How do I choose an installer in the UK?

One of the most important checks is whether the installer is MCS certified. A certified installer provides the documentation you need for schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee. Good installers give itemised quotes, realistic estimates and clarity on who does the work.

Start with certification

Ask for the MCS registration number and verify it on the official database rather than trusting a badge on a website. As of July 2026 there were 4,777 MCS-certified PV installers across the UK and Isle of Man.

What a good quote shows

• System specification: panel wattage and count, inverter model, battery capacity
• Estimated generation and savings based on your roof's orientation, pitch and shading
• Total cost, including VAT where it applies
• Payback and returns, with the assumptions stated
• Warranty terms for panels, inverter and battery

Red flags

• High-pressure, same-day discounts
• No site survey before a detailed quote
• Vague or missing MCS details
• Savings that ignore your roof
• Short or missing warranties

Six questions to ask

• What is your MCS registration number?
• Are workers employees or subcontractors?
• If a panel or inverter fails, who do I contact?
• How was my savings estimate calculated?
• What does the upfront cost include?
• What are the payment terms?

Batteries add complexity

Battery installs need inverter compatibility, safe integration with your consumer unit and correct sizing for your evening demand. Check the installer's battery experience, not just their solar credentials.

Meet the installers we pass your details to: Trusted Network →

All figures are modelled estimates for typical UK rooftops, not guarantees for any individual home. Rules, funding and eligibility can change, so check current government and supplier guidance before deciding.

Next guide: Will solar and battery storage protect me during a blackout or a heatwave? →