top of page

Not all solar installers are the same, here’s how to compare solar panel installers and decide your best fit partner

  • Writer: Gary Carter
    Gary Carter
  • Jun 16
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jun 30

If you’re exploring renewable energy for your business, you’ve likely already searched online for “the best commercial solar installer” or “compare solar companies near me”. Most comparisons throw around terms like kilowatts, system size, or price per panel.


But here’s the thing. None of that matters unless your renewable energy solution actually aligns with your business goals.


At Optify, we believe the right way to compare installers isn’t about specs. It’s about business value.



An engineer lifting a solar panel into place

Common mistake: comparing installers like you’re buying equipment

A lot of businesses still choose their installer the way they’d choose a printer or van; by comparing price and a few features. That works if you're buying a product. But a solar installation is a 25+ year financial asset that affects your energy costs, cash flow, and long-term sustainability.


So the right question isn’t:


“What’s the cheapest system”?


It’s:


“Who will deliver the best business case over time”?



What to look for when you compare solar panel installers

Here’s a checklist designed for commercial decision-makers, not just facilities teams:


1. Optimisation vs installation

Is the installer proposing a “standard system,” or are they using your site data and business priorities to design an optimised solution specific to you? It’s still common practice for some installers to decide a solution design based on the size of your roof rather than what delivers the best financial outcome. It’s possible for a cookie-cutter install to miss 20–30% of potential savings.


2. Funding Options

Do they offer only capex quotes? Or can they structure a self-funding project using lease, PPA, or asset finance? The right funding structure can turn a project from unaffordable to cash-positive and have potentially a six-figure impact on your overall lifetime savings.


3. Focus on ROI, not on hardware

Are they helping you understand breakeven, long-term savings, and system performance over time? A good partner thinks like your CFO, not just your electrician.


4. Experience in your sector

Installing on a food production site isn’t the same as on a care home. Ask about experience in your sector.


5. Aftercare and accountability

Will they help track ROI and system health, or disappear after installation?




What makes the Optify approach different?

We’re not here to sell you solar panels. We’re here to help you get a project done that pays for itself and delivers optimal performance over time.


When you work with Optify:


  • You get a fully optimised system design, based on your objectives

  • We assess and arrange the best-fit funding to match your financial strategy

  • You work through one commercial lead coordinating installer, funder, and your internal team

  • You end up with a better business case not just a set of panels on a roof








Final thought

Solar isn’t just a technical project. It’s a strategic investment.

Choose the partner who treats it that way.


Want help comparing the right way? We’ve created a complete guide to help you compare solar panel installers with the right mindset and avoid costly missteps.

Read the installer comparison guide to learn what to look out for






OR

If you’re ready to see what an optimised solution might look like for your business




Comments


bottom of page