Choosing an installer for your solar panels can be difficult since it’s a rapidly growing industry with new businesses opening all the time, and unfortunately, there has been a history of failure.
In fact, in a recent report from the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC), over 500 solar companies have gone bust in as little as 8 years.
This is pretty daunting, especially when you read stories about those that go bust and leave previous customers without support or aftercare.
For this reason, it is important to understand how to vet a solar company or installer, to ensure you get maximum value for money and guaranteed support in the future should something go wrong.
Let’s analyse what’s most critical and then find out which companies are ticking all of these boxes…
Best Solar Installers Key Points:
- We analysed hundreds of solar companies and only added those companies that met the criteria.
- This included those that were part of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) – essential if you want to receive payments via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
- We also factored in the age of the company, the warranty offered and customer reviews and ratings.
- In terms of nationwide coverage, we selected Heatable.co.uk, and we would highly recommend them over regional companies for several reasons, including their reviews and the fact their solar installations are backed by an independent insurance company.
- For other regional companies, please refer to the detailed list below.
In the video below, we explain how to vet solar panel installers:
Top 10 Best Solar Panel Installers UK:
| Best solar company/installer: | Best for: |
|---|---|
| Heatable.co.uk | Nationwide coverage |
| CRC Electrical and Renewables | East Anglia |
| Everyone’s Energy UK | London & South East England |
| The Eco Roof and Wall Company | Midlands |
| 0800 Repair | North East England |
| Clever Energy Boilers | North England |
| Warma UK | North West England |
| Greener Energy Group | Scotland |
| Solum GB | South England |
| Tile Energy | South West England |
| City Energy Network | Wales |
What to look for in a Solar Company:
Here is a list of key factors to look for when searching for a solar company to install your new domestic solar system:
- MSC accreditation -The Microgeneration Certification Scheme is supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and will provide you with consumer protection.
- Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is also essential if you want to receive Government payments via the SEG scheme, i.e. the solar company must be MCS certified.
- National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) certification.
- Trust Mark certification – a Government-backed scheme.
- Certification by the Home Insulation and Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme (HIES).
- The age of the company has gone with newer companies with less experience, only to find they have shut up shop when a problem has occurred down the line. The age of the company will also give you an insight into how much experience they have.
- The insurance the company has will protect you in the event of something happening to your property during the installation of your solar panels. Each company should have several types of insurance, but the most important to you as a consumer is Public Liability Insurance.
- Warranties-Check your installer has both warranties for the product they are selling you and the workmanship. Note not all solar companies will state on their website what their warranties and insurance policies are as they may vary from product to product. When talking to them, go armed with a checklist list of the above.
- Cost– It’s worth getting at least 3 solar quotes to compare. Do this from both reputable nationwide companies and regional companies near you, as their rates may vary.
- Read their customer reviews- Never depend solely on reviews, but the more reviews a company has with high ratings, the more you’ll get an idea about the company and its customer service.
What to Avoid when Choosing a Solar Panel Installer/Company
Avoid the hard sell
Ask for a quote, ask relevant questions, and then get back to them.
If they are sitting in your living room asking you to sign there then see this as a red flag.
You can completely avoid this type of pressure by opting for a solar company that offers fixed online prices, like Heatable.co.uk.
This means everything is online, so you won’t have to worry about hard sell tactics or feeling under pressure.
If they want to sell you extras
A solar company will probably offer to sell you a storage battery as well, maybe even an immersion controller to heat water.
These can be good depending on your budget and goals, but be aware of them selling you more than you need, such as heating controls and voltage optimisers.
Related solar guides:
- Off-Grid Solar – is it possible in the UK?
- Best Solar Panels UK.
- Are Solar Panels Worth It in the UK?
- Solar Inverters – what are they?
- GivEnergy battery storage system.
- Best 4kW solar battery storage system.
- In Roof Solar Panels.
Top 10 UK Solar Panel Installers
The Best Nationwide Solar Installers:
1. Heatable.co.uk
At the top of our list as the very best solar company is Heatable.co.uk.
Why?
This company was launched in 2017, has a customer rating of 4.8 based on over 7,000 customer reviews.
Heatable also offer a 25-year warranty of their solar panels, and they offer a two-year workmanship warranty on their solar installations.
Here are the many other reasons why we prefer Heatable:
- They are Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited.
- They are certified as Which? Trusted Traders.
- They are part of the Home Insulation & Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme (HIES).
- Their solar panel system is optimised for low-light conditions, ideal for the UK.
- They offer online, fixed-price quotes – meaning you can avoid the hard sell and aggressive sales tactics – we aren’t aware of any other company that offers quotes this way.
- Their solar system is insured by an independent insurance company for added peace of mind.
2. UK Solar Power
Second on the list is UK Solar Power which offers a 25-year product warranty, as well as 12 years of workmanship warranty and material warranties, the highest on this list.
They’ve also achieved an average 4-star rating based on 259 reviews.
They also offer maintenance and repairs and will fit electric vehicle chargers.
3. Solar 4 Good UK LTD
Solar 4 Good UK LTD has an average rating of 4.8 based on 240 reviews.
The company also has 15 years of experience and is known to have great customer service and aftercare.
Solar 4 Good have a range of 9 different solar panels which is one of the biggest ranges of all installers we analysed.
4. First 4 Solar
First 4 Solar has a 3.5 customer rating based on 208 reviews, as well as a 10-year workmanship warranty and 30-year product warranty.
Products include the highly rated JA solar and Jinko panels and batteries.
5. Solar Engineering LTD
Solar Engineering LTD has a 4.8 customer rating based on 50 reviews.
