Over the last few weeks, we have seen an increasing number of energy suppliers and product manufacturers deciding that they can install solar, battery, hot water diverters, etc...
That's got to be good right? More competition, better for the consumer? Well... not really.
Let's look at why:
Price: Yes, your price is likely to be cheaper. So, that's good.
Quality: Big companies clearly have more staff which should mean better control over quality, etc...
No! The reality is that it is much more difficult to monitor quality and respond quickly the larger you are. Why is that? Well... those companies use sub-contractors, usually on a pretty low price. 1 or 2 man little sub-contracting companies who aren't paid a fair amount aren't really going to want to have to go back to a job if/when there is a problem.
Confidence: bigger companies portray confidence. They'll offer things that installers can't, like special solar tariffs for the likes of energy suppliers and extra discounts where a manufacturer sells their products direct... but what's really happening is that you're selling your data to them. Whilst you'd probably be doing that anyway via a normal installer route, they are choosing to bypass the 1000's of companies that have supported them over the years, to make a few more single digit percentage points of margin.
Community: Ah yes... the big companies support loads of good causes. Or do they?
Where do you think a local company's money goes? Team Renewables Ltd profit is spent by paying it's staff and directors. Personally, I put my kids into a number of local clubs in our region, as a family we spend money in those activity centers separately to the memberships, I train at a locally owned gym, so does my wife.
But what about the decent little companies out there, you know, like the ones that are part of the Solar Nation, www.solar-power.co.uk, why can't they install for those guys?
Simply, those "big companies" use their massive buying & marketing power to bury us to go direct to consumer & businesses. Quality installers that have supported and bought manufacturers product, recommended energy suppliers tariffs, are being unfairly pushed into working for them, accepting the jobs the bigger can't or don't want to do, or working for "day rate" money that doesn't actually constitute healthy profit for an SME. Eventually, you'll have a situation SME companies just fold because it's not worth while carrying on.
Before you buy from one of the "big boys" with their shiny advertising and their confidence inspiring posts, why not check out someone local. You'll get better, impartial advice and service, you'll also be supporting the local economy. Check us and other local Solar Nation installer out.
