First4Solar Bewertungen 372

After almost one year from placing my initial order, the installation is finally completed. While I was initially frustrated and concerned with the length of time it took to complete and commission the install, I must say that the installation was handled professionally and expertly.

Levi, the electrician, was neat and tidy and completed exactly what he said he would. The roofing team was equally professional and diligent with their tranche of work.

Throughout the process, there were issues primarily in terms of communication, or the lack thereof. The global supply chain issues in a post-Covid world have been frustrating, but I had multiple conversations with Daniel Hawkins, who was excellent. He assured me that the project would be completed by the agreed date, and indeed it was.

First4Solar has clearly had to deal with a significant and growing number of inquiries day by day, and I am sure they will be the first to admit that this growth has perhaps not been handled as well as it could have been. However, they have assured me that they are putting in place staff and processes to deal with this and to ensure better and more timely communication.

I am delighted with the installation and would highly recommend using First4Solar, but be prepared for some time between order and installation.

UPDATE 09/04/2023
My system was installed on 16th March (ordered in July 2022). There were one or two issues with being able to commission the battery and connecting the ground mounted panels in the garden, but the team quickly returned and rectified these issues. In conclusion, I would say that there were certainly communication issues prior to installation, and F4S had probably taken on more work than their resources could cope with. However, I am aware that more staff have been taken on to try and alleviate this. Communication was much better around the time of the installation, including lots of input from the Directors. I can see that lots of reviewers are experiencing issues with getting installations completed, but I can only give a review of my own experience.

UPDATE 10/03/2023
I received a call from one of the Directors today. He informed me that the correct inverter had not been available for my installation, but it would be shipped on Monday. He will also contact me on Monday to arrange the completion of the installation later that week. If all goes to plan I will restore my review to 4 stars.

UPDATE 06/03/2023
It seems like F4S haven't turned a corner yet, and I am downgrading my review. Although it was promised that my solar panels would be wired up the same day, the panels were fitted nearly two weeks ago and an electrician still hasn't been provided. I've rang every day. Apparently, I'm a "priority", but nobody can tell me when an electrician will be available. The head of Customer Service has promised to look into this for me.

Watch this space for further updates. I'm still hoping that F4S will come through!

ORIGINAL REVIEW
I think that at the heart of F4S is a fundamentally good company, but unfortunately in recent times have overpromised and been over stretched. From contact with their Head of Customer Service Department my understanding is that they are expanding their resources to enable them to deal with their business more effectively.

Communication is definitely an issue for the company, and it feels like they are very much in a firefighting mode. I really hope that they can turn a corner soon and get the business back on track.

I placed my order and paid my deposit in July 2022 on the understanding that the installation would be completed in about 12 weeks. Unfortunately, it was 3 months before an installation date was offered, and the date offered was 13th Feb 2023. To be honest, if I had been aware of this length of delay at the time of ordering, I would not have proceeded. I have been told that F4S are now being more realistic in the lead times that are being quoted, and this would be worth checking, if you are considering placing an order.

F4S were not able to meet their commitment to start the installation on 13th Feb 2022, but did ship the battery later that week. A new start date of 21st Feb 2022 was agreed and the panels were installed on 22nd Feb, so not too long after their agreed date. However, the electrician did not turn up, so the installation could not be completed. I am waiting to have confirmation that the work will be completed w/c 27th Feb 2022 and hopeful that they will come through for me.

The long lead time from deposit to installation is disappointing, but the biggest frustration has been poor communication. I'm not going into detail about this at this point, as I'm sure you have seen other reviews. However, I am really hoping that with the additional resources and input from Customer Service that this will rapidly improve.

Excellent, professional and speedy service - would definitely recommend this company to anyone contemplating a battery storage system.

27/02/2023
Update:

After hearing of my experiences Daniel from First4Solar stepped in and went above and beyond to made sure all my issues were resolved in a timely fashion. I now have a fully operational system.

The installation team was very professional, the work was very teat and tidy the equipment was exactly what I requested. I even ended up with a Gen2 Inverter which was a nice surprise.

The after-care so far has been excellent.

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17/02/2023
Waited over 6 months for the installation with zero contact from the company. They then failed to show up on the agreed upon installation dates on 3 separate occasions!