They have 5 different solar panels in their product line including LG and Sharp and over 16 years of experience.
Solar Engineering LTD also provides maintenance and monitoring on top of the initial installation.
6. Joju Solar
Joju Solar is 17 years old and has acquired an average rating of 4 stars out of 5.
Joju specialises in not just solar installation but EV charging and was voted solar and storage contractor of the year.
JoJu Solar is also a certified Tesla Powerwall installer and offers a 5-year workmanship warranty along with a product warranty.
7. UPS Solar
UPS has an average 4.2 customer rating based on 105 reviews.
UPS offers a range of Sharp products, Q Cell, and JA Solar for both budget and premium options.
UPS was founded in 2006 and has been operating ever since, a pretty good sign of a reliable company.
8. Rest UK
Rest UK is a newer solar company founded in 2018 but with a high average rating of 4.3, based on 300+ reviews and offers a lifetime warranty on solar panels.
9. Naked Solar
Naked Solar has an average score of 5 stars, based on 34 reviews.
This 14-year-old company is also REC Certified meaning they offer a Pro Trust warranty, covering products, performance, and labour for 25 years.
10. Callidis Solar
Callidis Solar is 12 years old and in that time has acquired an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
The brand also offers a Smart Support Guarantee.
Best Regional Solar Companies
Best in London
PSC Electrical London Ltd
PSC has a check-a-trade rating of 10/10.
Work is covered by a minimum 12-month guarantee.
Professional Energy Solutions LTD
Professional Energy Solutions LTD have an average 4.8 customer rating, based on 52 reviews.
They also have 15 years of experience and offer servicing in London, Surrey, Middlesex, and surrounding areas.
Best in the North West
Warma UK
Warma UK has an average rating of 4.7, based on 500+ reviews.
The company was founded in 2016 and is known for its fantastic customer service.
Best in Cambridge and surrounding areas
Cahill Renewables
Trust a trader 5-star rating was founded in 2013.
Best in the Midlands
The Eco Roof and Wall Company
4.4 rating on 200 reviews and 20 years of experience.
Best in the Southeast
Deege Solar
Winner of the 2022 Solar Installer and contractor award a newer company founded in 2017.
Best in Reading and surrounding areas
Spirit Energy
5-year workmanship warranty, 4.7-star rating on 107 reviews.
Best in the South-West
Tile Energy
4.9 customer rating on 60+ reviews. Founded in 2012 with a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Best Solar Company in Scotland
The Greener Energy Group
Founded in 2014 this company has a 4.4 customer rating on 2000 reviews.
FAQ: Selecting a Solar Panel Company in the UK
1. What should I consider when choosing a solar panel company?
Look for a company with a strong track record of installations and customer satisfaction. Ensure they are certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which guarantees that their products and installation standards comply with official regulations. Also, consider their warranty offerings, after-sales service, and the range of products they offer.
2. How important are certifications for solar panel companies?
Certifications are crucial. The MCS certification is particularly important as it ensures the equipment meets specific standards of quality and that the installation complies with the current UK regulations. This certification is also required to qualify for government incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
3. Should I get multiple quotes?
Absolutely, yes! Getting quotes from several companies allows you to compare prices, services, and products. It also gives you a better negotiating position and a clearer idea of what options are available within your budget.
4. What questions should I ask when contacting a solar panel company?
Ask about the types of solar panels and inverters they offer, the warranty terms, the expected lifespan and efficiency of their panels, installation costs, and whether they handle all associated paperwork like building permits. Also, inquire about the timeline from start to finish of the installation process.
5. How do solar panel warranties work?
Solar panel warranties typically cover product, performance, and sometimes workmanship. Product warranties protect against defects in the solar panels themselves, while performance warranties guarantee that the panels will produce a certain percentage of their rated power over a specified period, usually 25 years. Workmanship warranties cover the installation.
6. Can I use any solar panel company if I want to apply for the SEG?
Yes, but the installation must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer to be eligible for SEG payments. This ensures the installation meets the necessary standards to qualify for the scheme.
7. How do I know if a solar panel company is reputable?
Check their customer reviews, ask for references, and see if they are affiliated with any recognized trade bodies, such as the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) or the Solar Trade Association (STA) in the UK. These affiliations indicate a commitment to industry standards and customer satisfaction.
8. What happens if I move homes?
Typically, the solar panel system will stay with the home and the new owner will benefit from the installation. However, some agreements, especially if you have leased equipment or entered into a rent-to-own contract, may require specific actions. Check this with your provider.
9. Is there maintenance involved with solar panels?
Solar panels require minimal maintenance, mainly keeping them clean and free of debris. Some companies offer maintenance services, or you can choose to do it yourself or hire a professional to ensure optimal performance.
10. How long does installation usually take?
The installation can usually be completed within 1 to 3 days, depending on the size and complexity of the system. Larger systems or those requiring special permits may take longer.
Selecting the right solar panel company is key to ensuring a successful and satisfying solar installation. Don’t hesitate to spend time researching and asking detailed questions to make the best choice for your home and financial future!
Best Solar Companies UK Conclusion
As discussed, there has been a history of failing solar companies in the UK, declaring bankruptcy and leaving their customers in the lurch, with a now worthless warranty.
As a result, the best place to start when analysing a solar company is how long they have been in operation – the longer the better.
This shows they have a proven track record and are less likely to fold than newer companies.
After you have checked their history, factor in the warranty period they offer, and if something does go what you want to know you will get the support you need – again, the longer the better.
The final place to look is at the customer reviews and ideally look at the reviews on third-party platforms, so you know that they are trustworthy and legitimate i.e. Trust Pilot.