You’ve done your homework. You’ve researched the technology, analyzed your electricity bills, and narrowed down your choice of solar installers. You’ve meticulously reviewed their proposals and even done a deep dive into their project portfolios. The pictures look great, the case studies are compelling, and the company’s story is persuasive. You’re on the verge of making a decision and signing a contract for a system that will power your home or business for the next 25 years.
But before you take that final leap, there is one last, crucial step of due diligence that separates a smart investor from a hopeful buyer. It's the step that moves beyond the curated world of marketing materials and into the unvarnished reality of past performance: requesting a site visit to a previous installation or speaking directly with a former client.
In the Philippines, where a culture of politeness and a desire to avoid being bothersome ("abala") can sometimes hold us back, asking to inspect an installer’s work or "interrogate" their past customers might feel uncomfortable. But for an investment of this magnitude, it is not an imposition—it is your right. This final act of verification is the ultimate litmus test of an installer's quality, reliability, and customer service. It’s how you confirm that the company doesn’t just talk the talk, but truly walks the walk.
Why This Final Step is Non-Negotiable
A portfolio is an installer’s highlight reel. It’s designed to show their work in the best possible light, featuring pristine, brand-new installations under perfect conditions. What it doesn’t always show is how that system holds up after three years of facing the relentless Philippine sun, humid air, and torrential, typhoon-driven rains.
From Digital Proof to Physical Reality
A site visit allows you to see the unedited version of their work. It’s a chance to witness the quality of their workmanship firsthand, long after the installation team has packed up and left. It’s where you can assess the durability of their materials and the resilience of their engineering in a real-world environment. This is a critical part of a comprehensive installer portfolio check, taking the verification process offline and into the real world.
The Unfiltered Truth of a Testimonial
Similarly, a phone call with a past client provides insights you will never find in a written testimonial on a website. It’s an opportunity to have a candid conversation about the entire customer experience—from the initial sales process and the professionalism of the installation crew to, most importantly, the responsiveness of their after-sales support. This social proof is invaluable.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive. Why would you buy a power plant for your roof without verifying its performance and the reliability of the company behind it?
The Power of a Site Visit: Your On-Site Inspection Checklist
A reputable installer should be proud of their work and, with their client's permission, willing to showcase it. If an installer is hesitant or makes excuses when you request to see a completed project, consider it a major red flag. When you do get the green light for a visit, you’re not there to simply glance at the panels. You are there to be an inspector.
Here’s what to look for:
1. Overall Aesthetics and Layout
First impressions matter. Does the installation look professional and well-organized?
- Panel Alignment: Are the solar panels installed in clean, straight lines? Is the entire array symmetrical and parallel to the roofline?
- Visual Tidiness: Does the system look like a seamless addition to the home, or a clumsy afterthought? A commitment to good solar aesthetics is often a strong indicator of a meticulous and professional installer.
2. Workmanship and Wiring Management
The quality is in the details. Get as close as you safely can and observe:
- Cable Management: Look at the wiring running from the panels to the inverter. Is it a messy "spaghetti" of exposed cables, or is it neatly organized and protected within durable, weather-resistant conduits? Proper wire management is crucial for safety and protects the system from physical damage and the harsh Philippine climate.
- Mounting Integrity: Examine the mounting racks and hardware. Do you see any signs of rust or corrosion on the bolts, clamps, or rails? In our humid, salt-laden coastal air, the quality of these metal components is paramount.
3. Equipment Placement and Condition
- Inverter Location: Where is the inverter installed? The ideal location is a cool, shaded, and well-ventilated area, protected from direct sun and rain. An inverter left to bake in the tropical sun will have its lifespan significantly shortened.
- Signs of Aging: A visit to an installation that is 3-5 years old is far more valuable than seeing one that is a month old. How has the system weathered over time? Do the components still look robust and secure?
The Art of the Reference Call: Asking the Right Questions
If a site visit isn’t feasible, a reference call is the next best thing. A good installer should be able to connect you with a past client who has a system similar to the one you are considering. This is your chance to get honest, unfiltered feedback.
Here are the essential questions to ask:
The Big Picture Questions:
- "On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your overall experience with this company?"
- "Knowing what you know now, would you choose to hire them again?"
Questions About the Installation Process:
- "Was the installation team professional, courteous, and on time?"
- "Did they keep the work area clean and tidy throughout the project?"
- "Was the final price you paid the same as the price on the contract, or were there any surprise charges or hidden costs?"
Questions About Performance and Savings:
- "Has the system performed as you expected? Are the energy savings you're seeing in line with what the installer projected?"
- "Have you had any issues with the system’s performance or any of its components?"
The Most Important Question: After-Sales Support
This is the area that separates the great installers from the merely good ones.
- "Have you ever had to contact them for after-sales service or a warranty claim?"
- "If so, how was that experience? Were they easy to reach? Did they respond quickly and resolve the issue to your satisfaction?" An installer's approach to after-sales support is a critical indicator of their long-term commitment to you.
Questions About the Bureaucratic Process:
- "How did the installer handle the net-metering application with your electric utility (e.g., Meralco) and the LGU permits? Was it a smooth and hands-off process for you?"
How to Ask and What to Watch For
Approaching this conversation requires a bit of tact, especially within the Philippine cultural context.
Frame Your Request Politely: When asking the installer, you can say something like, "Your company looks great, and as a final part of our due diligence for this big investment, we'd feel much more confident if we could briefly speak to one of your past clients or see an installation. We'd really appreciate your help with this."
Installer Red Flags:
- Outright Refusal: If an installer flatly refuses to provide a reference or facilitate a site visit, walk away. A confident company with a history of satisfied customers should be eager to let their work speak for itself.
- Vague Excuses: Be wary of excuses like "all our clients value their privacy." While privacy is important, a good installer will have a few "ambassador" clients who have agreed to act as references.
- Cherry-Picking: If they only offer you references for brand-new installations, politely push for one that is at least a few years old. This gives you a better sense of long-term reliability.
- Unreachable Contacts: If the references provided never seem to be available or don't return your calls, it could be a sign that they are not genuine or that the client's experience was not as positive as claimed.
Conclusion: From Trusting to Verifying
Choosing a solar installer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your path to energy independence. While proposals, portfolios, and presentations are essential, they only tell part of the story. The final, crucial step is to verify those claims through the real-world evidence of a site visit and the honest feedback of a reference call.
This act of verification transforms you from a passive buyer into an empowered investor. It gives you the ultimate confidence that the company you are about to partner with has the experience, the workmanship, and the commitment to customer service that you deserve. A great installer will pass this final test with flying colors, solidifying your decision and proving that you've made the right choice. This rigorous process is the surest way to choose the right solar company and ensure your solar journey is a successful and rewarding one for decades to come.