Solar Panel Quotes: What to Look For

Step 1: Initial enquiry (5 minutes) You contact installers (or use a quote comparison service). Provide: your postcode, approximate roof direction, property type, and current electricity bill.

Step 2: Desktop assessment (free) The installer uses satellite imagery (Google Earth) to estimate your roof size, direction, and shading. They provide an indicative quote based on this.

Step 3: Site survey (free, 30–60 minutes) An installer visits your home to: - Measure exact roof dimensions - Assess roof structure and condition - Check electrical setup (consumer unit location, capacity) - Identify shading from trees, chimneys, neighbouring buildings - Discuss your electricity usage and preferences - Design the optimal panel layout

Step 4: Formal quote (within 1–2 weeks) You receive a detailed written quote including everything listed below.

Step 5: You compare quotes (take your time) Never sign on the spot. Take at least a week to compare 3 quotes against each other and against the guidance below.

Source: MCS consumer guidance.

Compare on total value, not just price. A £5,500 quote with budget panels and a 5-year inverter warranty is worse value than a £7,000 quote with premium panels and a 25-year warranty.

Key comparison metrics:

1. Cost per kWp: Divide total price by system size. UK average: £1,300–£1,800 per kWp. Below £1,100 = suspiciously cheap. Above £2,000 = overpriced.

2. Cost per estimated kWh/year: Divide total price by expected annual generation. This tells you the cost per unit of electricity the system will produce. Lower = better value.

3. Panel efficiency: Higher efficiency = more power per roof area. Compare like-for-like: same number of panels at different efficiencies produce different outputs.

4. Warranty coverage: Total years of protection. A 25-year panel warranty + 10-year inverter warranty + 10-year workmanship warranty is better than 12/5/2.

5. Installer track record: Check Trustpilot, Google reviews, and How many installations they have completed. Experience matters.

6. Savings estimates: Are they realistic? Compare against our calculator. If one quote claims £1,500/year savings for a 4kW system, that is inflated.

Source: MCS consumer comparison guidance.

Example of a well-structured solar quote:

--- *ABC Solar Ltd — MCS Certificate: MCS 12345*

System Specification: - 10 × JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0 (425W each) = 4.25 kWp - 1 × GivEnergy 3.6kW Hybrid Inverter - K2 mounting system, portrait orientation - South-facing rear roof slope, 32° pitch

Expected Performance: - Annual generation: 4,100 kWh - Self-consumption (no battery): 50% = 2,050 kWh - Annual bill saving: £502 - Annual SEG income (4.5p/kWh): £92 - Total annual benefit: £594

Pricing: - Panels (10): £2,500 - Inverter: £850 - Mounting & fixings: £400 - Wiring & isolators: £250 - Scaffolding: £350 - Labour (2 days): £1,600 - DNO notification: Included - MCS certification: Included - Total: £5,950 (0% VAT)

Warranties: - Panel product: 25 years (JA Solar) - Panel performance: 84.8% at 25 years - Inverter: 5 years (extendable to 10 for £200) - Workmanship: 10 years (Insurance-Backed Guarantee included)

Timeline: Survey complete → installation in 3 weeks

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This is what every quote should look like. If yours does not include this level of detail, ask for it.

Minimum: 3 quotes. Ideal: 3–5 quotes.

Why 3 is the minimum: - One quote gives you no comparison point - Two quotes may both be outliers - Three quotes reveal the market range and typical pricing - More than 5 quotes adds diminishing returns and decision fatigue

Where to get quotes: - Direct from local MCS installers (Google 'solar installers near [your town]') - Quote comparison services (enter details once, receive multiple quotes) - Personal recommendations from neighbours or friends with solar - Which? Trusted Traders listed installers

Important: Ensure all quotes are from MCS-certified installers. Check at mcscertified.com.