Solar Installer Checklist
solarinstallerlist.com
Credentials & Certification
- Is the installer MCS certified? (Required for SEG)
- Can they provide their MCS certificate number?
- Are they registered with a consumer protection scheme?
- Do they have public liability insurance?
- How long have they been installing solar panels?
Reviews & Reputation
- What's their average Google rating?
- How many reviews do they have?
- Can they provide local references?
- Have you checked reviews on multiple platforms?
- Are there any unresolved complaints?
The Quote
- Is the quote fully itemized?
- Does it include all costs (scaffolding, electrical, VAT)?
- What brand/model of panels are included?
- What inverter is included?
- Is battery storage quoted separately?
- Are there any additional charges for difficult access?
Installation Details
- How long will installation take?
- Who will perform the installation? (In-house or subcontracted?)
- Will they handle DNO notification?
- Is scaffolding included?
- What's the expected start date?
- How will they protect your home during installation?
Warranties & Aftercare
- What's the panel warranty? (25 years typical)
- What's the inverter warranty? (5-12 years typical)
- What workmanship warranty do they offer?
- Who do you contact for warranty claims?
- Do they offer maintenance packages?
- What happens if they go out of business?
Performance & Expectations
- What annual generation can you expect?
- How did they calculate this estimate?
- What self-consumption rate are they assuming?
- What payback period are they projecting?
- Will they provide monitoring equipment?
- What happens if the system underperforms?
Notes
Warning Signs & Good Signs
⚠️ Red Flags to Avoid
- ✗Pressure to sign today with 'limited time' offers
- ✗Door-to-door sales with aggressive tactics
- ✗No site survey before quoting
- ✗Unwilling to provide written quote
- ✗No MCS certification
- ✗Vague or missing warranty terms
- ✗Extremely low prices compared to other quotes
- ✗Cannot provide references or reviews
- ✗Requests large upfront deposits (over 25%)
- ✗Won't explain technical details
✓ Good Signs to Look For
- ✓MCS certified with verifiable credentials
- ✓Conducts thorough site survey before quoting
- ✓Provides detailed written quote with specifications
- ✓Offers 25+ year panel warranty
- ✓Has positive reviews from local customers
- ✓Answers all questions patiently
- ✓Clear payment terms with staged payments
- ✓Registered with consumer protection scheme
- ✓Provides aftercare and maintenance support
- ✓Uses their own installation teams
Quote Comparison Table
| Criteria | Installer 1 | Installer 2 | Installer 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Name | |||
| Quote Total (£) | |||
| System Size (kW) | |||
| Panel Brand | |||
| Inverter Brand | |||
| Panel Warranty | |||
| Inverter Warranty | |||
| Workmanship Warranty | |||
| MCS Certified? | |||
| Google Rating | |||
| Estimated Annual Generation | |||
| Installation Timeframe | |||
| Payment Terms |