How Do I Compare Solar Installers in Malaysia?
Comparing solar installers requires more than checking which company offers the lowest total price. A proper comparison should cover the legal contracting entity, SEDA registration, electrical credentials, system design, equipment specifications, generation assumptions, workmanship, warranty responsibilities, payment terms and long-term after-sales support.
What Should You Check First When Comparing Solar Installers?
The first comparison should establish whether each quotation comes from a clearly identified company that is qualified and willing to take responsibility for the application, design, installation, commissioning and warranty support.
- Exact legal company name
- SSM registration number
- Current company status
- Current SEDA RPVSP listing
- RPVSP registration details
- Appointed electrical contractor
- Energy Commission registration details
- Assigned competent person
- Assigned professional engineer, where required
- Years in the solar PV business
- Completed project track record
- Experience with similar system sizes
- Office and service contact details
- Named project coordinator
- Written installation contract
- Written warranty responsibilities
Which Registrations Should a Malaysian Solar Installer Have?
Registration should be treated as a basic eligibility and traceability check. It does not replace a full comparison of engineering quality, contractual responsibility and after-sales performance.
SEDA RPVSP Status
Check whether the company is currently listed as a Registered PV Service Provider for the relevant application period.
SSM Company Details
Match the company name, registration number, status, registered address and business information against the quotation and contract.
Electrical Contractor
Confirm which registered electrical contractor will carry out or take responsibility for the applicable electrical work.
Competent Technical Personnel
Identify the competent person, wireman, engineer or other qualified party assigned to the installation and commissioning.
| Verification | What to Match | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| SEDA RPVSP Directory | Legal company name and current listing status | Confirms the company identified under the relevant registered PV service-provider framework |
| SSM Company Information | Company number, status, address, directors and nature of business | Helps verify the legal entity receiving payment and signing the contract |
| Energy Commission Records | Electrical contractor and competent-person registration details | Helps verify the parties responsible for regulated electrical work |
| Quotation and Invoice | Same legal company entity across all documents | Reduces confusion over who is responsible for delivery and warranty |
How Should Solar Quotations Be Compared?
Quotations should be normalised before comparing prices. Two proposals cannot be compared fairly if they use different capacities, panel models, inverter sizes, installation scopes or warranty coverage.
Match the System Size
Compare proposals with the same or clearly comparable panel and inverter capacities.
Match the Equipment
Record the exact manufacturer, model number, quantity and warranty for every major component.
Match the Project Scope
Confirm whether design, applications, studies, installation, commissioning and monitoring are included.
List All Exclusions
Identify charges for roof work, meter work, scaffolding, studies, cabling upgrades or authority fees.
Compare Warranty Liability
Separate equipment warranty, performance warranty, workmanship warranty and labour coverage.
Review the Contract
Check payment milestones, completion conditions, delays, variations, cancellation and dispute procedures.
How Do You Compare the Proposed Solar System Size?
A larger system is not automatically better. The recommended capacity should be supported by electricity bills, daytime usage, roof conditions, applicable programme limits and realistic energy-flow assumptions.
- Total solar panel DC capacity
- Total inverter AC capacity
- DC-to-AC sizing ratio
- Number of solar panels
- Panel wattage
- Number and model of inverters
- Domestic supply phase
- Maximum Demand, where applicable
- Monthly electricity consumption
- Daytime electricity usage
- Weekend and holiday loads
- Expected self-consumption percentage
- Expected exported electricity
- Usable roof area
- Roof orientation and pitch
- Shading assumptions
| Installer A | Installer B | Installer C | What to Evaluate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller capacity | Medium capacity | Maximum permitted capacity | Which option best matches daytime demand and expected energy use? |
| Higher self-consumption | Balanced self-use and export | Higher expected export | How does export treatment affect savings and the payback period? |
| Lower project cost | Moderate project cost | Higher project cost | Does the additional capacity provide proportionate financial value? |
How Should Solar Panels, Inverters and Equipment Be Compared?
| Equipment Item | Details to Compare | Important Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Panels | Manufacturer, exact model, rated output, efficiency, dimensions, product warranty and performance warranty | Is the exact model stated in the contract, and who handles a panel claim? |
| Solar Inverter | Manufacturer, model, AC rating, MPPT configuration, monitoring, product warranty and replacement procedure | Is labour included if the inverter fails during the warranty? |
| Mounting System | Rail material, clamps, roof attachments, fasteners, corrosion protection and waterproofing method | How will the system be attached without damaging the roof? |
| Cables and Connectors | Cable type, routing, containment, connector compatibility, labelling and weather protection | Will compatible approved connectors and proper cable support be used? |
| Protection Equipment | Isolators, breakers, surge protection, earthing and required electrical labels | Are the ratings and protection arrangement shown in the design? |
| Monitoring System | Portal access, mobile application, owner account, alerts, data retention and service access | Will the system owner receive permanent administrator access? |
How Should Generation and Savings Estimates Be Compared?
