Switching to solar energy is a big decision, and choosing a reliable provider is the first step in ensuring your installation is successful.

In this guide, we have rounded up the very best solar panel installers in the UK. Our solar experts have spent hundreds of hours researching customer reviews, industry accreditations and surveyed over 2,000 people* to provide an updated shortlist in March 2026.

Only companies who offer the best solar panels, hold industry accreditations and are backed by years of experience and plenty of satisfied customers are included in this guide, so you can feel confident choosing one of them with your solar panel installation.

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Our best solar panel installers of 2026

Solar panel installerFMB pickTrustpilot ratingMCS certifiedMaximum warrantyFounded
Solar4GoodBest customer service4.9 starsYes25 years2020
Project SolarBest for long warranties4.5 starsYesLifetime2011
Glow GreenBest range of high-efficiency panels4.8 starsYes30 years2011
So EnergyBest for speed of installation4.4 starsYes30 years2015
Wickes SolarBest payment options4.6 starsYes25 years2024 (Solar Fast in 2021)
UPS SolarBest range of solar panels4.9 starsYes25 years2019
Effective Home Best partner network4.6 starsYes25 years2016
SunsaveBest solar subscription service4.7 starsYes25 years2022
Data correct as of March 2026.

Best customer service: Solar4Good

Although Solar4Good was only founded in 2020, it has quickly built a reputation for efficient, reliable installations, completing around 1,500 projects annually. Their installers are backed by a friendly customer service team which is often praised in Trustpilot reviews, earning Solar4Good an impressive 4.9 stars on the review site. 

Solar4Good offers 3 customisable residential packages, with solar panel prices ranging from £5,500 for 10 panels to over £9,000 for 16 panels and 8.7kWh battery storage. It supplies solar products from JA Solar, Jinko, Trina Solar, Qcells, and Fox ESS.

Pros

Affordable packages, including a Price Match Guarantee. Rapid turnaround from quote to installation in as little as two weeks. 91 per cent of Trustpilot reviews are five stars.

Cons

Being a newer company, Solar4Good doesn’t have a long-term track record. Complaints about cold-calling after initial contact.

What Solar4Good customers have to say

As of February 2026, Solar4Good has the joint-highest Trustpilot rating of the providers in this guide, at 4.9 stars. The company boasts 92 per cent of 5-star reviews. Many positive reviews call out the high quality of after-sales care and customer service, as well as the pricing and speed of installation.

“Solar4Good are the best company!!!
Every person I interacted were very professional and did an amazing job.
Manan in Sales, who helped provide a quote to match my requirements and arranging on-site survey to discuss solar and battery placements. Edward, who help coordinate the actual installation, by ensuring scaffolding was put in place before install day, ensuring Jamie (Head Roofer), Frederick (Head Electrician) and Samuel & Faisal (Electricians) had all the information to get the install done in a very clean and professional way. I can’t thank the team for a great job done well. Anyone looking for solar / battery install, Solar4Good is highly recommended.”

“Professional and informative approach. Delivery and installation was seamless and was carried out within two weeks of order. Competitive price with good quality components, All the company employees were polite, helpful and knowledgeable. One happy customer”

Best for long warranties: Project Solar

Project Solar is the largest solar panel installation company in the UK, having installed more than 45,000 solar panels since its inception in 2011.

It is particularly well-known for its industry-leading lifetime warranties on its solar panels and installations. The company states that provided it is installed and maintained properly, a defective solar module will be either repaired, replaced or refunded at the company’s discretion during its lifetime. This warranty does not, however, cover the removal of defective panels or shipping of new ones, so make sure to carefully read the T&Cs before you commit.

The installer offers some of the best solar panels on the market, as determined by our experts. Project Solar customers can choose between the brand’s own Project Solar Evolution Max 500W and SunPower panels.

Project Solar comes thoroughly recommended from its existing customers. In our solar panel survey, 97 per cent of respondents with Project Solar panels said they would recommend the brand*. The same number said their panels had met or exceeded expectations when it came to energy production, and 95 per cent of respondents felt their solar panels had met or exceeded their expectations regarding ongoing cost savings.

However, it’s worth noting some of the brand’s Trustpilot reviews highlight pushy sales tactics and high prices compared to competitors.

Pros

Best warranties on the market. Over a decade of experience. Installs FMB’s two highest-rated solar panels. Excellent communication, according to reviews.

Cons

Repeated complaints about scaffolding remaining up for too long after the installation.

What Project Solar customers have to say

Project Solar has a Trustpilot rating of 4.5 stars, with 80 per cent of 5-star reviews. Most recent reviews are very positive, highlighting the efficiency of the process and the professionalism of its staff. The few negative reviews highlight pushy sales techniques and some issues getting in touch with customer service, but the company replies to them all to address the customers’ problems.