Good overall service. Pro's - Clear pricing on the website, easy to contact via phone, good and efficient installation of battery. Cons - A few occasions where we were told someone would call us back but they did not and some confusion/lack of clarity around installation date. But overall we were happy with the service.

Finally got to my install after waiting nearly a year and 8 missed dates. The install team upon arrival (3 sub contractors) all demanded a sandwich and a hot drink. As i had no food left for my own breakfast I had to go out to the supermarket which i thought would be no problem as it would give them space to get on with their work. When i got back i caught the roofer urinating down my chimney... I was not impressed.

This is nothing compared to being told that they could not certify anything they have done or legally sign anything off under Napit as they was suspended (napit confirmed they legally cannot even sign off a new plug socket let alone a solar system as they wasnt certified). I would also recive no MCS as they have been suspended from them too (MCS have confirmed this themselves unfortunately for me) this means i cannot sell back to the grid and the system is useless.
Daniel from First for solar demanded all the money on the day and then informed me of this paperwork oversight the following when i chased up my receipt.

NO MCS ACCREDITATION!

SUSPENDED by HIES and NAPIT!

Rang MCS and they confirmed they were removed from the scheme in the 7th of February. I have since spoke to HIES and NAPIT who have also confirmed the same. Please don't give them any money and if you have paid them any money please speak to HIES.

Prior to placing deposit couldn’t find the company on the MCS register so I’ve just spoken to them and they have advised the company is no longer accredited and to contact HIES to get your money back if already placed a deposit - call MCS directly yourself to check!

With the increase in electricity prises we decided to supplement our air source heater and solar panels with a battery to make the most out of our generation. After researching the subject we decided that GivEnergy seemed to provide both good batteries and excellent control via the website and app. We contacted our original installer but were not impressed by their advice or costs and decided to go elsewhere. First 4 Solar came up on my search for a GivEnergy supplier and appeared to be a well established company with overall good customer reviews. I sent them an email enquiry that evening expecting to have to wait quite some time for a reply as they said they were very busy. Much to my surprise I received a reply that evening. Apparently battery installations to an existing system is a fairly simple procedure not involving surveys or site visits. We had a few telephone conversations over the next 24 hours and were very happy with the price and contract. We were told that the installation would be done within the next 3 months. Much to our surprise we soon got another phone call offering us an early installation. We were very impressed with the quality of work of the electricians. Very pleasant and extremely neat and professional. The battery is now in full operation saving us money already by off peak night time charging and even solar charging during the day even in February. The Website and App are as good as promised given information on generation, storage and grid use as well as carbon intensity of electricity production.
Throughout the process First4Solar have provided excellent personal service as well as on going technical advice which is helpful in setting up and understanding how to manage the battery.
I would certainly thoroughly recommend them.

Very pleased I went with First4Solar for my solar PV and battery install.

To note i am writing this detailed review 6 months after my solar panel and battery installation by First4Solar in August 2022, as I wanted to give a full account of my pre and post installation experience.

After many months of detailed research and speaking to lots of different companies i decided to go with First4Solar. This choice was made partly due to their competitive quote, but mainly due to the conversations i had with Daniel, their MD, who fully understood the exact requirements I had for my install (I wanted a specific model of inverter & PV panels) and tailored the plan to my specific requirements rather than what was easier for his team: numerous other companies only wanted to fit models, and install equipment in in locations that was convenient for them.

I noted they are MCS listed, have a solid verified history on the Companies House register, and are also HIES accredited for additional piece of mind. HIES protection is an important when you are spending a considerable amount of money, not all solar companies have HIES status. They are also a verified installation partner for the inverter and battery company I wanted to use (GivEnergy).

I placed a deposit in Feb 2022 with an anticipated install of May. The First4Solar team quickly performed my site survey and install plan
Unfortunately due to supply issues, my install was delayed until August. Although disappointing, the delay was reasonable as global supplies of all solar /battery kit was heavily impacted by the Covid related supply disruptions and chip shortages.I was happy to delay as I wanted specific models. A quick look at the facebook solar support forums told you ALL solar companies and equipment wholesalers were struggling. (As of Feb 2023, they still are!)
The team were upfront about this and were keen to talk about alternatives, and things overall progressed much faster and more smoothly than a work colleague who was waiting for their solar/battery installation from one of the big national providers.