Generation and savings projections should show their underlying assumptions. An unusually high forecast may make a proposal appear more attractive without providing a realistic comparison.
Annual Solar Generation
Compare the projected annual kWh and the modelling assumptions used to calculate it.
System Losses
Check whether temperature, inverter, wiring, soiling, shading and degradation losses are included.
Self-Consumption
Compare how much solar energy is expected to be consumed directly at the property.
Exported Electricity
Check how exported electricity is valued and whether any excess could remain unused under the applicable programme rules.
- Annual generation in kWh
- First-year system yield
- Solar irradiation assumption
- Shading-loss assumption
- Soiling-loss assumption
- Temperature-loss assumption
- Inverter and wiring losses
- Annual degradation assumption
- Self-consumption percentage
- Export percentage
- Electricity tariff assumption
- Export-credit assumption
- Tariff-inflation assumption
- Maintenance-cost assumption
- Equipment replacement assumption
- Estimated payback period
How Do You Compare Installation Quality and Workmanship?
Installation quality affects electrical safety, roof integrity, performance, maintenance access and long-term reliability. Request details about how the system will be installed, not only what equipment will be supplied.
- Site-specific installation drawing
- Roof attachment method
- Waterproofing procedure
- Structural review where required
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Compatible mounting components
- Safe roof-edge clearance
- Maintenance access
- Protected cable routing
- Proper cable support
- Electrical labels
- Isolation equipment
- Earthing arrangement
- Surge protection
- Testing records
- Commissioning report
How Should Solar Warranties Be Compared?
Separate the installer’s obligations from the manufacturer’s obligations. A long equipment warranty does not automatically include inspection, labour, transport, removal or reinstallation.
| Warranty Type | Usually Provided By | What to Compare |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Product Warranty | Panel manufacturer | Period, covered defects, claim process, replacement basis and labour exclusions |
| Panel Performance Warranty | Panel manufacturer | Degradation curve, minimum warranted output, testing requirements and remedy |
| Inverter Product Warranty | Inverter manufacturer | Warranty period, extension options, replacement time and labour coverage |
| Workmanship Warranty | Solar installer | Duration, covered installation defects, roof-leak treatment, response time and exclusions |
| O&M or Service Support | Installer or service provider | Monitoring, inspection, cleaning, response, reporting and renewal fees |
How Do You Compare After-Sales and O&M Support?
- Dedicated service contact
- Monitoring-alert response
- Remote troubleshooting
- Site-visit response target
- Service coverage area
- Business-hours support
- Emergency contact procedure
- Preventive inspection options
- Panel-cleaning options
- Annual performance report
- Warranty-claim coordination
- Replacement-equipment process
- Labour charges after installation
- Travel and transport charges
- Monitoring subscription fees
- O&M renewal fees
Monitoring Ownership
Confirm that the property owner receives direct access to the monitoring platform and system data.
Fault Response
Ask how the provider prioritises inverter failure, zero generation, communication faults and safety concerns.
Warranty Coordination
Confirm whether the provider submits manufacturer claims and who pays for related labour and logistics.
Long-Term Service
Check the service arrangement after the initial workmanship or free maintenance period ends.
How Should Solar Prices and Payment Terms Be Compared?
Compare both the total project cost and the completeness of the included scope. Price per kW can be useful only when the capacities, equipment and services are genuinely comparable.
| Cost Item | Confirm Whether Included |
|---|---|
| Solar panels and inverter | Exact models, quantities and ratings |
| Mounting and electrical materials | Complete supply and installation scope |
| System design and drawings | Required design, single-line diagram and endorsements |
| Application and authority procedures | Provider services versus separate official fees |
| Technical studies | CCC, CAS, PSS or other project-specific requirements |
| Meter-related work | Utility charges, wiring modification and meter-board work |
| Roof and structural work | Assessment, reinforcement, repair or waterproofing exclusions |
| Monitoring and communications | Data logger, meter, internet device and subscription fees |
| Testing and commissioning | Technical testing, reports and handover records |
| Warranty and maintenance labour | Included period and later service charges |
- Deposit amount
- Application-stage payment
- Equipment-order payment
- Delivery-stage payment
- Installation-stage payment
- Commissioning-stage payment
- Final retention amount
- Refund conditions
- Cancellation charges
- Variation-order procedure
- Delay responsibilities
- Financing charges
- Insurance requirements
- Tax treatment
- Official fees
- Quotation-validity period
What Are Common Solar Installer Red Flags?
