How to compare solar quotes: a 12-point checklist

The short answer

The consumer code for home energy installers, RECC, advises getting at least three quotes. Comparing them is not just about the price. Use this checklist to make sure each quote is complete, fair and from an installer you can rely on.

Before you compare: the installer

1. MCS certified. MCS is the standard for home solar installers. You usually need an MCS certificate for your system to get paid for the electricity you export through the Smart Export Guarantee, and the government-backed Warm Homes Loan Scheme only funds work by MCS-certified installers.
2. Customer protections. Many MCS installers belong to a consumer code such as RECC or HIES. Under MCS’s updated scheme, being rolled out during 2026, membership is no longer required because installers must follow the MCS Customer Commitment instead. Ask which protections apply to your installer.
3. Protection for your money. MCS now requires approved financial protection for installations to consumers. Ask what protects your deposit and what insurance backs the workmanship warranty if the installer goes out of business.

What every quote should include

4. A written performance estimate for your home, before you sign. MCS requires this, and RECC says it must be based on your property. Any estimate of what you could save or earn should be in writing too.
5. Clear pricing with no hidden costs, including scaffolding, any electrical work and VAT (currently 0% on home solar and batteries until 31 March 2027).
6. The exact equipment: the make, model and power of the panels and inverter, and the size of any battery.
7. Dates for the survey, installation and switch-on, and any extra work needed.
8. Warranties. The Energy Saving Trust says panels last 25 years or more and the inverter usually needs replacing once, after about 12 years. Check what the product warranties cover, and expect an insurance-backed workmanship warranty of at least 2 years.

Money and contracts

9. Deposit. RECC advises never paying more than 25% of the price up front, and checking the deposit is insured.
10. Cooling-off period. If you sign at home or online, you normally have 14 days to cancel. If you ask for work to start sooner, you may have to pay for work already done.

After it is installed

11. Paperwork. Within 30 days of finishing, the installer should give you the MCS certificate, any building regulations certificates and proof they have told the electricity network about your system. You should also get a handover pack with your warranties.
12. Handover. You should be shown how the system works, how to read the inverter or app, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Red flags

RECC bans pressure selling. Walk away if a salesperson:

• offers a discount only if you sign today
• says prices or places are about to run out
• stays in your home for hours or won’t leave
• won’t put the performance estimate or price in writing
• asks for a large payment before any work starts

Questions to ask on the survey visit

• How much electricity will the system make each year, and how did you work that out?
• How much of it will I use myself, with and without a battery?
• Does the system need permission from the electricity network before it goes in, and how long will that take?
• Who does the work: your own team or a subcontractor?
• What happens if a panel, the inverter or the battery fails, and who do I call?

A good installer will be happy to answer all of these in writing.

Comparing like with like

Quotes can look very different. To compare fairly, divide each price by the system size to get a cost per kWp, then compare the estimated yearly electricity, the warranties and what is included. The cheapest quote is not always the best value if it uses lower-rated equipment or leaves out the battery or scaffolding.

For typical prices, see our guide to how much solar panels cost.

What to do next

Want a number for your own home? Try our solar savings calculator, or answer a few quick questions below and we’ll match you with an installer who covers your area. It’s free and there’s no obligation.