The short answer: choose an installer that is MCS certified and a member of RECC or HIES, get three quotes, and compare them on price per kilowatt and on the equipment named. Whether that installer is a national brand or a local firm matters less than those checks.
National brand or local installer?
Both can do an excellent job. They suit different people.
| National brands and energy suppliers | Local independent installers | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Often fixed, package pricing | Often more flexible; can be cheaper or dearer |
| Who does the work | May be subcontractors | Usually their own team |
| Equipment choice | A set range | Wider choice, tailored to the roof |
| Tariff tie-ins | May offer better export rates to their own customers | None |
| Aftercare | Call centre, larger company behind the warranty | Direct contact with the person who installed it |
| Awkward roofs | May decline unusual jobs | More likely to take them on |
A sensible approach is to get at least one quote of each kind.
The checks that matter
- MCS certification. Without it you cannot claim export payments or use the Warm Homes loan. Check the installer on the MCS register yourself.
- RECC or HIES membership. These consumer codes give you deposit protection, an insurance-backed guarantee and independent dispute resolution.
- Track record. How long have they been trading, and can they show you local installations?
- Who will be on your roof. Ask whether the work is subcontracted.
See MCS, RECC and HIES explained.
What a good quote includes
- The make and model of the panels, inverter and any battery
- A drawing of the panel layout on your roof
- An estimate of yearly generation, with shading taken into account
- An itemised price, including scaffolding
- Warranty terms for equipment and workmanship
- The deposit and payment schedule
Compare quotes on price per kilowatt. The government median for systems up to 4 kW was £1,595 per kW in 2025/26, and larger systems cost less per kW. See the cost to install solar panels.
Warning signs
Cold calls, discounts that expire today, prices given without a survey and requests for full payment upfront are all reasons to walk away. See how to avoid rogue installers.
Installer reviews
- National solar companies compared
- Octopus Energy solar review
- British Gas solar review