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Post-installation snagging

Your solar installation is complete and the inverter is running, but you have noticed things that do not look quite right. Missing labels, damaged roof tiles, loose cables, cosmetic marks, or incomplete documentation. Most solar installations have at least a few snagging items — some cosmetic, some worth fixing.
  • Snagging is common and fixable
  • Some issues are safety-critical
  • Document everything in writing
Not sure what counts as snagging?

An independent post-installation snag inspection documents all defects and incomplete work — from missing labels and damaged tiles to loose connections and poor cosmetic finish. You get a formal report and written evidence if you need to escalate.

Book a snag inspection — from £195What's included
5.0
13 Trustpilot reviews
Trustpilot Google

I have a GivEnergy system consisting of two batteries, two inverters and a controlling EMS (Energy Management System) which has not worked since Nov 2025. After six months I discovered Solar Tech Support, reached out to them and Ron phoned me back – how often do you get that service? Could not be more helpful – worked directly with me over the phone, outside what I would call normal working hours. Lucid explanations and we were able to discuss the issues and history using camera and email history. As this was a very rare setup, Ron was able to access an EMS expert in the field to confirm the solution. One sunny day in, I am now only paying for standing charge and a few pence for spikes in grid consumption while battery catches up with house demand.

Ian · May 2026 Trustpilot

When my GivEnergy system had an issue, I was completely left without support and had honestly lost all hope. Thankfully, I searched online and found Ron, which completely turned things around. After sending him a message, he responded incredibly fast and called me to assure me that he would get the problem fixed. I really admire his dedicated, supportive nature and his determination to find a solution. With this kind of outstanding attitude and customer service, he has absolutely secured a future customer in me.

Sree · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron want out of is way to help, nothing was to much. He was very thorough in what he did Very knowledgeable I would highly recommend Ron and his company He did a fantastic job for me. if you have any problems, he'll do his best to help you out and resolve your problem. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

Dennis Brown · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron took me through a diagnostic to confirm my GivEnergy Inverter had a fault. A common one as it turns out with the AC Inverter. As GivEnergy is defunct there is no immediate fix, aside from sourcing 2nd hand replacement. It may be that a fix becomes available over the summer which would make a lot of GivEnergy customers happy (Again)

Tony Deacon · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Ron with a problem and he sorted it out quickly with no problems at all. Very knowledgeable on anything solar/ batteries. I would recommend him to anyone

Phill · May 2026 Trustpilot

I've spoken to Ron a couple of times with issues with my Givenergy installation. Such a friendly knowledge guy very highly recommended. Thank you very much for resolving my issues

michael fairhurst · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support in desperation. After explaining the issues I had with my system a diagnosis was made and a solution proposed. Fantastic service, even contacted a manufacturer to arrange replacement parts for me. Great communications, explained all they were doing and what I had to do, clearly and precisly. Followed up to confirm all was ok. Excellent service.

Mr Machin · May 2026 Trustpilot

After GivEnergy went into liquidation, just my luck, my battery started playing up (internal board crashed). Contacted my installer - not interested! Found Solar tech support on a Google search. Sooo glad I found this company! Ron is extremely helpful and has plenty of experience. He soon confirmed what the fault was, and helped me to get my system up and running again. Now moved my GivEnergy account to Solar tech support, and will definitely use again if I have more issues. Unusual to find such a helpful company in these times, no morons reading scripts, just direct contact with the engineer.

Keith Ballard · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support when trying to understand what my Givenergy inverter problem might be and what might be my options. Received good/honest advise which backed up my thoughts.

Hugh Speirs · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Ron is a super star. Two months ago my GivEnergy battery failed a firmware upgrade leaving it a brick. My installer couldn't/wouldn't fix it. GivEnergy couldn't/wouldn't fix it. Then they went into administration and all hope was lost. A flurry of emails later and Ron had diagnosed the fault (failed USB flash drive, something I'd suspected) and talked me through resolving it. Two months of nothing resolved in about 3 hours. It's great to work with someone who pays attention to the details, knows that they're doing (not just following a script) and gets stuff sorted without a fuss or up-charging.

