Choosing your product and installer

Investing in microgeneration is a big financial commitment, so it's important to have a reliable product fitted by an efficient and trustworthy installer.

• The right product and the right installer
  With new products and companies constantly entering the market, it can be hard to know who to trust.  It is essential to choose a firm with appropriate accreditation. 
  
  The BRE (Building Research Establishment Ltd) is a world leading organisation involved with research, consultancy, training, testing and certification which aims to deliver sustainability across the built environment. The BRE accredits microgeneration products and installers through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
  
• The Microgeneration Certification Scheme
  The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is owned by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC). It evaluates microgeneration products and installers against robust criteria, providing greater protection for consumers and ensuring that the Government's (i.e. taxpayers') grant money is spent in an effective manner.
  
  MCS standards provide reassurance to consumers that both microgeneration products and installers meet stringent quality and performance criteria.
  
  Good Energy recommends that you always opt for BRE accredited microgeneration products and installers.  A comprehensive list can be found at Green Book Live.  All the products and installers Good Energy works with are MSC accredited.
  
• The correct system for your home
  In order to get the system that is best suited to your house you should provide your installer with clear information about your home such as the orientation of your roof, types of heating systems, and how you use energy in your home ie how much you use and at what times of day. For example, someone who works away from home will have a different pattern of use from a young family who are at home most of the day. The more information you provide your installer the better the microgeneration system they can design for you.
  
  The Good Energy Desktop Microgeneration Surveys have been designed to give us the best possible information so that we can recommend the best possible microgeneration technology for your home.
  
  It'll also help us identify any 'show-stoppers' in advance of a site survey - obstacles that will prevent you installing microgeneration. We will then pass your details to our installation partner, who will be in touch to discuss your requirements and arrange a site survey if necessary, and provide you with a quotation.  In most cases, there is a cost of around £175 for the site survey which is deducted from the final installation cost (Solar Thermal site survey is free).