How to choose a solar panel installer

Choosing the right solar installer is just as important as choosing the panels themselves.

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A solar PV system is a significant, long-term investment, so homeowners should compare more than simply the headline price. The quality of the system design, equipment, installation, warranties and aftercare can all affect how well your system performs over its lifetime.

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Here are some of the most important things to consider.

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1. Check the installer's credentials

One of the first things to check is whether the installer is appropriately certified.  Look for MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification for the relevant technology. MCS certification demonstrates that the installer works to recognised standards and can also be important when accessing schemes such as the Smart Export Guarantee.

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You should also check whether the installer belongs to an appropriate consumer protection scheme or code, such as the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) or HIES Consumer Code.

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Don't simply rely on logos displayed on a website. Accreditations can usually be checked directly with the relevant organisation.

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2. Look at experience and track record

Find out how long the company has been installing residential solar systems and approximately how many installations it has completed.

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Experience doesn't automatically guarantee a better installation, and newer businesses can provide excellent service, but an established track record can provide useful reassurance.

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Look at experience specifically in residential solar and battery installations, rather than simply how long the wider company has existed.

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3. Research the equipment being offered

Not all quotations include equivalent equipment.

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Check the make and model of the:

• Solar panels

• Inverter

• Battery, if included

• Mounting system

• Energy monitoring equipment

 

Compare panel efficiency, output, degradation and warranties, but don't automatically assume that the panel with the highest specification represents the best value.  The performance of the complete system is more important than any single component.

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4. Examine the warranties carefully

Solar systems can operate for decades, so warranties are important.  There may be several different warranties associated with one installation, including:

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Panel product warranty – covers manufacturing defects.

Panel performance warranty – provides a specified level of expected output over time.

Inverter warranty – covers the inverter, which may have a different warranty period from the panels.

Battery warranty – can include years of cover, operating cycles and/or minimum retained capacity.

Workmanship warranty – covers the quality of the installation itself.

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Ask who actually provides each warranty and what happens if the installation company ceases trading.  Where applicable, check whether workmanship or deposit protection is backed by an independent insurance arrangement rather than relying solely on the installer remaining in business.

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5. Don't choose solely on price

Getting several quotations can help you understand the market and identify significant differences between proposals.

However, the cheapest quotation isn't necessarily the best value.

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A lower price could involve different equipment, warranties, system specifications or levels of aftercare.  When comparing quotations, make sure you're comparing like with like.

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6. Examine the projected savings

Be cautious of unusually large savings or very short payback periods.  A reputable installer should explain the assumptions behind its projection, including:​

• Estimated annual electricity generation

• How much electricity you're expected to use yourself

• Electricity prices assumed

• Export tariff assumptions

• Roof orientation and shading

• System degradation

• The effect of battery storage, if included

 

Your actual savings will depend on how your household uses electricity and future energy prices, so projections should be treated as estimates rather than guarantees.

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7. Check the solar system has been designed for your home

Solar shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all product.  

 

The installer should consider factors including:​

• Roof size and orientation

• Shading

• Roof condition

• Your electricity consumption

• When you typically use electricity

• Available space

• Whether you have or plan to purchase an EV

• Whether battery storage is appropriate

 

The objective should be to design an appropriate system for your property rather than simply installing the maximum number of panels possible.

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8. Consider battery expertise

If you're considering battery storage, check that the installer has experience designing and installing complete solar and battery systems.  Battery capacity should be considered alongside your solar generation and electricity consumption.

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Ask how the proposed battery would work with your solar panels, inverter and electricity tariff and whether the system allows features such as scheduled charging or exporting.

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If backup electricity during a power cut is important to you, ask specifically whether the proposed system supports it. A battery does not automatically mean your home will have electricity during a power cut.

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9. Understand the aftercare

Ask what happens after the installation has been completed.

Consider:

• Who you contact if something stops working

• Whether system monitoring is included

• How faults are diagnosed

• Whether maintenance support is available

• Expected response times

• Who deals with warranty claims

 

A solar system may operate for 25 years or more, making after-sales support an important consideration.

10. Research the company itself

Customer reviews can be useful, particularly when looking for recurring patterns rather than relying on an individual positive or negative review.

Look at independent review platforms and pay particular attention to comments about:

• Installation quality

• Communication

• Whether projected timescales were met

• Problem resolution

• After-sales service

• Warranty claims

 

It's also worth considering how established the business is and whether it appears financially capable of providing the long-term support and warranties being promised.

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Questions to ask before choosing an installer

Before signing a contract, consider asking:

• Are you MCS certified for this installation?

• Which consumer code do you belong to?

• Who will actually carry out the installation?

• Which panels, inverter and battery are included?

• What warranties do I receive?

• Are any warranties independently insurance-backed?

• How much electricity do you estimate the system will generate?

• What assumptions have you used to calculate my savings?

• What happens if the system generates less than projected?

• What after-sales support do you provide?

• What happens to my warranties if your company stops trading?

• Are there any additional costs not included in the quotation?

 

Compare solar installers

There isn't one solar installer that's right for every homeowner.  Comparing providers gives you the opportunity to assess the proposed equipment, system design, projected generation, warranties, aftercare and price before making a decision.

Take time to understand what's included and don't feel pressured into making an immediate decision because of a supposedly time-limited offer.

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A well-designed solar system should provide benefits for many years, so choosing the company responsible for installing it deserves careful consideration.