Choosing a good solar installer

Certification and consumer codes

The Energy Saving Trust recommends getting at least three quotes from MCS-certified installers. MCS certification matters for export payments, and it brings consumer protection: businesses carrying out MCS installations must belong to one of two consumer codes approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) or HIES. Both give you access to alternative dispute resolution if something goes wrong. Ask which code an installer belongs to, and check its membership on that code’s website.

For battery installations, MCS has a separate battery installation standard (MIS 3012), so check the installer is certified for batteries too.

What a good quote includes

Under the RECC code, a quote must itemise the goods and services, show prices including VAT, give a timetable, include a performance estimate and set out the terms. The code has a “no surprises” rule against unexpected charges at invoice stage. Performance estimates must be specific to your property, explain their assumptions and be given in writing before you sign, and savings must allow for any finance repayments.

To compare quotes fairly, check:

• the system size in kWp, and the price per kWp;
• the panel, inverter and any battery make and model, and their warranties;
• for a battery, the usable capacity, not just the headline figure;
• whether scaffolding, bird protection, the network notification and any electrical upgrades are included;
• the estimated yearly generation, and how it was worked out.

Deposits and payments

Under the RECC code, a deposit must be a reasonable percentage of the estimated cost and no more than 25%. Deposits and further advance payments together must not exceed 60%. They must be insured, so the work can be completed by another member if the business fails. A deposit is refundable within 14 days if you cancel in the cooling-off period.

Your right to cancel

The RECC code says that for contracts made away from the business’s premises, for example at home, you have 14 days to cancel without penalty, running from the date the last of the goods is delivered. Members must not install during that time without your express written permission.

Pressure selling and cold calling

RECC members must not use selling techniques designed to pressure you into an immediate decision. The code bans, for example, visits lasting more than two hours, inflated prices followed by a sudden “discount”, withholding prices, and unrealistic forecasts of energy price rises. Before cold calling, members must check the Telephone and Mailing Preference Services, and must end the call if you ask. If an installer does any of this, think twice about using them.

The paperwork at the end

RECC members must hand over full operating and maintenance instructions and signed commissioning records, including the MCS certificate, a compliance certificate and the invoice, and these cannot be held back until you pay in full. You should also get confirmation that your network operator has been notified, and the manufacturers’ warranties.

Guarantees

RECC members must give a workmanship guarantee of at least 2 years at no extra cost, which transfers to a new owner and is backed by insurance in case the installer stops trading. Manufacturers’ warranties on panels, inverters and batteries are on top of your legal rights, not instead of them.

If something goes wrong

1. Put the problem to the installer in writing and keep copies.
2. If it isn’t resolved, use the consumer code’s complaints process and its alternative dispute resolution.
3. You also have rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015: services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, and goods must be as described and of satisfactory quality. Our Be Consumer Wise app explains these rights.