The Questions That Separate Professional Solar Installers From Sales Teams

We've installed solar panels on over 50 landed properties in Singapore, and we see the same pattern every time: homeowners get three quotes, compare price per watt, and choose the cheapest. Then they call us six months later because their roof is leaking, their inverter failed, or worse — BCA has flagged their installation as non-compliant.

The problem isn't that homeowners are making bad decisions. It's that most solar vendors are essentially sales organisations who subcontract the actual work. They'll quote you a system, but they won't discuss the structural engineering that keeps your roof intact or the regulatory compliance that keeps you legal.

Here are the questions we always ask — and the answers that should make you walk away.

Can You Provide Structural Load Calculations For Our Specific Roof?

This is the big one. Solar panels add 15-25 kg/m² to your roof load, plus wind uplift forces that can exceed 2 kN/m² during storms. Your roof was designed for a specific load capacity, and adding solar without checking that capacity is like adding a second storey without checking if your foundation can handle it.

We run structural calculations for every installation because we've seen what happens when you don't. On one project in Bukit Timah, the previous solar installer had mounted 40 panels on a roof that could safely handle maybe 25. The homeowner called us after noticing cracks in the internal walls — the roof structure was failing.

What to ask: "Can you provide PE-certified structural calculations showing our roof can handle the additional load?" If they say "we've never had problems" or "the panels are very light", find another vendor.

What you should get: Actual calculations from a Professional Engineer showing existing roof capacity, added loads, and safety margins. Not a generic table from the panel manufacturer.

Who Handles BCA Submissions And Compliance?

Solar installations on landed properties often require BCA approval, especially if you're adding significant load or modifying roof structure. But here's what most vendors won't tell you: they don't handle BCA submissions. They'll install first and hope nobody asks questions later.

We handle all BCA submissions as part of our solar installations because we learned the hard way that "it's just solar panels" isn't a defence when BCA comes calling. The regulations are clear — structural modifications require approval. Solar mounting systems that penetrate your roof membrane or add significant load count as structural modifications.

What to ask: "Do you handle BCA submissions, and who is your Qualified Person for this project?" If they look confused or say "solar doesn't need BCA approval", they don't understand the regulations.

What you should get: Clear explanation of which submissions are needed (if any) and who will handle them. For our projects, we use our in-house QP for all submissions.

What Happens To My Roof Warranty After Installation?

Most homeowners don't realise that drilling holes in your roof membrane typically voids your roof warranty. Solar installers know this, but they rarely mention it upfront because it's an uncomfortable conversation that might lose them the sale.

We always discuss roof warranty implications before starting any installation. Sometimes we can work with your existing roofing contractor to maintain warranty coverage. Sometimes we need to provide our own roof warranty for the areas we modify. But we never leave clients discovered this on their own after the fact.

What to ask: "How will this installation affect my existing roof warranty, and what warranty do you provide on roof penetrations?"

Red flags: "Don't worry about it" or "we seal everything properly" without discussing warranty specifics.

Who Actually Does The Installation Work?

This question reveals whether you're dealing with an actual contractor or a sales organisation. Many solar vendors subcontract installation to whoever bids lowest that week. The sales team that quoted your project may never see it again after you sign.

We handle all installations with our own crew because solar installation is structural work. Our installers understand load calculations, roof engineering, and building codes. They're not just mounting panels — they're modifying your home's structure.

What to ask: "Will your own employees do the installation, or do you subcontract? Can I meet the actual installation team before work begins?"

Red flags: Vague answers about "certified installers" or "our trusted partners". If they can't tell you exactly who will be on your roof, that's a problem.

What Are The Real Performance Expectations For Our Specific Site?

Sales teams love to quote ideal performance numbers — maximum panel output under perfect conditions with no shading and optimal orientation. But your roof isn't a laboratory. It has chimneys, neighbouring buildings, trees, and orientation constraints that affect real-world performance.

We provide site-specific performance modelling for every installation because overstating performance is how vendors justify higher prices. Real performance analysis considers your actual roof orientation, local shading, Singapore's specific weather patterns, and system losses.

What to ask: "What is the expected annual energy production for our specific site, including all real-world factors?" Ask for month-by-month projections, not just annual numbers.

Red flags: Quotes that don't account for shading, non-optimal orientation, or local weather patterns.

Who Is The Solar Vendor, Really?

Before choosing any solar installer, ask how they handle structural engineering, regulatory compliance, roof warranties, installation crews, and performance modelling. Professional installers have clear answers. Sales organisations deflect or give vague responses.

Do I Need BCA Approval For Solar Installation?

It depends on your property type, roof modifications, and system size. We always check BCA requirements before quoting because non-compliance issues are expensive to fix later. Most landed properties need at least structural certification.

How Do I Verify Roof Load Capacity Before Installation?

You need structural calculations from a Professional Engineer who examines your specific roof structure. Generic capacity tables from panel manufacturers don't account for your roof's actual condition, age, or design.

What Warranty Should I Expect On Solar Installation?

Equipment warranty (panels and inverters) is separate from installation warranty. Ask for specific coverage on roof penetrations, mounting systems, and workmanship. We provide 10-year installation warranty on all structural work.

How Long Should Solar Installation Take On A Landed Property?

For most landed properties, 2-3 days for installation plus time for BCA submissions if required. Projects that drag on for weeks usually indicate problems with planning or crew quality.

If you're considering solar for your landed property and want installation done properly from the structural foundation up, we'd be happy to discuss your specific project. WhatsApp us to start the conversation.