Christopher · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I can add to the list of customers who had already 'given up' on GivEnergy due to their appalling customer service, and that was before they went into administration (their Trustpilot reviews don't lie!). So you can imagine my desperation when, having changed my ISP and my Inverter, predictably, proving to be the only device that didn't connect automatically to my new network, I found zero prospect of any customer support with GivEnergy having called in the administrators just five days earlier! The salvation came from Solar Tech Support. My IT advisor stumbled across their web site and some very helpful tips for beleaguered GivEnergy customers, as well as an offer to provide direct assistance. Nothing ventured, I decided to drop them an E-Mail, with very low expectations based on my experience of GivEnergy customer support. Within an hour Ron had responded with some pin point advice, and after a few exchanges of E-Mails he had nailed the problem, enabling the combined efforts of my IT advisor and solar installer to resolve it and reconnect my Inverter. Thank you Solar Tech Support, and Ron in particular, for coming to the aid of a deserted and despondent GivEnergy customer. Expert, razor sharp advice and first class customer service, even though I wasn't officially a customer.

customer · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

This company are a rare gem, I had a very unusual problem following a failed firmware upgrade on my GivEnergy kit. I then found out GivEnergy were in administration and had dismissed all their support staff! None of the usual fixes to try and restore my inverter comms would work, and I looked everywhere, forums, GivEnergy youtube support videos - even AI couldn't figure it out. My installer was talking about huge sums for system replacements, and being vague / evasive about if they'd even install replacement GivEnergy inverter. Enter Solar Tech Support, reassuring and knowledgeable from the very start, I've learnt loads about my solar system though the friendly chat while my engineer worked as he diagnosed the problem and figured out a fix procedure that I've not found anywhere else - amazing . If you need solar system repairs - especially if you like me have been left high and dry by GivEnergy, I cannot recommend this company enough. Give them a call.

Andy Thomas · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I sent a message on their website regarding a problem I have on my Givenergy system. Although not supplied by Ronald, I thought it was worth an email. Within the hour on a Saturday, he phoned and we discussed the problem. He logged in remotely and gave excellent advice. I'm too far away for his on-site help but he did diagnose the problem and was happy also to chat through my thoughts about an upcoming solar/battery install I'm planning. Great bloke.... if only he was nearer!

Philip · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I have a GivEnergy system consisting of two batteries, two inverters and a controlling EMS (Energy Management System) which has not worked since Nov 2025. After six months I discovered Solar Tech Support, reached out to them and Ron phoned me back – how often do you get that service? Could not be more helpful – worked directly with me over the phone, outside what I would call normal working hours. Lucid explanations and we were able to discuss the issues and history using camera and email history. As this was a very rare setup, Ron was able to access an EMS expert in the field to confirm the solution. One sunny day in, I am now only paying for standing charge and a few pence for spikes in grid consumption while battery catches up with house demand.

Ian · May 2026 Trustpilot

When my GivEnergy system had an issue, I was completely left without support and had honestly lost all hope. Thankfully, I searched online and found Ron, which completely turned things around. After sending him a message, he responded incredibly fast and called me to assure me that he would get the problem fixed. I really admire his dedicated, supportive nature and his determination to find a solution. With this kind of outstanding attitude and customer service, he has absolutely secured a future customer in me.

