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Quality · Installation · All brands

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.
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Check your installationBook a snag inspection
  • 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.

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A superb service from Ron who went beyond the normal service received from other Tech support companies. I live abroad and was badly let down when my givenergy system failed (and the company went bankrupt) and the local supplier ran away from the problem. Ron sorted the problem and even accessed specialist coding for the inverter that would not be available for suppliers. Ron also ran a full diagnostic to insure that all was in good working order afterwards. Without Rons support and patient assistance I doubt I would ever have got the system back up and running. Well done and thankyou and you have a customer for the future.

Philip Davey · Jun 2026 Google

I reached on behalf of a friend, who had lost control of their battery following a storm. A couple giv energy “dealers” had attempted and said different fixes. None worked. Solar tech support solved it remotely on the first attempt almost instantly. Genuinely a 10/10 service.

Will Jay · Jun 2026 Google

A really big thank you to Ron and his team, he has vast amounts of knowledge and got my system back up and running, also good to get on with. I was absolutely lost as to know what to do, no help from installer and somehow came across Ron and am I glad I did. I would definitely definitely recommend him to anyone who has faults with there solar system, any make I would say. Thanks again Ron a pleasure meeting you.

D R · Jun 2026 Google

Our SolarEdge PV system with LG batteries had its first hiccup after 8 years of hard work. The Inverter failed. Fortunately I found Solar-Tech-Support who diagnosed the problem very quickly, ordered a replacement unit and fitted it shortly after we received the unit from SolarEdge. Very thorough and professional approach. Thank you, a solid 5 star recommendation.

Les Bennett · Jun 2026 Google

Amazing support, went out of his way to help try and get us back up and running

Paul Smith · May 2026

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. 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

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.

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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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