Takeaways at a glance:
What Consumers Should Look For:
- Installer Listings: Check if the installer is listed on the official MCS and RECC directories.
- Product Datasheets: Verify certifications like IEC standards for the solar panels.
- Reviews and References: Look for reviews or ask the installer for references from previous customers.
- Warranty Terms: Ensure both the product and the installation have robust warranty terms.
As of 2025, there are over 2,000 solar panel installers across the UK. Having been in the solar panel industry in Scotland for over 10 years, Green Home Systems know just how saturated the market has become.
Consumers today must do extensive research or outreach to find an installer best suited for them, and with such an expensive investment for your own home, it’s important to get it right.
To make your life easier, we’ve outlined the 7 steps we would take as a customer who is ready to make the switch to solar. From certifications through to aftercare services, we've got you covered. Let's jump in.
1. Check Your Installer’s Credentials – Are they MCS certified?
When reviewing solar panel installers, you must find out their credentials. This will inform you whether the installer:
- Is legally certified to install solar panels
- Is compliant with consumer protection laws
- Meets high-quality standards as outlined by Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
The two key solar panel certifications and memberships to look out for are:
MCS Certification: The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is essential. It ensures the installer meets high-quality standards.
RECC Membership: Look for membership in the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC), which guarantees compliance with consumer protection laws.
To find out this information, you can check the MSC directory. We have reviewed the top 5 solar panel installers that are based in Scotland – so you don’t have to.
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Accreditation |
What It Is |
Why It Matters |
|
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme):
|
Ensures that the installer meets high standards for renewable energy installations. |
Required for eligibility for financial incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). |
|
RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code) |
Ensures the installer adheres to a strict consumer code of conduct.
|
Protects consumers against unfair sales practices and guarantees transparency.
|
|
NICEIC or NAPIT Certification |
Verifies that the installer is qualified to carry out electrical work safely and in compliance with regulations. |
Important for the safety of the electrical connection to your property.
|
|
TrustMark
|
Government-endorsed accreditation for tradespeople, ensuring quality and consumer protection. |
Adds an additional layer of trust for the installer. |
|
CHAS |
Demonstrates health and safety compliance. |
Important for large-scale or complex installations requiring on-site management. |
|
MCS Product Certification |
Ensures that the solar panels and other components meet high quality and performance standards. |
Ensures the system's reliability and eligibility for SEG payments. |
|
G98/G99 Compliance:
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Ensures the system is compatible with the local electricity network. |
Necessary for grid-tied systems and exporting surplus energy |
|
IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Standards |
IEC / BS EN 61215: Ensures panels are tested for performance and durability. IEC / BS EN 61730: Covers safety standards for solar modules.
|
Guarantees the solar panels are durable and safe. |
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DNO Approval |
Ensures the system is properly registered with the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
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Prevents issues with grid connection and ensures compliance.
|
2. Read Customer Reviews and Track Record
Browse customer reviews on platforms such as Trust Pilot and Google to gain a better understanding of the installer’s customer services.
To view Trust Pilot reviews, you can search for the installer on the home page:
3. Request Case Studies
For a large investment such as solar panels, don’t hold back to ask for previous customer case studies. Ask your installer for references from past customers to verify their reliability.
Hear from Kay Starrs, who installed a whole house retrofit to her Victorian home in 2024:
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4. Request A Company Datasheet
You’ll find most trusted installers with provide you with a datasheet after a certain point in the sales cycle, but if they don’t, request one.
This will summarise in one page everything you need to know about:
- the solar panel installation process
- solar panel product details and characteristics
- solar panel prices
- solar panel funding or finance options
- frequently asked questions
5. Understand the Solar Panel Installation Process
A crucial step to consider is the installation process and it’s important to ask the right questions so you can make an informed decision. We’ve pulled out some of our most frequently asked questions about the installation process:
- Can you give details or send me the step-by-step solar panel process?
- What is an estimated timeline for the entire process?
- Who handles the required permits and paperwork?
- What solar panel brand do you use?
- Do you consider shading during solar panel calculations?
- Do you have an in-house team or subcontractors to carry out installation?
- What is your aftercare process?
6. Ask For Warranty and Aftercare Information
Look for long-term warranties (typically 10–25 years for performance and 10 years for product defects). This ensures manufacturer confidence in the product’s lifespan and efficiency, and you can rest assured that you can contact your installer if anything goes wrong.
7. Choose a Local Solar Panel Installer
Our recommendation would be to choose a solar panel installer with a proven track record in your area, or in Scotland. This is because local or Scottish installers who have been in the renewables industry for years have extensive knowledge and expertise specific to where you live, Scotland’s unique weather conditions and what funding is available.
Unless they have local offices in Scotland, we would recommend avoiding installers from down south who we see consistently advertising across the entire UK.
Considering multiple installers and requesting information can be time consuming. However, if you cover what’s outlined in this blog you should be able to filter out the noise to ensure your dealing with the solar panel installer best suited to your requirements.
Speak To Our Team
If you’d like to get in touch with us or learn more about our process, fill out our contact us form.