Sree · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron want out of is way to help, nothing was to much. He was very thorough in what he did Very knowledgeable I would highly recommend Ron and his company He did a fantastic job for me. if you have any problems, he'll do his best to help you out and resolve your problem. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

Dennis Brown · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron took me through a diagnostic to confirm my GivEnergy Inverter had a fault. A common one as it turns out with the AC Inverter. As GivEnergy is defunct there is no immediate fix, aside from sourcing 2nd hand replacement. It may be that a fix becomes available over the summer which would make a lot of GivEnergy customers happy (Again)

Tony Deacon · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Ron with a problem and he sorted it out quickly with no problems at all. Very knowledgeable on anything solar/ batteries. I would recommend him to anyone

Phill · May 2026 Trustpilot

I've spoken to Ron a couple of times with issues with my Givenergy installation. Such a friendly knowledge guy very highly recommended. Thank you very much for resolving my issues

michael fairhurst · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support in desperation. After explaining the issues I had with my system a diagnosis was made and a solution proposed. Fantastic service, even contacted a manufacturer to arrange replacement parts for me. Great communications, explained all they were doing and what I had to do, clearly and precisly. Followed up to confirm all was ok. Excellent service.

Mr Machin · May 2026 Trustpilot

After GivEnergy went into liquidation, just my luck, my battery started playing up (internal board crashed). Contacted my installer - not interested! Found Solar tech support on a Google search. Sooo glad I found this company! Ron is extremely helpful and has plenty of experience. He soon confirmed what the fault was, and helped me to get my system up and running again. Now moved my GivEnergy account to Solar tech support, and will definitely use again if I have more issues. Unusual to find such a helpful company in these times, no morons reading scripts, just direct contact with the engineer.

Keith Ballard · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support when trying to understand what my Givenergy inverter problem might be and what might be my options. Received good/honest advise which backed up my thoughts.

Hugh Speirs · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Ron is a super star. Two months ago my GivEnergy battery failed a firmware upgrade leaving it a brick. My installer couldn't/wouldn't fix it. GivEnergy couldn't/wouldn't fix it. Then they went into administration and all hope was lost. A flurry of emails later and Ron had diagnosed the fault (failed USB flash drive, something I'd suspected) and talked me through resolving it. Two months of nothing resolved in about 3 hours. It's great to work with someone who pays attention to the details, knows that they're doing (not just following a script) and gets stuff sorted without a fuss or up-charging.

Christopher · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I can add to the list of customers who had already 'given up' on GivEnergy due to their appalling customer service, and that was before they went into administration (their Trustpilot reviews don't lie!). So you can imagine my desperation when, having changed my ISP and my Inverter, predictably, proving to be the only device that didn't connect automatically to my new network, I found zero prospect of any customer support with GivEnergy having called in the administrators just five days earlier! The salvation came from Solar Tech Support. My IT advisor stumbled across their web site and some very helpful tips for beleaguered GivEnergy customers, as well as an offer to provide direct assistance. Nothing ventured, I decided to drop them an E-Mail, with very low expectations based on my experience of GivEnergy customer support. Within an hour Ron had responded with some pin point advice, and after a few exchanges of E-Mails he had nailed the problem, enabling the combined efforts of my IT advisor and solar installer to resolve it and reconnect my Inverter. Thank you Solar Tech Support, and Ron in particular, for coming to the aid of a deserted and despondent GivEnergy customer. Expert, razor sharp advice and first class customer service, even though I wasn't officially a customer.

customer · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

This company are a rare gem, I had a very unusual problem following a failed firmware upgrade on my GivEnergy kit. I then found out GivEnergy were in administration and had dismissed all their support staff! None of the usual fixes to try and restore my inverter comms would work, and I looked everywhere, forums, GivEnergy youtube support videos - even AI couldn't figure it out. My installer was talking about huge sums for system replacements, and being vague / evasive about if they'd even install replacement GivEnergy inverter. Enter Solar Tech Support, reassuring and knowledgeable from the very start, I've learnt loads about my solar system though the friendly chat while my engineer worked as he diagnosed the problem and figured out a fix procedure that I've not found anywhere else - amazing . If you need solar system repairs - especially if you like me have been left high and dry by GivEnergy, I cannot recommend this company enough. Give them a call.

Andy Thomas · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I sent a message on their website regarding a problem I have on my Givenergy system. Although not supplied by Ronald, I thought it was worth an email. Within the hour on a Saturday, he phoned and we discussed the problem. He logged in remotely and gave excellent advice. I'm too far away for his on-site help but he did diagnose the problem and was happy also to chat through my thoughts about an upcoming solar/battery install I'm planning. Great bloke.... if only he was nearer!

