So a while ago we were asked for an quotation to install 12 panels on a existing battery backup system. Quoted and got told we are to expensive and the old “I know someone cheaper”. Thank you sir, please go ahead.
Got a call, system not working anymore, can we assist. Went to site and MPPT’s on a well known all in one inverter blown because all 12 panels were strung in series (600Volt)
Sorry cant help you but we can bypass your inverter and made the changes in the DB. Please get the guys to come fix, and we never heard from the guy again, even refused to pay us for our callout 22H00 to bypass the system because the installers could not come right. Then we received a call, Installers disappeared and client bought a new inverter directly from Voltex but cant find anyone to install and fix existing issues. After much deliberation we felt sorry for the guy and agreed to assist, but this time with elevated rates as we knew we would run into some serious issues.
My guys are still sitting on site, installed the inverter, not bypass switch/ Changeover in the system, battery to inverter cables halve the size what it should be, no DC fuses between inverter and battery and the rest will shock most of you.
The string from the roof were made up of short pieces offcut wires from previous installs with almost 20 joints. Wires cleaned, twisted together and taped up. All the MC4 connectors were removed and panels joined together in the same way, wires twisted together and taped up. One panel must have been damaged during installation and left like that connected to the string. my guys had to pull complete new strings and we strung only 11 in a 5s and 6s string.
In total, we were less than 5k more expensive than the installer he chose, guess what today will cost him?
Last year we quoted on big system for a restaurant in limpopo. Guy got a counter quote with less expensive but still reasonable equipment. Price difference R108k. Got sworn at, wife and office staff got sworn at and we walked away. 4 months later the phone calls started, system did not work correctly since the very first day of installation, installer came back twice, could not sort it and declared bankrupt a few weeks later. Can we help. From video calls i could see the issue and knew what needed to be done to get the system up and running. The issues was driving the owner crazy, still during the time of load shedding and while his customers were having dinner, the power will go off at the start of load shedding and they would need to manually go reset the system, same happened when the grid power returned.
Can we please come and sort this, so i phoned some family members in the same town to arrange for a place to stay while sorting the issue out, they then told me something i never wanted to hear. From the time of quoting, this owner told them, I know Jaco, i know what he can do, I know he will sort me out if the other installer messes up, and it cant cost R108k. So even if he charges me R20-30K i am still saving money.
There and then I decided, this is not for me, Phoned him and told him I would only help if he deposits the 108k in my account before I leave Pretoria. Never heard from him again. I believe the problem is still not fixed but bearable, the town have much less frequent power failures compared to the frequency of prior load sheading, but I dont realy care.
Ja. I’m getting wary of making decisions purely on price. There is always somebody who can do the job a bit cheaper.
Take my garage door. When we moved into this house the thing would jam every now and then. Part opens, whirs, clangs, comes to a halt 1/3 open or 1/3 closed. Worse after rain.
So I get some guy in. He does some stuff. The door seems OK, but the problem was intermittent. Then it starts again.
Call in a 2nd bunch. Same thing.
But I need to get this fixed. Opening or closing manually is a schlep. If you remember. Three times somebody phoned to see they found my dog down near the main road.
So I Google. Check Hello Peter. A company called FGM look good. They come out. He says the frame isn’t properly aligned. I say was it a bum installation. He says maybe, or maybe it got hit that way. Anyway, he loosens some bolts moves things around. Says the door needs a service (retension this, lubricate that), should he do that? I say might as well.
Problem goes away. Third time lucky. That was years ago. The sticking never came back.
And I got a follow up call. We get chatting. What else does he do? He says he does gates, and security OUTSIDE the home.
So now when I need any of that done I don’t bother getting prices, I just call FGM. Because they get the job done. I’m sure there are guys who will give me a better price. I’m not interested.
I must admit, I am one that sometimes secretly think - greedy installers. But I believe sometimes just how things are set out on the invoice can help alot.
With online prices easily compared, do not pad the price for very valid reasons like after sales service costs etc.
Itemise the invoice.
System design
Inverter
Switchgear
Wiring
Installation
After sales
Yes I might be naive. But I believe one will judge the price less negatively if one can see the components that make up the price transparently vs just seeing “overpriced” inverter if quoted as one.
I did a pool pump installation. For some other intagible reasons I am using this specific person.
Got a quote - “rediculous”. Pump plus installation. Spoke to him about it. Turns out, pump includes pick up from supplier and piping. Making his installation only labour time.
I advised about a more clearer breakout.
He phoned me the other day. Apparently his acceptance rate is up massively since taking my advice. As people do not see the pump as a rip off anymore.