers free site assessments and full written quotes to every client in Bulawayo. If you are comparing installers and want an honest opinion, request a quote or WhatsApp us.