“I found project Solar to be a great friendly Company, from Frank the electrician, who came the day before installation and done all the electrics, to Tom, who actually done the installation the next day, I cannot recommend this company enough, if your thinking of solar, select project solar.”

“From the sales gent Nic down to the techs who came and installed the panels and connected up the electrical side of things. Everyone was knowlegeable and pleasant to deal with. Hopefully the end product will meet my needs and expectations. Time will clearly tell.”

Best range of high-efficiency solar panels: Glow Green

Founded in 2011, Glow Green initially specialised in energy-efficient boilers before branching out to offer other green home products, including an all-in-one package that encompasses solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, air conditioning and heat pumps.

The company covers its solar panels with warranties of up to 30 years and offers a 5-year workmanship warranty. Its product range includes solar panels and batteries from Perlight, JA Solar, Tesla Energy and more.

Pros

A wide range of energy-efficient products that can be installed in an all-in-one package. More than ten years of experience in the industry. More than 1,700 highly trained engineers. Solar panels covered by 30-year warranties.

Cons

Some complaints about customer service and the installation process.

What Glow Green customers have to say

As of February 2026, Glow Green is rated 4.8 stars on Trustpilot, with 84 per cent of 5-star reviews. Recent reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with the occasional negative review calling out last-minute installation cancellations and issues accessing after-sales care.

“Glow Green Solar sent three workers to install our solar panels & battery. They arrived on time & completed the job quickly & efficiently. No mass or packaging was left behind.
Before leaving we were talked through how everything worked & also helped to get an app to monitor our solar energy.
Overall the experience was a good one. The workmen were pleasant & friendly.
I would highly recommend Glow Green to anyone thinking of getting solar panels. 10/10″

“Excellent customer service from start to finish – complete transparency and detailed breakdown of plans and costs. Installation was excellent very knowledgable tradesmen – Andy was brilliant and explained everything and kept us up to date with install – scaffolders where brilliant – after care and customer service outstanding – would highly recommend – thank you all”

Best for speed of installation: So Energy

Founded in 2015, So Energy is an established, MCS-accredited solar panel installer which offers competitive pricing, good warranties and plenty of flexible payment options.

Customers can opt for long-term payment plans between 5 and 25 years which cover the panels and other hardware, installation costs, monitoring, maintenance and repairs from just £75 per month. So Energy also offers 0 per cent finance options over 1 or 2 years.

Where the brand really stands out, however, is in its commitment to speed of installation. From the moment you accept the quote to the solar panels being installed on your roof, So Energy promises a speedy four-week turnaround.

While they’re not industry-leading, So Energy’s warranties are more than enough to guarantee peace of mind. The company even offers a 10-year warranty on batteries and inverters, which is a nice bonus.

Pros
Fast turnaround time
Good range of solar panels offered
Great SEG rate if you install solar panels through So Energy
Very positive customer reviews highlighting knowledgeable staff
Ground-mounted and flat roof systems available
Solid product warranties, including on batteries and inverters
Cons
Labour warranty could be longer at only 5 years

What So Energy customers have to say

As of February 2026, So Energy is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot with 72 per cent of 5-star reviews, but it’s worth noting many of these reviews are about the company as an energy provider rather than as a solar panel installer. Most of the brand’s negative reviews are about its energy tariffs, bills and smart meters, and the company replies to all of them promptly.

“A indicative price was received very quickly and the resulting initial survey was arranged soon after, and was very thorough. The quotation was received promptly and the work was scheduled for a close, convenient date. The operatives who carried out the solar PV panels installation and the electrician who connected-up and commissioned the system worked well. Communication was good from So Energy throughout the whole process from the initial enquiry to the post completion handover.”

“Competitive price with the possibility of a 0% interest-free loan to install solar panels and batteries. Excellent and regular communication. Efficient installation. Overall, very happy with service.”

Best payment options: Wickes Solar

Back in 2024, major home improvement retailer Wickes purchased a majority stake in Solar Fast before rebranding it to Wickes Solar.

On its website, Wickes Solar offers 12 DMEGC solar panels and a battery for £8,950 including installation and scaffolding – a price which, as well as being very clearly laid out, is competitive for the industry. Equally appealing are the company’s financing options, which include a monthly repayments over as many as 168 months at 6.9 per cent APR.

As the previous name implies, Wickes Solar is also known for delivering solar systems fast – on average around 50 days after initial enquiry, according to its website. In fact, you should receive a call within 48 hours of requesting a quote.

