Choosing a solar installer and comparing quotes

Find installers

• Use an MCS-certified installer — you need one to be paid under the Smart Export Guarantee, and for a Warm Homes Loan. Check the MCS installer search or our directory.
• Citizens Advice also suggests looking at TrustMark, Buy With Confidence (Trading Standards approved) and Which? Trusted Traders.
• Don't use a company that cold-calls you.

Get at least three quotes

Citizens Advice, the Energy Saving Trust and RECC all say to get quotes from at least three installers. Ask for a battery quote too, so you can compare.

A quote should show:

• the installer's MCS number
• the system size in kWp, and the make and model of panels, inverter and any battery
• the total cost, including any paperwork charges, with prices with and without VAT and the correct VAT rate (0% for homes until 31 March 2027)
• the deposit — no more than 25% — and how it's protected
• when the final payment is due, and a timeline
• guarantees and warranties, and how long they last
• how long the quote is valid

An MCS installer must also give you a written estimate of yearly generation and of how much you'll use yourself, before you sign. Ask which MCS postcode zone, Kk figure and shade factor it used, and what it assumed about when you're at home — with and without a battery.

The contract

Ask for a written contract. MCS guidance says it should cover who gets any permissions (such as planning), your cancellation rights, the complaints procedure and escalation to MCS, dispute resolution and after-sales service.

If you sign at home or online, consumer law generally gives you 14 days to cancel, though there are exceptions, for example if you ask for work to start straight away.

Warning signs

Be wary of:

• quotes that are unusually cheap, or promises to finish very quickly
• unrealistic savings claims
• a representative who stays more than two hours, quotes a high price then offers a discount, offers a discount for signing today or for testimonials, won't give prices until the end, asks what other quotes you've had, or says availability is limited (RECC's advice is not to sign in these cases)
• anyone who won't show ID before coming in

See solar scams and pressure selling.

Before you sign

• Check the installer on the MCS installer search yourself.
• Check who handles planning, building regulations and the network operator notification.
• Check your home insurance and, if relevant, your mortgage lender.

Print our quotes checklist and use it for each quote.

Sources

1. Citizens Advice: Find an installer for energy efficiency home improvements
2. Energy Saving Trust: Solar panels
3. RECC: Consumer advice
4. MCS: Guidance for Contracts and Quotations (2026)
5. MCS: MIS 3002 The Solar PV Standard (Installation) issue 5.0
6. legislation.gov.uk: Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013
7. HMRC VAT Notice 708/6: Energy-saving materials and heating equipment
8. MCS: Find an installer

This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rules and prices change, and some differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check the sources for your situation.