Costs · 6 min read
Questions to ask before choosing a solar installer.
Quotes for the same system can vary by thousands of pounds. The hardware matters less than the people installing it. These are the questions worth asking before you sign anything.
Key things to consider
MCS certification
Ask for their MCS number and check it on the public register. You'll need it for the Smart Export Guarantee, and it's the baseline trust signal.
Warranties
Look for 25-year panel performance, 10–12 year inverter, and at least a 5-year workmanship warranty backed by insurance, not just the company itself.
Financing
If finance is offered, ask for the APR and total cost over the term — not just the monthly payment. Some 0% deals hide their cost in an inflated headline price.
Hidden costs
Scaffolding, DNO notification, mounting hardware and certification should all be itemised. Vague "all-in" quotes are a red flag.
Installer experience
Ask how many systems they install a month, who'll be on your roof, and whether they subcontract. Real installers answer plainly.
Pros
- A short list of questions saves thousands
- MCS-accredited installers carry insurance-backed warranties
- Itemised quotes make true comparison possible
- Good installers don't pressure on-the-day decisions
Cons
- Door-to-door sales pitches still happen and rely on rushing the decision
- Some national brands quote 30–40% above local equivalents
- Cheap quotes occasionally skip optimisers or quality inverters
- Pressure tactics around "today only" pricing are widespread
What it actually costs
What sensible looks like
A 4kW solar + 5kWh battery system from a vetted local installer should land between £9,000 and £12,500 fully fitted.
FAQs
How many quotes should I get?
At least three. The spread is usually wide enough to save thousands without compromising on quality.
Should I sign on the day of the visit?
No. Any installer pressuring an on-the-day decision is using tactics that exist for the seller's benefit, not yours.
Are big national brands safer?
Not necessarily. Vetted local installers often deliver equivalent or better workmanship at significantly lower prices.
See if your home is suitable.
Get matched with a trusted MCS-accredited local installer. No spam, no obligation.
Start your free home check