How to choose a solar installer
A good installer will explain the design, give you a clear written price and leave you time to decide. These checks can help you choose with confidence.
Check the installing company
Look up the business in the MCS installer directory and check that its certification covers solar panels, also called solar PV. MCS is a certification scheme for small renewable energy installations.
Use the company’s legal name. If a sales company is arranging the work, ask which certified business will install the system and issue your certificate.
Check any consumer-code membership
If the installer says it belongs to a consumer code, check that code’s own directory. For example, you can look up RECC members online. A logo on a website is not enough to confirm membership.
Get written quotes to compare
Try to get at least three quotes. Give each installer the same information about your roof and electricity use. Ask for the panel and inverter models, roof layout, expected yearly generation, full price and any battery cost.
Use our comparison worksheet to keep the offers together.
Understand your payments and protection
Before paying a deposit, ask how it is protected and what happens if the company cannot finish the job. Read the protection documents, including who provides the cover and when it applies.
RECC requires its members to protect deposits, advance payments and workmanship warranties. Its consumer advice says a member should not ask for more than 25% of the contract price as a deposit. Check the current code rules that apply to your installer.
Read the contract before you pay
- The company’s legal name, address and contact details.
- The equipment, work and full price, including VAT.
- Payment stages and any costs that can change after the survey.
- Your cancellation rights and the complaints process.
- Equipment and installation warranties.
- Who deals with planning and electricity-network paperwork.
Ask for anything unclear to be explained in writing. You do not have to decide during the appointment because a discount is said to end that day.
Know who will help afterwards
Ask who handles faults and whether warranty cover continues if the installer stops trading. After installation, keep your certificates, test results, warranties, manuals and monitoring-app details together.
See our full quote checklist and repair guide for more help.