Philip · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Common snagging issues after installation

Here are the issues we see most often. Some are cosmetic, some are worth fixing, and some are legitimate defects.

Roof tiles displaced or cracked

Broken or lifted roof tiles, gaps around roof flashings, missing sealant, or visible cracks. This is not cosmetic — water can ingress around roof penetrations, causing damage inside the loft and property. Roof defects must be fixed before final handover.

Loose or untidy cable routing

DC cables hanging loose, not clipped to the roof properly, not routed through cable trays or conduit, or visibly messy. Poor cable routing is a safety and aesthetics issue. Cables should be neatly fixed and protected. This is a legitimate snagging item.

Missing labels and signage

DC isolator, AC isolator, battery isolator (if installed), or inverter mode not labelled. Warning signs missing. Labels are required by UK building regulations and safety standards. Missing labels are a compliance issue and should be added before final sign-off.

Cosmetic damage — scratches, paint marks, drill holes

Minor scuffing on frame rails, paint marks from drilling, small marks on roof or walls, or aesthetic blemishes that do not affect function. These are cosmetic and lower priority, but worth noting if the installation was supposed to be 'like new' on completion.

Inverter or battery mounted in poor location

Equipment installed in damp areas, exposed to direct sun, placed where it blocks access, or mounted at an awkward height. Poor placement can affect performance and longevity. The installer should relocate equipment to a more suitable location if it is genuinely problematic.

Incomplete documentation

Missing MCS installation certificate, no electrical safety certificate (NICEIC/NAPIT), no Building Regulations completion, no user manuals, or incomplete commissioning notes. Documentation is essential for warranty, export payments, and future sales. The installer must provide all paperwork before you sign off.

What is normal vs what needs fixing

A quick reference to help you distinguish between acceptable variations and genuine defects.

Normal — no action needed
Minor scuffing or marks on panel frame rails (from handling)
Small amounts of roof dust or debris around panels
Slight cable flex or minor cable positioning variation
Slight roof tile color difference at the penetration point
Minor paint splash or marks that do not damage the surface
Needs fixing — raise with installer
Cracked or broken roof tiles, lifted or loose tiles
Gaps or poor sealing around roof flashings
Exposed DC cables (not in conduit or properly clipped)
Missing safety labels or isolation point signage
Equipment mounted in obviously unsuitable location
Missing or incomplete documentation (MCS, electrical cert, manuals)
Urgent — address immediately
Water ingress or leaks around roof penetrations
Loose electrical connections or exposed terminals
No earth bond or grounding visible on metal structures
DC cables running without isolation devices
No G98/G99 notification letter from DNO

Step-by-step: how to raise snagging issues

Follow this process to document, report, and resolve snagging items with your installer.

1
Document everything with photos and dates

Walk around your entire installation — on the roof, around the inverter, at the battery (if installed), and check all visible wiring and connections. Take clear photos of any issues you notice. Record the date, time, and location of each problem. If possible, use a spreadsheet or simple document to organize your findings with photo references.

Be thorough but fair — do not nitpick minor cosmetic marks, but do flag anything that affects safety, function, or looks incomplete.

2
Create a written snagging list

Compile your observations into a clear, written list organized by area (roof, wiring, equipment, documentation). For each item, describe what you found, where it is, why you think it is an issue, and how urgent it is (cosmetic, needs fixing, urgent). Do not rely on a phone call — written documentation is essential if you need to escalate.

Example format: "Roof: Two cracked tiles on east side of panel array — water ingress risk. Photos attached. Priority: Urgent."

3
Send the list to your installer in writing

Email your snagging list to your installer with all photos attached or linked. Use email so you have a clear date stamp and audit trail. Explain that you are requesting these items be completed as part of the post-installation service. Be polite and professional — you want them to come back and fix things, not get defensive.