My install date approached and the pre-arranged scaffolding went up, kit was delivered and the the next day the install crew arrived. The team were fast and efficient, and i watched them installing the PV panels carefully and safely on my roof , navigating around my many Velux windows. I had discussed with Daniel and the install team about the scope for adding an extra panel on the day. The team tried their best to accommodate this but unfortunately the clearances wouldn't allow it
The finished PV install, the with black panels turned out to be much smarter than I expected.

The pair of electricians installed the wiring neatly down the side of the house in a cable run that i had requested. All work i the attic was done cleanly and efficiently. Pre-install i wasn't sure on the best location for the inverter and battery other than i wanted it mounted externally rather in the attic (where access is limited and its too hot in the summer). The electricians suggested a high wall mount position, which i had not considered, and the team worked to safely mount the inverter and 100kg battery in a position that makes it accessible but does not block access. I am very happy with this, and their neat install has since made it easier for the EV charger cable run i've since had installed. The internal electric work was also neat and tidy. The team verified the system was working before they left, which took longer than expected but that was due to delays at the inverter company's end: the kit i chose is cloud controlled and each unit must be remotely activated during the install.

The system has been in and working for several months now and I've been very happy with performance (East facing in a cloudy north west of England!). First4Solar provided me with my MCS certificate and Building Regs paperwork promptly so i could get straight on with applying for a SEG (solar buyback) with my electricity supplier. I've had to wait 5 months for HIES to send me their certificate.

Post-install, I've had a couple of niggles, such as the positioning of the CT clamp (used but he inverter to monitor house load) needing adjusting, and one of my PV panel DC isolation switches needed to be replaced, but this was dealt with by Daniel and the team promptly and efficiently, with an electrician sent across the county at short notice to rectify my issue.

With not having purchased a solar system before i was always unsure about what sort of post install support i could expect from any company, so i'm glad to report that First4Solar have been excellent in my experience.

I'd be happy to use First4Solar again and reccomend them to others..

Had my system installed in January 2023, delays along the way it these could not be helped. Would just like to thank Jessica Smith for the absolute 5 star service could not recommend enough

I could write a long scathing review but the bare facts speak for themselves. Ordered a system on the 1st March 2022 - now approaching the 1 year anniversary of the order with no action from First4Solar. Daniel and Jake ignore all emails and phone calls and make promises to install that are not kept, there have been 4 installations dates so far. No updates from F4S, if I can get any information it takes a lot of chasing. Totally unsatisfactory way to run a business. I have reached the end of my patience with this shower of an outfit, I can only suggest that if you are reading this and considering First4Solar, once they have your money expect radio silence and no action, you have been warned.

WARNING - was about to place my deposit then during my due diligence checks checked the MCS register to find that first4solar ARE NOT ON IT despite claiming to be.

After getting quite a few quotes first4solar gave me quite a few options and guided me through what system would be more beneficial for me.
I found Louise was very knowledgeable..and despite many calls and emails that were exchanged between us she showed a lot of patience and understanding as im a single woman and this was very daunting for me but with energy prices literally going through the roof I needed to bring my energy price usage down and discussing this with louise, she put my mind at ease and nothing was too much as any kind of change I find stressful but louise had empathy for me which made my final desicion easier .
The design team were great ..just having to make a few adjustments to my original order.
The team that dealt with my installation on the day were polite ,respectful ..I couldn't of asked for a better hardworking team of lads i was very impressed . Im looking forward to my energy bills coming down and glad im no longer being ripped off by unscrupulous energy company's !!
Best move I have made and I can only highly recommend this company ...

DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY MONEY!

I chose First4Solar in June 2022, recommended by GivEnergy, for a Solar PV & GivEnergy battery system. They were good at first with a design & quote that on paper beat others I had received on cost and solar generation capacity. I paid deposit 1st July, and since then it has been a nightmare. Following the property survey, their design changed to 25% lower Solar PV capacity. After questioning, they reached a final design with -only- 14% lower Solar PV capacity than the original. Would have made sense to use this design straight away, as close to what was quoted as possible, without needing me to push back on it.

