How Do I Choose a Solar Installer? (And How to Avoid the Cowboys)
By Justin Dring, Independent Solar Consultant
Introduction: Why This Matters More Than Ever
“He turned up in a hi-vis and had a logo on his van… I thought he was legit.” I hear that story regularly. With 30 years in electrical contracting and 20+ years in UK solar, I’ve encountered everything—from world-class pros to installers who vanish overnight. Now, as solar booms, so do the imposters: sales-first firms with zero install capability, roofers dabbling in electrics, Insta-solar “experts,” and disappearing social media sellers. The result? Confusion, shoddy installs, and a dented industry reputation.
If you're wondering “How do I pick the right solar installer?”, you’re in the right place. Here’s a real-world, no-sales-script 10-point checklist to guide you.
1. Accreditation & Qualifications Matter
Always insist on an MCS-certified installer—this isn’t just a badge, it’s a quality mark. MCS credential ensures adherence to installation and product standards, providing access to schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)[1]. It’s also backed by BEIS and provides real peace of mind[2].
Qualified electricians (e.g., NICEIC or NAPIT) are essential too, ensuring compliance with wiring regulations and Part P safety standards.
2. Insurance & Warranty Coverage
Any reputable installer should offer:
- Public liability insurance
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Employer’s liability insurance
- Optional: Insurance-backed workmanship guarantees
No documentation means unnecessary risk—walk away if it’s missing.
3. Bespoke Site Design & Analysis
A good installer will conduct:
- Shading and orientation analysis
- Energy yield projections
- Load and export modeling
Generic quotes with standard layouts often result in underperformance and wasted money.
4. Proven Track Record & Ownership
Ask who’s doing the work—staff or subcontractors? Who handles post-install support or repairs? A genuine installer owns their work; that’s critical for long-term reliability.
5. Quality of Materials Used
Ask about:
- Panel and inverter brands (avoid mystery brands)
- Tier classification
- Manufacturer warranties
Cheap components can lead to premature failure and costly replacements.
6. Always Get Design Documentation
Ensure your installer provides:
- Roof layout (panel placement)
- Wiring diagram and schematic
- Battery system diagram if applicable
Without design documentation, there's no real accountability or clarity on what’s built.
7. Scaffolding & Safe Access Plans
Confirm that scaffolding is professionally handled and costed in. Without it, you risk install delays and potential hazards.
8. Validate Reputation & Real Install Examples
Check:
- Real customer reviews (Google, Trustpilot)
- Recent project photos—not stock images
- Willingness to connect you with satisfied customers
Trust is earned, not marketed.
9. Aftercare, Monitoring & Support
A quality installer offers:
- Monitoring app or portal access
- Clear post-install contact
- Operation & Maintenance documentation
10. Extra Layers of Protection
Look for memberships like RECC, HIES, or TrustMark—these add protection and credibility. Plus, MCS is vital for eligibility under SEG and optimizes system resale value.
Red Flags to Spot Immediately
- “No tools, just a pen” – Salesperson only, no technical ability.
- “Too cheap to be true” – Likely poor-quality or rushed work.
- “Unknown installer” – Quoting without committed installation personnel is risky.
FAQs Worth Considering
Can I DIY solar installation?
No. Only MCS-certified installers are legally permitted to connect to the grid. DIY invalidates SEG, warranties, and often insurance.
Do off-grid systems need certification?
Yes. Even off-grid setups must follow electrical and battery safety regulations, requiring qualified professionals.
System not working—what can I do?
Most problems are inverter or firmware related. A professional installer provides diagnosis and fixes, not silence.
Installer disappeared with deposit—what now?
Report to Action Fraud, Trading Standards, and your bank. Then ask us—we can help you get back on track with reliable professionals.
Installer went bust post-install—am I covered?
If the system was MCS-registered, protections may remain valid. We can advise on audit and warranty continuation.
Conclusion
An installer isn’t just about price—it’s about safeguarding your solar future with trusted professionals and proper protections. Use this checklist to weed out the “cowboys” and ensure your solar installation won’t leave you in the dark.
Why This Checklist Matters—Putting It in Context
Your installation checklist isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s foundational. In today’s booming solar market, taking shortcuts on accreditation, materials, or post-install support can drastically reduce performance, financial returns, and long-term safety. Here's why diligence now pays dividends later.
