A good installer should explain the design, assumptions, protections and price clearly. Certification logos alone are not enough—verify every claim in the official registers.

Start with three comparable quotes

RECC and UK Government consumer guidance recommend obtaining at least three quotes. Give each company the same information about your electricity use, roof, future EV or heat-pump plans and whether you want battery backup.

Five checks before you sign

1. MCS: verify the contracting installer for solar PV and battery storage where relevant.
2. Consumer code: confirm current membership of RECC, HIES or another approved code.
3. TrustMark: check the registered business and licensed trade rather than trusting a logo.
4. Companies House: check the exact company name, filing history, trading age and directors.
5. Contract identity: make sure the company on the contract is the company whose credentials you checked.

What a strong quotation shows

• A site-specific design and shading assessment
• Panel, inverter and battery model numbers
• Annual generation and self-consumption assumptions
• Itemised price and payment schedule
• Product, workmanship and insurance-backed guarantees
• Who handles the DNO process and MCS certificate
• Expected installation date and aftercare contact

Red flags

• A high initial price followed by a “today only” discount
• Pressure to sign during the first visit
• Claims of guaranteed savings without written assumptions
• Refusal to leave a full written quotation
• A request for a large unprotected deposit
• Different company names across the advert, survey, contract and installation

RECC advises consumers not to pay more than 25% upfront and to check that any deposit is protected. Read the contract, cancellation rights and payment protection before transferring money.

Frequently asked questions

Does MCS guarantee the company will never fail?

No. It is an important technical and consumer-protection framework, but you should still check the company’s identity, history and financial filings.

Should I accept the lowest price?

Only after confirming that specification, protections, predicted output and included work are genuinely like for like.

Independent checks

MCS installer search · RECC members · TrustMark · Companies House