From June 2022, all communication said installation would be within about 12 weeks of paying deposit. Never any indication this would not happen, so install should have been Sept/Oct 2022. This did not happen, and it took many phone calls in September to get an installation date. I was told 21st December, with reasoning of supply chain issues. This was unfortunate, but I was glad for some reasoning. That date did not happen either, due to bad weather. I can't deny in this case there were circumstances beyond their control, but this was the only time that was the case. It is February 2023, and still waiting.

I have been given 5 further dates for when installation would happen, and all have been missed. In many cases, it reaches the day and no one shows up, leaving it to me to chase First4Solar to find out why. They very rarely contact me first. Scaffolding was put up at the start of January, the day before my installation was cancelled again. All 5 of those cancelled dates since December have been after scaffolding was put up.

At almost every stage, I must make the phone calls to get any information. I have lost count of the number of times I have made a phone call, been told I would receive a phone call back because someone was in a meeting, only to receive no phone call. I have engaged directly with the company director Daniel Hawkins, who was the salesperson when I first contacted First4Solar in June 2022. Despite his assurances things would be put right, and my 3rd confirmed installation date at the end of January would definitely go ahead, it did not and still nothing has been done.

He did at that time also offer a discount which has been taken off the final payment which will be due, but that was based on the installation actually taking place at the end of January. I am of course grateful of the discount, and hope this will be increased following the continued delays. I was contacted directly at the beginning of February, demanding the second stage payment, a condition of being able to then start the work. I paid this, but since paying another 2 installation dates have been missed.

I have now begun talking to HIES (The Home Insulation & Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme). This was fortunate in itself because they informed me I was not registered as I should have been after paying my deposit in July 2022. First4Solar said in writing this would happen within 14 days of paying the deposit. I would advise anyone else with First4Solar to immediately contact HIES and confirm you are registered. If not, immediately contact First4Solar to get registered. HIES offer consumer protection including deposit protection, and without being registered my deposit had been unprotected for 7 months. On raising this with First4Solar, when I was contacted for the second stage payment, they did then complete this registration. But now I have paid both my deposit and the second stage payment, while still no work has taken place.

I am now again waiting to get my next installation date will supposedly be, but with no confidence in what First4Solar tell me. I will amend this review should any work take place, or with details of the likely further delays, but currently this review reflects my ongoing 7-month experience with First4Solar to date.

Update 10/02/2023: This review prompted an immediate phonecall the following morning. I was assured of help, told it was being escalated to the company director. An evening call back promised a call back the next day. No call came. I made 3 calls, could not get through to the same person and received no help, no new installation date. Again left not knowing, 5+ weeks with scaffolding now, no idea if any work will take place.

Update 14/02/2023: Scaffolder contacted me asking about the situation, has not been paid by First4Solar for my job or about 4 others. New install date now 23/24th February. Told they would "prove me wrong" and definitely not cancel.

Update 22/02/2023: Installation cancelled yet again. No evidence they care at all. I was proved right, as expected. Avoid at all costs!

Review update.

After frustration up until this point company boss now sorting.

Hopefully able to update soon with more positive review.

Further progress being made as of 20th Feb.

I am really pleased with my GivEnergy battery and the service I received from First4solar. The sales quotation was clear and detailed, the installation is covered HIES backed warranty.
The staff I dealt with in the office were all friendly and proficient. The electricians were obliging and professional. I was initially given 3-4 month lead time for the installation but they managed to cut this down considerably.
I can monitor the system and set my batteries to charge from the grid overnight with cheaper electricity when my solar panels do not generate sufficient electricity.
I rang the technical support staff with a query that was quickly dealt with. I have no hesitation in recommending this company.

After receiving many quotes First4solar provided the most comprehensive package with the best quality products. I found the whole experience very easy and everyone really helpful and knowledgable. Thank you to everyone involved in my process, great job First4solar - 5 stars!!!!

the staff were really helpful and had my solar panels set up and running in a day, I cant recommend first4solar enough

I’ve just had my new system fitted and extremely happy with the whole process with First4solar. Louise was who I initially dealt with, and she explained everything to me and helped with building the best system for me, the whole team have been great throughout and I’m delighted with the service provided, well done First4solar.