Solar Panel Quotes UK: How to Get the Best Deal in 2026
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Last verified: 16 April 2026
Getting multiple solar panel quotes is the single most important thing you can do before installing a system. Prices for the same setup can vary by £3,000 or more between installers — so comparing at least three quotes could save you thousands. This guide explains exactly what to look for in a quote, how to spot red flags, and the questions you should ask every installer.
📚 This article is part of our complete guide to solar panels in the UK.
How to Get Solar Panel Quotes
There are three main ways to get quotes for solar panels in the UK:
- Use the MCS installer directory — the MCS Find an Installer tool lets you search for certified installers near you. MCS certification is mandatory if you want to claim Smart Export Guarantee payments.
- Ask neighbours and local recommendations — word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find a reliable installer. If your neighbour has panels, ask who installed them and what the experience was like.
- Contact installers directly — research local and national companies, check their Trustpilot reviews, and request quotes from at least 3–5 installers.
Most reputable installers offer free, no-obligation quotes. Be wary of any company that charges for a quote or pressures you into signing on the day.
What Should a Solar Panel Quote Include?
A proper quote should be detailed and transparent. Here’s what to check for:
| Item | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| System size | Stated in kW (e.g. 4.0 kW). Should match your electricity usage. |
| Panel brand, model & wattage | Named brand (e.g. LONGi, JA Solar), model number, wattage per panel (375W+) |
| Number of panels | Should match the system size ÷ wattage per panel |
| Inverter brand & type | String inverter or micro-inverters. Named brand (e.g. SolarEdge, GivEnergy, Solis) |
| Battery (if included) | Brand, model, capacity (kWh), number of charge cycles, warranty |
| Scaffolding | Explicitly included or quoted separately — can add £500–£1,200 |
| Installation timeline | Expected start date and duration (usually 1–2 days) |
| Estimated annual generation | In kWh, based on your roof orientation, pitch, and location. Should be EPVS-validated. |
| Estimated annual savings | In £, split between self-consumption savings and SEG export income |
| Warranties | Panel warranty (25–30 years), inverter warranty (10–15 years), workmanship warranty (minimum 5–10 years) |
| Total price | VAT-inclusive (currently 0% until March 2027) |
If any of these are missing, ask for them. A vague quote is a red flag.
How to Compare Solar Panel Quotes
1. Compare cost per kW installed
Divide the total price by the system size. For example, a £7,200 quote for a 4 kW system = £1,800 per kW. The MCS average for England is £1,565 per kW (The Eco Experts, April 2026). If a quote is significantly above this, ask why.
2. Check the panel efficiency and wattage
Modern monocrystalline panels should be at least 20% efficient and 375W+ per panel. If an installer is quoting lower-efficiency panels, you’ll need more of them to generate the same power.
3. Check if scaffolding is included
This is the most common “hidden” cost. Scaffolding can add £500–£1,200 to a quote. Always ask.
4. Look at the warranty package
A cheap quote with a 5-year workmanship warranty is usually worse value than a slightly pricier quote with 10–15 year cover and ongoing monitoring.
5. Verify the generation estimates
Look for estimates validated by the Energy Performance Validation Scheme (EPVS). Unrealistically high savings projections are a red flag.
7 Questions to Ask Every Installer
- “Are you MCS certified?” — Without MCS, you can’t claim SEG payments. Non-negotiable.
- “Will you do a physical site survey?” — Desk quotes miss shading, roof condition, and access issues.
- “Is scaffolding included in the price?” — Get the scaffolding cost in writing.
- “What monitoring and maintenance do you provide?” — Good installers offer app-based monitoring and multi-year maintenance.
- “What happens when the inverter or battery fails?” — Ask if replacement parts are covered under warranty.
- “Do you offer bird-proofing?” — Mesh costs £200–£500 and is cheaper to install at the same time.
- “Are your savings estimates EPVS-validated?” — Evidence-based estimates, not marketing fluff.
What Should Solar Panels Cost in 2026?
| System Size | Expected Price Range | MCS Average per kW |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW (small home) | £5,000–£6,500 | £1,565/kW |
| 4 kW (3-bed home) | £6,500–£8,000 | £1,565/kW |
| 4 kW + battery | £10,000–£14,000 | — |
| 6 kW (4+ bed home) | £8,000–£10,000 | £1,565/kW |
Sources: MCS, FMB, The Eco Experts. For a full breakdown, see our solar panel cost guide.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Pressure to sign on the day — “This price is only available today” is a classic tactic. Walk away.
- No named panel or inverter brands — If they won’t tell you the equipment, they’re hiding something.
- Unrealistic savings claims — You’ll still pay the standing charge (57.21p/day) and import some grid electricity.
- No MCS certification — No SEG, potentially no insurance cover, no quality guarantee.
- Door-to-door sales — Not always a scam, but get competing quotes first.
- Scaffolding not mentioned — It’ll be added later.
- High-APR finance (10%+) — Can wipe out your savings. Look for 0% APR green loans.
Installer Accreditations to Check
| Accreditation | What It Means | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| MCS | Microgeneration Certification Scheme — quality standard | Yes (mandatory for SEG) |
| RECC | Renewable Energy Consumer Code — consumer protection | Strongly recommended |
| HIES | Home Insulation & Energy Systems Quality Assurance | Strongly recommended |
| TrustMark | Government-endorsed quality scheme | Recommended |
| NAPIT | National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers | Recommended |
| EPVS | Energy Performance Validation Scheme | Look for Gold Standard |
Site Survey vs Desk Quote
Many installers start with a desk quote from satellite imagery. This gives a rough estimate but misses:
- Shading from trees, buildings, or chimneys
- Roof condition — cracked tiles, weak structure
- Access issues — scaffolding complexity, narrow access
- Electrical setup — consumer unit upgrades
A physical site survey is essential before you commit. Usually free, takes 30–60 minutes.
Paying for Solar Panels
- Cash — Best ROI. No interest, fastest payback.
- Green mortgage / 0% APR loan — Some lenders offer interest-free green finance. Excellent if available.
- Installer finance — Convenient but often 8–12% APR. Check the total repayable amount.
- Solar subscription — No upfront cost, fixed monthly fee, installer owns panels. Lower long-term returns.
- Grants — ECO4 or Warm Homes Plan may cover full cost for eligible households. See our grants guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are solar panel quotes free?
Yes — all reputable installers offer free, no-obligation quotes. If a company charges for a quote, look elsewhere.
How many quotes should I get?
At least three, ideally five. Prices can vary by £3,000+ for the same system.
How long does a quote take?
An initial desk quote takes minutes. A full site survey and detailed quote usually takes 1–2 weeks.
Should I choose the cheapest quote?
Not necessarily. A cheap quote might use lower-quality panels, exclude scaffolding, or come with minimal warranty. Compare the total package.
What’s the difference between local and national installers?
Local installers are often cheaper and more responsive. National firms may offer longer warranties and bigger support teams. Check reviews and accreditations.
Get Started
Ready to compare solar panel quotes for your home? Get in touch and we’ll help you find trusted, MCS-certified installers in your area.