- Refuses to provide the legal company name
- Requests payment to an unrelated entity
- Cannot confirm current SEDA listing status
- Does not identify the electrical contractor
- Does not identify qualified technical personnel
- Provides only verbal warranty promises
- Does not state exact equipment models
- Guarantees a fixed savings amount
- Guarantees an exact payback period
- Promises approval before technical review
- Uses unusually high generation assumptions
- Ignores shading or roof limitations
- Does not inspect the electrical installation
- Hides application or study fees
- Requires nearly full payment before completion
- Does not provide a written contract
- Cannot explain warranty-claim labour
- Does not provide system handover documents
Solar Installer Comparison Scorecard
| Comparison Category | Suggested Weight | What a Strong Proposal Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Registration and Accountability | 15% | Verified legal entity, current registrations and clearly assigned responsible parties |
| Technical Design | 20% | Site-specific capacity, layout, electrical design and transparent sizing assumptions |
| Equipment and Materials | 15% | Exact model numbers, complete specifications and suitable component selection |
| Workmanship and Safety | 15% | Clear roof, mounting, wiring, protection, testing and commissioning methods |
| Warranty and Support | 15% | Written workmanship, product, labour and after-sales responsibilities |
| Price and Contract Terms | 15% | Complete scope, reasonable milestones and clearly listed exclusions |
| Track Record and References | 5% | Relevant completed projects and verifiable customer references |
What Is the Difference between Solar100 and the Solar Installer?
| Solar100 | Solar Installer or Service Provider |
|---|---|
| Provides general comparison guidance | Assesses the property and electricity account |
| Helps users discover participating providers | Designs and prices the project-specific system |
| Highlights verification and quotation questions | Prepares technical documents and applications |
| Does not approve the installer’s design | Takes responsibility for its proposed design and scope |
| Does not perform electrical or roof work | Performs or coordinates installation work |
| Does not test or commission the system | Performs or coordinates testing and commissioning |
| Does not issue manufacturer warranties | Coordinates applicable product and workmanship claims |
| Does not guarantee approval or savings | Provides project estimates and contractual commitments |
What Should You Ask Every Solar Installer?
- What is your exact legal company name and SSM number?
- Are you currently listed as a SEDA Registered PV Service Provider?
- Which company will sign the installation contract?
- Which company will receive my payment?
- Which registered electrical contractor will perform the work?
- Who is the assigned competent person or engineer?
- How many similar projects have you completed?
- Why did you recommend this system capacity?
- What are the exact solar panel and inverter models?
- What annual generation do you estimate?
- Which losses are included in the forecast?
- What self-consumption and export rates are assumed?
- How will the mounting system be attached to my roof?
- Who is responsible if the roof leaks?
- What does the workmanship warranty cover?
- Who pays the labour for equipment warranty claims?
- Which application, study and meter fees are excluded?
- What documents will I receive at handover?
- What after-sales response is included?
- What happens if the project is delayed or cancelled?
What Should You Prepare before Requesting Solar Quotations?
- Recent TNB electricity bills
- TNB account number
- Domestic or non-domestic tariff
- Single-phase or three-phase supply
- Maximum Demand records, where applicable
- Monthly electricity consumption
- Daytime operating hours
- Weekend operating pattern
- Planned future electrical loads
- Roof photographs
- Roof dimensions
- Roof material
- Known roof defects
- Known shading conditions
- Main switchboard photographs
- Existing meter photographs
- Preferred purchase or financing method
- Expected project timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
How many solar quotations should I compare?
Comparing at least three written quotations can help reveal differences in system sizing, equipment, assumptions, scope, warranties and price.
Should I choose the cheapest solar installer?
Not automatically. A lower price may exclude technical studies, roof work, meter work, monitoring, warranty labour or long-term support.
How can I verify a solar installer in Malaysia?
Check the company’s current SEDA RPVSP status, SSM information, electrical-contractor details and assigned qualified technical personnel.
Are all solar quotations directly comparable?
No. First confirm that the proposed capacities, equipment models, project scope, warranties and exclusions are comparable.
Does SEDA registration guarantee good workmanship?
No. Registration is an important verification point, but workmanship, engineering, service quality and contract terms must still be assessed.
What is the most important solar warranty question?
Ask who pays for inspection, labour, transport, removal and reinstallation when a panel, inverter or other component fails.
Compare Solar Installers for Your Home or Business
Send your recent TNB bills, property type, supply phase, Maximum Demand, roof photographs and existing quotations to compare suitable participating solar providers, proposed capacities, equipment, warranties and project scope.
Request and Compare Solar Quotes
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