There are more solar installers in Port Harcourt than ever, from established companies to someone's cousin with a toolbox. Most customers we meet who had a bad experience did not get unlucky; they just did not know what to ask. Here are the questions.
Before anyone visits
1. Are you a registered company?
Ask for the CAC registration name and number. A registered business has something to lose if it disappears after taking your money.
2. Can I see installations you have done?
Real photos of real roofs, ideally in your part of the Niger Delta, and customers you can talk to or Google reviews you can read. Our own work, including a 6kVA system in Abraka, is in the gallery on our homepage.
3. Will you visit before you quote?
Any installer who quotes a full system over the phone is guessing. A site assessment checks your appliances, roof, shade, the building type and where the batteries will live. Ours is free.
When you get the quote
4. Which brands and models exactly?
"5kVA inverter, 4 batteries, 6 panels" is not a quote. You want the inverter brand and model, battery chemistry and kWh capacity, panel brand and wattage. Then you can check each datasheet. See how to spot fake panels.
5. Lithium or lead-acid, and how many usable kWh?
Lithium (LiFePO4) costs more and lasts several times longer. If an installer is pushing lead-acid for daily solar use, ask why. Here is the comparison.
6. Is the inverter pure sine wave?
It must be, especially if you will run ACs, fridges or pumps. Why it matters.
7. What cable sizes, breakers and surge protection are included?
Undersized cables waste power and overheat. Ask for DC and AC cable sizes, DC and AC breakers, surge protection devices and earthing. These are where cheap quotes cut corners.
8. What is sized for the rainy season?
Ask what peak sun hours the design assumes. If they quote dry-season sunshine, your system will struggle from April to October. More on that.
On installation day
9. How will you work safely on my roof?
Especially important on an upstairs building. Ladders tied off, harnesses near the edge, rails fixed to rafters, penetrations sealed.
10. Will you show me how to use and monitor it?
You should leave the handover knowing what the inverter display means, where the isolators are and what to do if something trips.
After you pay
11. What does the warranty cover, in writing?
Workmanship (the installer's job) and products (the manufacturers') are separate. Get both in writing, with how long each lasts and how to claim.
12. Who do I call when something goes wrong?
A WhatsApp number that gets answered, a response time, and someone who can actually come out to Port Harcourt, Warri or Yenagoa when needed.
Red flags
- Only a total price, no itemised list
- Price far below everyone else's
- No site visit
- "Any brand" or "Grade A" with no brand name
- Pressure to pay today to "lock in" a price
- No written warranty
If you are comparing quotes now, our pricing page and solar cost guide show what a fair price looks like for each size.
