How to Choose a Solar Panel Installer

MCS Certification — The Non-Negotiable

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification is mandatory. Without it, you cannot claim the Smart Export Guarantee, access government grants, or benefit from 0% VAT on the installation.

MCS is a quality assurance scheme that certifies both the installer and the products they use. An MCS-certified installer has demonstrated competence in solar panel design and installation, and is audited regularly. You can check whether an installer is MCS certified at mcscertified.com.

Any installer who is not MCS certified — or who tries to tell you it does not matter — should be avoided regardless of their price.

RECC Membership

The Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) is a consumer protection scheme. RECC members must follow a code of practice covering sales, contracts, deposits, and complaints handling. If something goes wrong, RECC provides a dispute resolution service.

RECC membership is not legally required, but it is a strong signal of a reputable installer. All MCS-certified installers must be a member of either RECC or the Home Insulation and Energy Systems (HIES) scheme. Check at recc.org.uk.

What to Check Before Signing

Before committing to an installer, verify the following:

• MCS certification — check the certificate number at mcscertified.com
• RECC or HIES membership — for consumer protection
• Insurance — ask for proof of public liability insurance (minimum £2 million) and professional indemnity insurance
• Workmanship warranty — most reputable installers offer 5–10 years. This is separate from the panel manufacturer’s warranty
• Reviews — check Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and Checkatrade. Look for patterns, not just the overall score
• Company age — prefer installers who have been trading for 3+ years. Solar is a long-term investment and you need the company to exist for warranty claims
• Deposit terms — avoid paying more than 25% upfront. RECC rules limit deposits. Never pay the full amount before installation
• Written quote breakdown — the quote should clearly list panel brand/model, inverter brand/model, number of panels, total kW, all costs (scaffolding, DNO application, building control), and estimated annual generation

Red Flags to Watch For

Walk away if you see any of these:

• High-pressure sales tactics — “this price is only valid today” or “we only have 3 slots left this month”. Reputable installers are busy but do not use pressure tactics.
• No site survey — any installer who quotes without visiting your property (or at least getting detailed photos and measurements) cannot give an accurate price or design.
• Unrealistic generation estimates — if the claimed generation is 50%+ higher than what other installers are quoting for the same size system, the figures are inflated.
• No MCS certification — as above. No exceptions.
• Subcontracting everything — some companies are just sales offices that subcontract to whoever is available. Ask who will actually do the installation.
• Unusually cheap quotes — a price significantly below competitors may mean cheap panels, cut corners, or a company that will not be around for warranty claims.
• Large upfront deposit — more than 25% before work starts is a risk. Full payment before installation is a major red flag.

Getting Multiple Quotes

Always get at least 3 quotes. Prices for the same system can vary by 20–30% between installers. Getting multiple quotes also lets you compare system designs — different installers may recommend different panel layouts, inverter types, or system sizes based on their assessment of your roof.

When comparing quotes, look at the cost per kW installed (total price divided by system size in kW). In 2026, a reasonable range is £1,200–£1,800 per kW for a standard installation. Prices above £2,000/kW should come with a clear explanation (premium panels, difficult access, microinverters, etc.).

What to Expect During Installation

A typical residential solar installation takes 1–2 days:

• Day 1 (morning): Scaffolding erected. Mounting rails fixed to the roof battens.
• Day 1 (afternoon): Panels mounted on the rails. DC cabling run from roof to inverter location.
• Day 2 (morning): Inverter installed (usually in loft, garage, or utility room). AC connection to consumer unit. Generation meter installed.
• Day 2 (afternoon): System tested and commissioned. Installer walks you through the monitoring app. Paperwork completed (MCS certificate, DNO notification, building control).
• 1–2 weeks later: Scaffolding removed. DNO (Distribution Network Operator) confirms connection.

Your electricity will be off for a short period (usually 30–60 minutes) while the installer connects the system to your consumer unit. The system starts generating immediately after commissioning, but SEG payments begin once you have registered with your chosen SEG supplier.

After Installation Checklist

Make sure you receive all of the following from your installer:

• MCS installation certificate (you need this for SEG registration)
• Building control notification certificate
• DNO connection confirmation (G98/G99)
• Panel warranty documentation
• Inverter warranty documentation
• Installer’s workmanship warranty
• Commissioning report with system performance data
• EPC update recommendation (solar should improve your rating)