How do I check if a solar installer is MCS-certified?

Visit mcscertified.com and search by company name, postcode, or certificate number. The register is public and free. Never rely on a company's claim alone — always verify independently.

What is an Insurance-Backed Guarantee?

An IBG is a warranty backed by an insurance company, not just the installer. If the installer goes out of business, the insurance company continues to honour the workmanship warranty. It costs the installer a small fee but provides essential consumer protection.

Should I use a local or national solar installer?

Local installers often provide better post-installation support (faster response to issues) and have local reputation to protect. National companies may offer competitive pricing and more capacity. Check reviews for both — the quality of the specific installer matters more than whether they are local or national.

How many quotes should I get for solar panels?

Minimum 3, ideally 5. This gives you a clear picture of the market range, helps you identify outliers (too cheap or too expensive), and lets you compare panel/inverter recommendations across multiple professionals.

Choosing a Solar Installer: Red Flags & Green Flags

Last updated: 18 March 2026

Independently written

MCS-certified solar installer with professional equipment and documentation — The right installer makes all the difference — MCS certification is your starting point.

How do I choose a good solar installer?

Choose an MCS-certified solar installer with 5+ years in business, 50+ installations completed, strong online reviews (4.5+ stars on Trustpilot/Google), an Insurance-Backed Guarantee, and clear written warranty terms. Avoid: door-to-door salespeople, companies that pressure you to sign today, quotes without a site survey, and anyone who cannot provide MCS certification proof.

Green Flags: Signs of a Good Installer

MCS certification verified at mcscertified.com — non-negotiable. Without MCS, you cannot receive SEG payments.
5+ years in business — the solar industry has seen many companies start and fold. Established businesses are more likely to honour warranties.
50+ installations completed — experience matters for quality and problem-solving.
4.5+ star rating on Trustpilot AND Google Reviews — check both platforms. 10+ reviews minimum.
Insurance-Backed Guarantee (IBG) — protects your workmanship warranty if the company ceases trading.
Free site survey before quoting — accurate quotes require a physical visit. Desktop-only quotes are unreliable.
Detailed written quote — itemised pricing, panel/inverter brands, expected output, warranty terms, timeline.
No pressure to sign — offers time to compare quotes and make an informed decision.
Willing to explain decisions — a good installer explains why they recommend specific panels, inverter type, and layout.
Member of trade bodies — RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code) or Which? Trusted Traders adds accountability.
Local presence — local installers respond faster to warranty issues than national companies based hundreds of miles away.

Professional installation team — experienced and equipped — A professional team with proper equipment, safety gear, and MCS certification.

Red Flags: Signs of a Bad Installer

No MCS certification — or claims to be 'applying' for it. Check mcscertified.com before engaging.
Door-to-door cold calling — legitimate installers rarely cold-call. Solar scams frequently use door-to-door sales.
Today-only pricing — any company that pressures you to sign immediately is using high-pressure sales tactics.
No site survey — a quote without visiting your property is unreliable and may lead to problems during installation.
Vague warranty terms — if they cannot clearly state product, performance, and workmanship warranty periods, walk away.
No Insurance-Backed Guarantee — if they go out of business, your workmanship warranty goes with them.
Unknown panel/inverter brands — if you cannot find the brand on Google or verify its specifications, it is likely substandard.
Price significantly below market — a 4kW system under £4,000 suggests budget components or corners being cut.
Price significantly above market — a 4kW system above £10,000 suggests inflated margins or hidden finance costs.
Cannot provide references — a company with 50+ installations should easily provide 5+ customer references.
Poor online reviews — consistent complaints about installation quality, post-sale support, or unfulfilled promises.
Pushes finance aggressively — if the sale depends on getting you to sign a finance agreement, question the motivation.

Homeowners researching solar installers online before choosing — Check reviews, verify MCS certification, and get 3+ quotes before choosing an installer.

The 5-Step Process for Choosing an Installer

Step 1: Shortlist 4–6 MCS-certified installers Search mcscertified.com for your area, check Google Maps for local solar companies, and ask neighbours with solar who they used.

Step 2: Request quotes from 3–5 Provide: postcode, approximate roof direction, property type, and current electricity bill. Expect a free site survey from each.

Step 3: Compare quotes on value, not just price Use our guide on what quotes should include. Check: panel brand, inverter type, warranty coverage, expected output, and installer track record.

Step 4: Check reviews and references Read 10+ reviews on Trustpilot AND Google. Ask for 2–3 customer references you can contact. Check Companies House for the company's financial history.

Step 5: Verify warranty protection Confirm: MCS certification, Insurance-Backed Guarantee, panel warranty, inverter warranty, and workmanship warranty. Get everything in writing.

Source: RECC consumer guidance; MCS consumer protection standards.

Multiple successful solar installations — choose an installer with a strong track record — A good installer has hundreds of happy customers — check their reviews and references.

Questions to Ask Every Installer

Are you MCS-certified? Can I verify your certificate number?
How many installations have you completed?
How long have you been in business?
Do you offer an Insurance-Backed Guarantee?
What panels and inverter do you recommend, and why?
What is your workmanship warranty period?
Do you handle the DNO notification?
Is scaffolding included in the price?
What is your estimated timeline from survey to switch-on?
Can you provide 3 customer references I can contact?
What happens if I have a problem after installation — who do I call?
Are you a member of RECC, Which? Trusted Traders, or similar?

Professional solar installation — the result of choosing the right installer — The right installer delivers a system that performs well for 25+ years.

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