Question 1

How does the AI installer matching algorithm work?

Accepted Answer

Our algorithm scores every MCS-certified partner installer in our pre-vetted network across 12 dimensions specific to your property and preferences. Each factor is weighted — for example, being an Octopus customer triggers priority Octopus Trusted Partner matching, and owning an EV surfaces installers with dedicated EV charger experience. The result is a single best-fit installer for your scenario, not a generic list of three nearest companies.

Question 2

What 12 factors does the matching algorithm consider?

Accepted Answer

1. Postcode — geographic proximity to partner installers. 2. Property type — terrace, semi, detached, listed. 3. Roof orientation and pitch. 4. Monthly energy bill. 5. Solar/battery/heat pump interest mix. 6. Brand preference (SolarEdge, Enphase, Tesla, GivEnergy, etc.). 7. Octopus customer status. 8. EV ownership. 9. Smart home ecosystem (Hive, Tado, Nest). 10. Budget tier. 11. Timeline. 12. Conservation area or listed building status.

Question 3

Is the matching algorithm transparent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every matching recommendation includes a breakdown of which factors drove the match. You can see why a specific installer was selected, what priority flags were triggered (e.g. Octopus priority, EV-capable, Hive-compatible), and which other installers scored closely. We do not use black-box matching — you understand exactly why you are matched with each partner.

Question 4

Is smart matching better than manual matching?

Accepted Answer

For most homeowners, yes. Traditional directories assign the 3 nearest installers by postcode — a simple filter that ignores your energy bill, smart home setup, EV plans, brand preferences and building constraints. Our 12-factor algorithm surfaces the single installer most likely to deliver the right system at the right price for your exact scenario. For tech-savvy homeowners with Octopus Flux, EVs or smart home systems, the match quality improvement is significant.

Question 5

I am an Octopus Energy customer — does priority matching kick in automatically?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Declaring Octopus customer status triggers priority routing to our Octopus Trusted Partner installers. These installers are certified to configure your solar system for optimal compatibility with Octopus Intelligent Flux — the rate that pays approximately 30p/kWh for exported electricity. Standard installers can install solar but may not be optimised to configure Octopus Flux export settings.

Question 6

I own an EV — does that change my installer match?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EV ownership is factor 8 in the algorithm. Declaring EV ownership or planning to own one triggers priority routing to installers in our network with dedicated EV charger installation experience and OZEV-approved training. These installers can quote and install your solar panel system alongside an EV charger in a single visit, often saving on scaffolding and electrical work costs.

Question 7

How does smart home integration matching work?

Accepted Answer

Factor 9 of the algorithm identifies your smart home ecosystem — Hive, Tado, Nest or none. We then surface installers who have specific experience integrating solar inverter monitoring with your platform. For example, a GivEnergy battery with the GivEnergy app integrates natively with Hive, while Enphase Enlighten has strong Nest/Google Home compatibility. Matching on this factor avoids installing a system that sits outside your existing smart home dashboard.

Question 8

Does the algorithm know if I am in a conservation area?

Accepted Answer

Yes — factor 12 covers conservation areas and listed buildings. You declare this during the matching quiz and our algorithm filters to partner installers with planning experience in conservation areas, including those familiar with local authority pre-application requirements in your specific council area. Solar is still achievable in many conservation areas but requires a more experienced installer.

Question 9

Can I override the match and choose a different installer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The algorithm recommendation is a starting point, not a constraint. After receiving your matched installer details you can request to see the next-best-scoring installers in your area. We also include the factor scores so you can make an informed choice. Our goal is to surface the best fit, not to lock you in.

Question 10

Is Solar Panel Installers Smart an installer or a matching service?

Accepted Answer

Matching service only. Solar Panel Installers Smart is a smart directory — we connect Scottish homeowners with optimal MCS-certified partner installers from our pre-vetted network. We do not employ installers directly. The installation is carried out by Scottish Energy Efficiency or an approved partner. This distinction means our algorithm can match objectively across multiple partner installers rather than defaulting to in-house teams.

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