What to check in a solar quote

A useful solar quote makes clear what you’re buying, what it will cost and how the savings were worked out. Use this checklist to look through it at your own pace.

1. The full price

• The total including VAT, scaffolding and electrical work.
• A separate price for any battery.
• Any work or charges that may change after the survey.
• The deposit, payment dates and how your money is protected.

2. The equipment and roof layout

• The number, size and model of the panels.
• A drawing showing where they will fit.
• The inverter model and any battery, including its usable capacity.
• The system size in kWp and expected yearly electricity generation in kWh.

kWp describes the combined rated power of the panels; kWh measures the electricity they produce.

3. The savings estimate

• How much solar electricity you are expected to use at home.
• How much is expected to go to the grid.
• The electricity prices and export payment rate used.
• Any assumed future price rises, upkeep or replacement costs.

If two quotes predict very different savings, ask each installer to explain the difference. Our guide to comparing savings estimates can help.

4. The company and your protection

• The legal name and address of the company you are paying.
• The installing company’s MCS certification.
• Cancellation terms, complaints process and payment protection.
• Warranties for the equipment and installation work.
• Who can help if the installer stops trading.

MCS is a certification scheme for small renewable energy installations. Check the company in the MCS directory and read our installer guide.

5. The paperwork

Ask who will handle planning checks and the application or notification to your local electricity network company, often called the DNO. Your installer should provide the certificates, test results, warranties and instructions when the work is finished.

Ask for a copy to keep

Keep the quote, roof layout, savings estimate and contract together. If anything is missing or changes after a survey, ask for an updated written version before you sign.

Try to compare three written quotes. Give each company the same information and allow yourself time to decide.

Compare your quotes side by side