Subject line example: "Post-installation snagging items — [Your address] — requesting completion"

4
Give them reasonable time to respond

Allow your installer 14 days to acknowledge your list and schedule a return visit. Most reputable installers will come back within 7–14 days to complete snagging work — it is a standard part of the installation contract. They may ask for clarification or dispute some items, but they should engage with you.

If you do not hear back within 14 days, send a follow-up email. If they still do not respond, or if they refuse to complete the work, proceed to the next step.

5
If installer doesn't respond — book an independent snag inspection

If your installer is unresponsive or refuses to fix snagging items, book an independent post-installation snag inspection. An independent inspector will assess all issues, document them formally with photos and measurements, and provide a written report. This report becomes evidence if you need to escalate the complaint.

With a formal report, you can pursue a complaint through the installer's trade body (MCS, NAPIT, RECC), withhold or reduce final payment, or seek legal advice if the issues are safety-critical.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Check immediately — ideally while the installer is still on site or within the first 24 hours after they leave. It is much easier to ask them to fix something while they are there than to arrange a return visit later. Walk around the entire installation (roof, wiring, equipment, documentation) and look for loose cables, damaged tiles, missing labels, paint marks, or incomplete work. If you spot anything unusual, raise it with the installer before they leave or send them a detailed list within 48 hours.
Some visual difference is normal. The area around roof penetrations will look different — new flashing, new sealant, or a slight color mismatch as the dust settles. However, broken or cracked tiles, tiles that are lifted or loose, visible gaps around roof flashings, or poor sealant are not normal and need fixing. If tiles are visibly damaged (not just dusty or slightly discolored), this is a snagging item. Ask the installer to check and seal the roof properly, or ask them to replace any damaged tiles before they leave.
Yes. UK Building Regulations and electrical safety standards require that all electrical circuits and isolation points are clearly labelled. This includes: the DC isolator switch (main switch), AC isolator, battery isolator (if installed), inverter mode labels, and warning signs about electrical hazard. Missing labels are a compliance issue and a legitimate snagging item — not cosmetic. Your installer should add these labels before you sign off on the installation. Ask them directly if you do not see them.
Not all snagging is cosmetic. Missing safety labels, cracked roof tiles, exposed DC cables, loose connections, and gaps around roof flashings are not cosmetic — they are legitimate defects affecting safety, compliance, or property integrity. If your installer refuses to fix these, book an independent post-installation snag inspection. The inspector's formal report provides evidence for a complaint to the installer's accredited trade body (MCS, NAPIT, RECC), a withholding of final payment, or legal action if needed. Cosmetic damage (minor paint marks, light scratching) is harder to enforce, but structural and safety issues must be addressed.
Potentially yes — if snagging is significant or safety-related. Once the inverter is switched on and the system is generating, the main installation is complete and you should typically issue payment. However, you can reasonably retain a small amount (e.g., 5–10%) pending completion of documented snagging work. This gives the installer an incentive to return and finish the job. If you have already paid in full, your recourse is more limited — you must use a formal complaint process through the installer's accreditor (MCS, NAPIT, RECC) or seek legal advice. Always check your contract terms before withholding payment.
If your installer has become insolvent or closed, you cannot chase them for snagging work. Your options are: (1) attempt to contact any administrators handling their customer accounts; (2) check your warranty or guarantee documents — defect coverage may be transferable to a new owner or provider; (3) book an independent inspection to formally document all defects; (4) hire a different engineer to complete the snagging work (get several quotes); (5) pursue a complaint with the installer's trade body (MCS, NAPIT, RECC) if they were accredited — you may be eligible for compensation from their guarantee fund. See our installer gone bust guide for detailed next steps.
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Need an independent eye on your snagging?

A post-installation snag inspection documents all defects, incomplete work, and compliance issues with clear photos and written evidence. You get a formal report you can use to pressure your installer into action, or to support a complaint if they refuse to help.

  • Comprehensive assessment of roof, wiring, equipment, and documentation
  • Formal written report with photos and priority ratings
  • Usable evidence for complaints and payment disputes

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