Best Solar Installation Companies in Durban? - How to Choose the Right One
Switching to solar power generation is a big choice for both homes and businesses so it’s important that you choose the right company from the start so that you don’t end up on wasting valuable time and money. In this blog post, we going to provide a detailed guide on how to choose one of the best solar installation companies in Durban, without getting burned.
Step 1: Look for Experience and Proven Results
Proven experience is something that’s valuable in all industries as this can provide you with an added peace of mind that the company knows what they are talking about. We have over 30+ years of technical experience, allowing Eagle Eye Solar to provide our customers with proven experience and detailed knowledge. A simple question to help you get an answer is to ask the company you are talking too, “how long have you been installing solar systems?” – as this can provide you with the answer you need. As stated by Investec in there article titled “SA’s solar awakening” – in 2024 they mentioned that “South Africa is set to become the tenth largest solar market in the world” this shows the large growth in solar energy in SA which may bring fly-by-night installers who leave customers in the dark.
Step 2: Check if They Use Tier One Equipment
Not all solar components are equal, and you should be looking for companies that use tier one products in their installations. You want your solar energy system to last somewhere between 15-25 years, so make sure your installer is using top quality equipment. When the solar energy company provides you with a quotation – double check these with other brands on the market by performing a quick Google search to find ratings and reviews of these products. Below we have listed a few brands to look for under each category:
• Best solar panels in South Africa: Brands like JA Solar, Canadian Solar or Jinko.
• Best solar inverters South Africa: Brands like Sunsynk, Deye, Victron, or Growatt.
• Best lithium-ion battery for solar: Batteries like Hina, Deye or Dyness.
Step 3: Don’t Fall for Cheap Quotes
It’s often tempting to go with the cheapest quote as you can save money at the start, but if the solar energy company is not using high quality products or doesn’t have the right experience, they likely may have a cheaper quotation which could end up on being more expensive in the longer term with costly repairs and maintenance. A solar power system is a long-term investment in your home or business and can provide future savings. The truth is that not all solar energy systems are created equally – and the differences can often lie beneath the surface. That ‘bargain’ system may be cutting costs by using:
• Low grade or unbranded products that don’t meet South African quality standards.
• Unqualified or unlicensed subcontractors, which could result in poor workmanship, non-compliance with regulation and safety risks.
• Minimal or non-existent after-sales support, leaving you stranded when you need maintenance, system upgrades, or troubleshooting.
• A generic, one-size-fits-all system that isn’t customised to your energy needs, meaning you’ll either underproduce or overspend and possibly need to redo the system within a few years.
Step 4: Check Their Reviews and Track Record
You can tell a lot more about a company when looking at past reviews from clients who have actually previously used there services. Look at both positive and negative reviews and see how the company responds when clients are not satisfied to understand the type of after sales service you likely to receive. It’s likely that companies will have a few negative ones, but quality solar installation companies with own their mistakes and fix them. A good place to start is to look beyond their website and look at reviews and ratings on platforms such as Google Business Profile, HelloPeter or even local Facebook groups or their company FB page as customers can often leave past reviews based on the service they received.
Step 5: Do They Offer Clear, Honest Pricing?
One of the easiest ways to spot a red flag is a vague or rushed quote. At Eagle Eye Solar, we will take the time to break down all costs on your quotation, from the solar panels, inverters, batteries through to the cables and wiring so that you know exactly what you are paying for. There are also no hidden fees or potential add-ons that we only tell you at the end – we offer our clients fully transparent pricing which they can trust.
Step 6: Do They have Local Knowledge of Durban’s Climate?
The weather climate in Durban can vary compared to other parts of the country which can provide unique challenges for solar installers that many inland installers may not account for. For properties located in coastal regions such as around Ballito, Umhlanga or Durban the combination of high humidity and salty sea air may have a higher influence on the corrosion, and lifespan of your system compared to properties in the upper highway region such as Kloof or Hillcrest. Your installer should be using weatherproof, corrosion-resistant materials that are specifically rated for costal conditions. That said, most solar products are already built to handle tough outdoor conditions, including humidity and salt exposure. But in coastal areas like Durban, regular cleaning and maintenance becomes even more important to stop salt build-up from affecting performance over time.
Step 7: Check if They Offer Ongoing Support
At Eagle Eye Solar, we offer customers quality before and after sales support to ensure that you receive the quality you are looking for. We have dedicated maintenance and repairs services for systems that we installed and also for systems that other companies installed if you are looking to switch solar companies? In addition to this, we have our in-house sales and support team who you can contact through email or phone when you have a question. When it comes to the solar systems we’ve installed in the past, we’ve seen that what clients really value is having a reliable partner they can count on long after the job is done. Whether it’s upgrading their system, adding more panels, or making changes as their energy needs change over time – we’re here to help clients make the transition to solar energy.
Step 8: Do They Provide Customizable Solar Offerings?
Not every home or business requires the same solar setup, as there will be different energy demands so avoid companies that push a one size fits all package as there are not taking your unique energy requirements into account. The best solar installation companies in Durban will take the time to assess your specific needs before suggesting a system. There are a few parts that come into this such as understanding your current energy usage, future energy goals and requirements, roof condition, available space and of course your budget. At Eagle Eye Solar, we find the answers to all these key questions before we install your system to ensure this is tailored to your energy requirements.
Eagle Eye Solar – Trusted Solar Installer in Durban
Choosing a solar installer shouldn’t be about the cheapest price or flashiest brochure. It’s about who’s going to deliver a reliable, long-lasting system, and who will be there to support you when you need it. At Eagle Eye Solar, we focus on building solar solutions that last, with expert workmanship and reliable support every step of the way. We focus on designing customizable solar solutions for your home or businesses that are tailored directly to your current and future energy usage. If you’re looking for a solar company in Durban that puts your needs first, Eagle Eye Solar is the partner you can trust.