Solar Panel Quotes: What to Check Before You Sign (2026 Checklist)

Comparing solar quotes is harder than it looks — the headline price rarely tells the whole story, and the cheapest quote often isn’t the best value over 25 years. Use this honest checklist to compare like for like and avoid the common traps. (We’re an installer ourselves, so we’ve been straight about what actually matters.)

1. Is the installer MCS certified?

This is the big one. Only an MCS-certified installation lets you claim the Smart Export Guarantee and get paid for the energy you export. No MCS, no SEG — so check the certificate number, not just a claim on the website.

2. Who actually does the installation?

Ask directly: are the fitters employed by the company, or subcontracted? Subcontracted teams vary in quality and accountability. We use our own employed installers — never subcontractors.

3. Is the workmanship warranty insurance-backed?

Panel and inverter warranties come from the manufacturer, but the workmanship warranty is only as good as the company behind it. An insurance-backed guarantee protects you even if the installer ceases trading — and a lot of solar firms have disappeared in recent years.

4. Is the quote based on a real survey?

Be wary of a firm price with no proper site or roof assessment. Shading, roof condition, orientation and your actual electricity use all change the design — a quote without a survey is a guess.

5. Are the savings figures realistic?

If the projected savings look too good to be true, they probably are. A good installer shows conservative, explainable numbers. Sanity-check them with our solar savings calculator.

6. What’s actually included?

Compare scaffolding, electrical work (including any consumer-unit or earthing upgrades), bird protection, monitoring, and the grid (DNO) application. A cheaper quote that excludes these isn’t really cheaper.

7. What equipment is specified?

Panel and inverter brand, wattage and warranty length matter. Trusted names — SolarEdge, GivEnergy, Tesla Powerwall — and longer warranties are worth paying a little more for.

8. Reviews and local track record

Look for genuine, recent, local reviews on independent platforms. See our customer reviews as an example of what to look for.

Red flags to walk away from

• High-pressure “sign today” discounts.
• No MCS certification.
• No site survey before a firm price.
• Vagueness about who does the work.
• Companies that only buy and resell your enquiry.

Want a clear, honest quote to compare against? Get a free, no-obligation quote from our MCS-certified local team, or try the savings calculator first.