Choosing an installer
How do I choose a good solar panel installer?
Choose an installer that is MCS-certified and a member of a consumer code such as RECC or HIES, then compare at least two or three written quotes. Walk away from cold callers, pressure to sign on the day, or requests for more than 25% up front.
Last checked October 2026 · 5 min read
0% VAT on solar ends 31 March 2027. That's under six months away, and it's due to go back to 5% after.
What the VAT change means for youThe two essential checks are MCS certification and consumer code membership. MCS is the national quality scheme for small renewable energy installers. One of the conditions of MCS certification is that installers must also belong to a consumer code, such as RECC or HIES (Energy Saving Trust).
Why does MCS certification matter?
MCS (the Microgeneration Certification Scheme) sets standards for installers and products. It matters for two practical reasons:
How do I check an installer is MCS-certified?
Use the free MCS “Find an installer” search:
Ask the installer for their MCS certification number.
Use the Quick Search to look up the company name or certification number.
Click “View Details” to see the certification number, certification body, regions covered and contact details.
Check the technology listed includes Solar PV, and Battery Storage if you want a battery.
All of these steps are described on the MCS website. Make sure the company name on your quote matches the one on the MCS listing.
What are RECC and HIES?
They are consumer codes, approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, that set rules on how installers sell and protect your money.
RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code) members must protect deposits and advance payments, and give an insurance-backed workmanship warranty when the job is done (RECC). Check the RECC member list.
HIES (Home Insulation and Energy Systems) offers deposit and guarantee protection, insurance-backed guarantees and free access to dispute resolution (Energy Saving Trust; Heatable). Check membership on the HIES website.
The Energy Saving Trust also recommends checking the installer is registered with TrustMark, the government-endorsed quality scheme for trades.
What are the red flags to look out for?
Walk away if you see any of these:
Cold calling. Unexpected calls, doorstep visits or messages offering “free solar” or a “government scheme”. Contact installers yourself instead.
Pressure to sign today. RECC says never sign if you are offered a discount or pressured in any way to sign. MCS installers are forbidden to use high-pressure selling (RECC; Energy Saving Trust).
A big deposit. RECC advises never paying more than 25% of the price up front, and checking it will be protected (RECC).
Long sales visits. Under RECC rules, sales staff should not stay in your home for more than 2 hours without good reason, or hold back the price until the end (RECC).
Vague quotes. No panel or inverter brands, no expected generation figure, or no written price.
Payback promises that sound too good. Most estimates put payback at around 7–11 years. See our cost guide.
Remember: the 0% VAT deadline of 31 March 2027 is real, but it is never a reason to sign on the spot.
Can I cancel a solar contract?
Yes. Under the RECC code you have 14 days to cancel after signing, even if you did not sign during a home visit (RECC). If you ask for work to start within those 14 days, you must agree in writing, and you may have to pay for work already done.
What should a good solar quote include?
System size in kW and the number of panels
Panel, inverter and any battery make and model
Estimated generation per year, in kWh
Total price including VAT, and what is included, such as scaffolding and bird protection
Deposit amount and how it is protected
Warranties for panels, inverter, battery and workmanship
Expected installation date
Should I pick the cheapest quote?
Not automatically. Compare quotes like for like: system size, equipment brands, generation estimate, warranties and what is included. A low price that leaves out scaffolding or bird protection may end up costing more. A much higher price is worth questioning too.
What should I get after the installation?
An MCS certificate for your system. You need this to apply for Smart Export Guarantee payments.
An insurance-backed workmanship warranty, which RECC members must provide (RECC).
Product warranties and manuals for the panels, inverter and any battery.
Electrical safety certificates and a note that the network operator has been told.
What if something goes wrong?
Contact the installer first, in writing. If that does not fix it, your consumer code offers dispute resolution. HIES members, for example, must give free access to mediation and the Ombudsman (Energy Saving Trust). You can also get free advice from the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
What questions should I ask an installer?
What is your MCS certification number?
Which consumer code are you a member of?
Who will actually fit the panels, your own team or a subcontractor?
Will you register the installation with MCS so I can claim export payments?
Does my home need planning permission? (See our planning guide.)
How does Notts Solar Quotes help?
We are an introduction service, not an installer. You fill in one short form, and we pass your enquiry to up to three MCS-certified local installers who can quote. It is free and there is no obligation. We still recommend you run every check above yourself. Read how we vet installers.
Quick answers
The short version, if you're in a hurry.
How do I know if a solar installer is genuine?
Check they are MCS-certified using the free search at mcscertified.com and a member of a consumer code such as RECC or HIES. Make sure the company name matches your quote.
How much deposit should I pay for solar panels?
RECC advises never paying more than 25% of the contract price up front, and checking that the deposit is protected.
Is it a bad sign if a solar company cold calls me?
It is a reason for caution. It is safer to contact installers yourself and never give personal or bank details to an unexpected caller.
Can I cancel a solar panel contract?
Under the RECC code you can cancel within 14 days of signing. If work starts within that time at your request, you may need to pay for work already done.
What is the difference between RECC and HIES?
Both are consumer codes that protect deposits and offer guarantees and dispute resolution. MCS installers must belong to one of them.
How many solar quotes should I get?
At least two or three, so you can compare like for like on price, equipment, warranties and installation date.
Is Notts Solar Quotes an installer?
No. We are a free introduction service that passes your enquiry to up to three MCS-certified local installers who can quote.
Solar in your part of Nottinghamshire
Local guides with council rules, grants and the villages each one covers.
Solar panels in Retford
Bassetlaw District Council · DN22
Read the Retford guideSolar panels in Worksop
Bassetlaw District Council · S80, S81
Read the Worksop guideSolar panels in Newark
Newark and Sherwood District Council · NG24, NG23
Read the Newark guideSolar panels in Mansfield
Mansfield District Council · NG18, NG19, NG20, NG21
Read the Mansfield guideMore guides
Sources
Figures last checked October 2026.