UK Solar Growth & Certification Trends
The solar market in the UK has witnessed a huge rise. In Q2 2025 alone, MCS-certified installations across solar PV, heat pumps, and battery systems surpassed 77,656—marking a 34% surge compared to 2024[3]. There are now over 5,250 MCS-certified installers, up from just 1,700 in 2019[5]. That’s more capacity, more competence, and more confidence for consumers.
Cumulatively, over 260,000 small-scale renewable installations (solar, batteries, heat pumps) went live in 2024—adding to a total that’s now well over two million in the UK[13].
Solar Payback & Cost Dynamics in 2025
Thanks to falling costs, rising energy prices, and effective installer practices, payback periods are becoming more attractive. Here’s what you can expect:
- Typical residential install costs now range between £5,700 and £12,200, depending on system size, with payback achieved in about 6–7 years for many homes[2].
- Industry averages show payback periods between 8–12 years when accounting for usage habits and export income[10].
- According to Energy Saving Trust, specific regional examples illustrate this variance clearly: in London, payback is around 10 years, while Manchester averages 11, and Belfast can stretch to 13–15 years[6].
Real Legacy Systems: ROI in Practice
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) provides concrete examples: a 4.5 kW system (including battery) installed in the East Midlands cost ~£9,800, generated ~£786 in annual savings, and projected payback in ~12.6 years[8].
For many households, pairing solar with battery storage can boost self-consumption enough to reduce payback to as low as 7–9 years, especially under 0% VAT and smart tariffs[14].
Calculating Payback: A Practical Illustration
Let’s build a basic model for a typical UK home:
- System: 4 kW solar panels (~3,600 kWh/year generation)
- Cost: £7,000 (installation, VAT, etc.)
- Electricity rate: ~28p per kWh
- Self-consumption: 70% (2,520 kWh) → £706 saved annually
- Export: 30% (1,080 kWh) → ~5p/kWh = £54 income
- Maintenance estimate: £100/year
Net annual savings: £706 + £54 – £100 = **£660**
Estimated payback: £7,000 / £660 ≈ **10.6 years**. As Stratford Energy explains, this represents real value and returns in solar investments[12].
Solar Value Beyond Payback
The benefits stretch beyond energy savings:
- Higher property values—solar-equipped homes can see a 6–7% price premium. EnergySaving Trust cites an average lift of £14,000+ on home values[2].
- With tariffs like Octopus Energy’s Fixed Outgoing or Flux, households can save up to 90% on electricity bills—or even earn ~£300/year profit[14].
Why the Checklist Isn’t Optional
The bottom line: there is real financial and environmental value in quality solar installations—**but only if done right**. Proper accreditation, high-spec components, and post-install support are what unlock these benefits, and keep systems running profitably for decades.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a capable and credible installer isn’t just about peace of mind—it’s about securing measurable energy savings, long-term ROI, and climate-positive impact. Your 10-point checklist puts the decision back into your hands. Backed by a thriving MCS ecosystem and compelling financial returns, smart solar done well pays off—literally—for years to come.
References
- SolarGuide. MCS Certificate for Solar Panels: What, Why and How? (2025): Link
- Grant UK. The Importance of Being a MCS Certified Installer (Nov 2024): Link
- Heatable. Solar for Business: Costs, Benefits & How to Get Started (Aug 2025): Link
- GRE Training. MCS Q2 2025: Latest Installation Data. (Jul 2025): Link
- Atlantic Renewables. What Is MCS Certification and Why Does It Matter in 2025? (Aug 2025): Link
- Renewable Energy Installer. More Than 260,000 Certified Installs in 2024. (Jan 2025): Link
- MoneyWeek. Solar Panels Cost in UK 2025. (Week of 2025): Link
- Genfit. UK Solar Payback Periods 2025. (2025): Link
- Energy Saving Trust. Solar Panel Payback Periods by Region. (2025): Link
- FMB. Are Solar Panels Worth It? How Solar Panels Pay Back. (Jul 2025): Link
- Octopus Energy. How Much Can You Save with Solar?. (Aug 2025): Link
- Stratford Energy. Calculating Solar Panel Payback: A Guide. (Aug 2025): Link