Getting the right installation quote is an important part of choosing solar panels for your home, a big investment. With so many companies offering different packages, equipment and prices, comparing the solar panel quotes UK homeowners receive can be confusing at times.
A cheaper quote does not always mean better value, and a higher price does not always mean a better system. What counts is knowing precisely what is included in each quote and whether the proposed system is right for your house and your energy needs.
Here are 10 important things UK homeowners should check before they pick a solar panel installer.
1. Check What Solar Panel System Is Being Proposed
First, look beyond the overall price. Your quotation should clearly describe the proposed solar PV system including the number and type of panels, total capacity and expected electricity generation.
For example, two installers may quote on similar sized systems but recommend different panels or equipment.
Review:
• Quantity of solar panels
• Manufacturer and model of the panel
• Total system capacity (kWp)
• Projected annual electricity generation
• Efficiency of the panel
• Predicted operation of the system
A good quote should give you enough information so that you know what you are actually paying for.
2. Look at the Quality and Specification of the Panels
Solar panels come in all sorts of different specification, efficiency, warranty and expected performance.
When comparing solar panel quotes UK do not just compare the number of panels, compare the exact panel manufacturer and model.
Key specifications may include:
• Panel efficiency
• Warranty on Product
• Assurance of performance
• Power delivery
• Coefficient of temperature
• Reputation of the manufacturer
Not every roof will require the most powerful panel. The installer will consider your household electricity needs and the available roof space, orientation and shading when recommending the system.
3. Check the Inverter Being Included
The inverter is a vital part of a solar PV system because it changes the electricity produced by the panels into electricity that your home can use.
Please include the inverter manufacturer and model in your quote.
Make sure the inverter you’re looking at is large enough for your solar array and will work with a battery if you plan to add energy storage down the line. Also look into the inverter warranty and the support available if a fault occurs.
4. Find Out Whether Battery Storage Is Included
Some quotes for solar panels include battery storage, some just cover the solar PV installation.
That can make a big difference when comparing prices.
Check if a battery is included:
• Battery type and manufacturer
• Battery capacity available
• Warranty duration
• Battery management system (BMS)
• If installation is included
• Potential to upgrade the system later
If battery is not included, ask if the proposed solar system is compatible with battery storage at a later date.
The best choice depends on your electricity consumption, solar production and how much energy you use during the day and nite hours.
5. Check Whether the Installer Is MCS Certified
When comparing solar panel quotes UK one of the most important checks is the installer’s certification.
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a recognized certification scheme for renewable energy installations in the UK.
Ask the installer to confirm, and check the details first, that they are MCS certified. Also, for certain schemes and requirements associated with renewable energy installations, the use of a suitably certified installer can be important.
Don’t just assume that a company offering solar installations has the proper certification. Verify the credentials yourself.
6. Understand Exactly What Is Included in the Installation Price
Two quotations that have prices may not actually offer the same service. Read the quotation carefully to check whether the price contains:
• Site survey
• Solar panels
• Inverter
• Mounting system
• Electrical installation
• Scaffolding
• Labour
• Cabling
• Monitoring equipment
• Battery installation
• Commissioning
• Certification
• DNO notification
• Removal of packaging and installation waste
Ask the installer to explain anything that is unclear.
A detailed quotation makes it easier to compare installers on a basis.
7. Check the Warranties
Solar panels and other system components can have warranty periods.
Your quotation should clearly explain the warranties provided for the equipment and workmanship.
Look separately at:
Panel warranty: Covers the panels and may include product and performance warranties.
Inverter warranty: Covers the inverter, which can have a warranty period, from the panels.
Battery warranty: Relevant if energy storage is included.
Workmanship warranty: Covers aspects of the installation carried out by the installer.
Do not look at the number of years. Check who provides the warranty what it covers and what you need to do if you need to make a claim.
8. Ask About Estimated Energy Generation and Savings
A professional solar quote should give you an estimate of how electricity your system could generate.
However projected savings are estimates and not guarantees.
Generation can vary depending on factors such as:
• Roof orientation
• Roof pitch
• Shading
• Weather conditions
• System size
• Household electricity consumption
• Electricity prices
• How generated electricity you use yourself
When comparing solar panel quotes in the UK ask installers to explain how their estimated generation and savings figures have been calculated. This will help you understand the assumptions, behind the numbers than simply comparing headline savings figures.
9. Check Aftercare, Monitoring and Customer Support
Solar installation does not necessarily end when the panels are fitted.
You should ask what kind of support the installer provides after the installation is complete.
Check whether the quote includes system commissioning, monitoring setup and handover documentation.
It is also worth asking:
• Who should you contact if there is a problem?
• How are faults handled?
• Is monitoring available?
• What happens if a component fails?
• Who handles warranty claims?
• Is maintenance advice provided?
A clear aftercare process can make managing your system easier, over the long term.
10. Compare the Installer, Not Just the Price
Price is definitely something that matters a lot. It shouldn’t be the only thing that decides.
When you look at solar panel quotes in the UK think about the package that each installer is offering.
Check their certifications the details of the equipment their experience with installations the warranties they provide the customer support they offer and what exactly is in the quote.
You can also check reviews from customers who are independent and not connected to the installer.
Ask the installer any questions you have before you decide.
A quote that is a little different might show that there are differences, in the quality of the equipment how the system is designed or how good the service is.
What Should a Good Solar Panel Quote Include?
Two quotes that have different prices might not be providing the same service.
Read the quotation carefully to establish whether the price includes:
• Site survey
• Solar panels
• Inverter
• Mounting system
• Electrical installation
• Scaffolding
• Labour
• Cabling
• Monitoring equipment
• Battery installation, if applicable
• Commissioning
• Certification
• DNO notification, where required
• Removal of packaging and installation waste
If there’s anything that you don’t understand, ask the installer to explain it.
It is easier to compare different installers on a like-for-like basis when a detailed quotation is provided.
Final Thoughts
It’s not just a question of selecting the lowest price when comparing the quotes for solar panels that UK home owners get. A good quotation should give clear details regarding the system in question, the equipment, the installation work, the warranties, the expected amount of power generation and the aftercare.
If you take the time to carefully compare the quotes, this will enable you to understand the value behind the price and allow you to select a solar installation that is suitable for your home and your energy requirements.