Pros
Great finance options
Transparent pricing
Established national retailer
Fast installation time
Cons
Not many recent reviews

What Wickes Solar customers have to say

Wickes Solar is a relatively new name, but it already has a Trustpilot page and a 4.6-star rating from over 2,300 reviews. Recent reviews are very polarised, however, either 5-star reviews from very satisfied customers or 1-star reviews from some reporting issues getting in touch with customer service or damage following a solar installation.

“We encountered the most competitive pricing, exceptional products, and outstanding customer support here.The entire process was managed smoothly and effectively from beginning to end.Every staff member we interacted with was extraordinarily helpful and took initiative, embodying excellent customer service. The only area for improvement lies with your scaffolders; they were skilled in their work, but could benefit from feedback and customer service training to align with your exemplary standards.”

“I paid £12.500 for panels converter and battery in 2023 and was advised of any fault that could not be fixrd remotely the part would be replaced. My battery has stoped taking a charge so i am now paying for any power being used when daylight stops. I have reported this weeks ago but have not received any help exept being told to send a video of it. I have advised them i am disabled and am unable to get up my loft but still have had no help.”

Best for transparency: UPS Solar

Founded in 2019, UPS Solar offers panels from a range of solar solar including AIKO, DMEGC, Q CELL, JA Solar, Jinko and Eurener, many of which featured on our best solar panels guide.

Where the installer really stands out is through its transparent pricing; unlike most of its competitors, it clearly lays out the costs of different system sizes and brands so you can get a good idea of the cost of solar panels before you even reach out to get a quote.

The company also provides a 10-year labour warranty and deposit-free installation, so customers only pay after installation. The installation process is supported by the Independent Warranty Association, and the company holds certifications from the Renewable Energy Consumer Code and MCS.

Pros

Great customer service according to reviews. Frequent communication to keep you up to date with your installation. Aesthetically designed black solar panels that complement residential roofs.

Cons

A relatively new company in the sector, founded in 2019. Complaints about after-sales service, including slow delivery of the MCS certificate.

What UPS Solar customers have to say

As of February 2026, UPS Solar are rated 4.9 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot, with 84 per cent of customers awarding the company 5 stars. The vast majority of recent reviews are positive, while rare negative reviews calling out incomplete installations and difficulty receiving after-sales care.

“Great company to have your solar panels installed and at competitive prices. I changed my initial purchase to add a car charger and 5 extra solar panels and they accommodated that without a fuss. Friendly staff , helpful and always picking up the phone. The installers were very helpful and courteous. On the last day of the install the installers stayed until 8pm to finish off and worked tirelessly through miserable weather. Post install , all the paperwork arrived promptly. I am a very happy customer. I will update the review at a later date to see how the support is from them going forward.”

“I’ve just had solar and a battery fitted by UPS Solar. I have to say from start to finish the service and quality of the work has been amazing. I’ve thought about getting it fitted for a while and I’m so glad I went with UPS. My initial contact was with Sophie who was great, very knowledgeable and kept me updated throughout the process. Initial quotes were delivered quickly and she took care of everything else whilst keeping me updated with texts and emails. They arranged the scaffolding which was installed exactly when they said it would be. The chaps who did the install were great, I only got Roberts name but the others worked in the cold and did a really neat job with the cable run, while Robert did a great job of routing the cable from the battery to the fuse board. Post installation my app login and next steps were clearly explained.

If you are thinking of Solar I wouldn’t hesitate and get in touch with UPS for a 1st class service.”

Best partner network: Effective Home

Effective Home stands out among other solar companies thanks to its many industry partners and accreditations, attesting to its reliability.

For example, Effective Home is currently teamed up with Halifax to offer a cashback scheme whereby Halifax customers receive a £750 discount they install green technologies such as solar panels. Effective Home company is also partnered with Lloyds Bank, offering a discount on solar installations for Lloyds customers.

Effective Home is a Which? trusted trader and its solar panel installations are covered by the following schemes:

  • the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting, which ensures that all electrical components are installed according to national standards;
  • the Home Insulation & Energy Systems Contractors Scheme (HIES), which focuses on consumer protection; and
  • the Energy Performance Validation Scheme, which guarantees the energy savings promised to consumers.

With these certificates and accreditations, customers should feel confident that they’re opting for a trusted and reliable provider. Effective Home also covers its solar panels with a minimum 25-year product warranty and a lifetime warranty for the manufacturing and performance of the solar cells it provides.

Effective Home systems are compatible with Hive smart home devices.

Pros

A minimum of 3 accreditation schemes covering the installation of electrical components, consumer protection and guaranteed energy savings. More than a decade of experience in the industry. Panels come with a lengthy minimum 25-year warranty.

Cons

Some customers report difficulties getting in contact with Effective Home.

What Effective Home customers have to say

As of February 2026, Effective Home is rated 4.6 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot with 78 per cent of 5-star reviews. The majority of recent reviews are positive, and while negative reviews are few and far between, they tend to call out delays in installation or poor quality of work undertaken by sub-contractors.

“Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. I’ve just had solar panels installed and I couldn’t be happier with the service that Amelia, Barbara and Georgia have given. Communication has been great and the overall experience could not be faulted. I would recommend you to anyone and everyone! Thanks again”

“I want to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding support provided in securing funding through the ECO4 scheme and managing the full process of sourcing, delivering, and installing my solar panels. The team demonstrated real professionalism, clear communication, and a commitment to making renewable energy accessible. Their efficiency and dedication made the entire experience smooth and stress‑free, and I’m genuinely grateful for the positive impact they’ve had on my home and energy future. Special thanks to Barbara, Georgia and Amelia.”

Best solar subscription service: Sunsave

Founded in 2022, Sunsave is the newest solar panel installer on this list, and it’s known for creating the UK’s first solar subscription service. 

While other subscription services have appeared since, including from Otovo and Unbound Energy, Sunsave’s still stands out. With Sunsave Plus, you own your panels from the moment your system is installed, without the need to put down a deposit or pay an upfront fee. You then pay for your system monthly, starting at £69, for a maximum of 20 years. If you wish, you can pay off some or all of your system cost at any time, with no penalty. 

Sunsave doesn’t just offer a subscription service. With Sunsave Standard, you can buy your panels upfront, with costs starting from £6,700 for a complete solar system with a battery.

Sunsave Plus and Standard both offer 25-year performance and product warranties on your panels, and 10-year warranties for batteries and inverters. And if you’re an existing Octopus Energy customer, installing your panels with Sunsave will give you faster access to the energy provider’s often market-leading Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs. 

Pros

Options to pay upfront or spread the cost of your solar panel installation through the Sunsave Plus subscription service. Monthly subscription payments include maintenance costs, replacement parts and insurance. Sunsave is partnered with Octopus Energy, allowing its customers to access some of the best export tariffs in the UK.

Cons

Octopus Energy SEG tariffs only available for existing Octopus customers. The newest solar panel installer featured on this list, with a small number of Trustpilot reviews.

What Sunsave customers have to say

As of February 2026, Sunsave is rated 4.7 stars on Trustpilot, with 89 per cent of customers giving the provider 5 stars. Most recent reviews are very positive, praising the installation process from the initial consultation to the final result. Negative reviews are few and far between and mostly mention difficulty getting in touch with the sales team.

“They’ve been great from the start plenty of information and answered all my questions. Helpd me fill i the correct info for my energy company as well. When they fitted it the whole system was up and running with in a day and was able to start saving right away.”

“Great service from initial contact all the way throughout the process. Everything was explained to me & I was kept fully informed at every stage. Sophie was my contact with Sunsave & was there if I had any questions before & after the install, she was excellent. The guys who installed the solar panels explained exactly what they were doing & did a great job. I’ve had a great experience & would definitely recommend Sunsave 10 out of 10!”

Regional solar panel installers

Alongside the national installers above, you can find a number of regional solar panel installers in your local area. Below are just some highly-rated MCS-accredited regional solar panel installers:

RegionRegional solar panel installerRatings and accreditationsAreas covered
North EastSustainable Energy EngineeringWhich? Trusted trader, 4.9-star Google ratingNorth of England
North West Applegarth Electric4.5 stars on Trustpilot, 4.7-star Google ratingWirral, Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire
Yorkshire and the HumberPurelec Energy4.8-star Google ratingWest Yorkshire, North of England
MidlandsGeo Green Power4.9 stars on Trustpilot, 4.4 stars on GoogleBased in Nottingham, operates nationwide
East of EnglandCahill Renewables4.8 stars on Trustpilot, 4.9 stars on GoogleBased in Essex, operates nationwide
London and the South EastEveryone’s Energy UK4.9 stars on Trustpilot, 5 stars on GoogleLondon, Hertfordshire, South East of England
South WestEco NRG4.1 stars on Trustpilot and GoogleDevon, Cornwall, Somerset
ScotlandSolar Specialists Scotland5-star Google ratingBased in Paisley, operates in Scotland
WalesCeltic Green Energy3.7 stars on Trustpilot, 4.3 stars on GoogleBased in Camarthenshire, operates in Wales
Northern IrelandSolar Power NI4.9 stars on TrustpilotBased in Ballycastle, operates in Northern Ireland
Data correct as of March 2026.

Finding a solar panel installer

Whether you choose a national installer or a smaller regional one, the process from getting quotes to installing panels will be fairly similar. You can find a solar panel installer through FMB by:

  1. Filling out our free quote form: answering a few simple questions including what type of roof you have and whether it is impacted by any shading. 
  2. Waiting for a match: we’ll search our network of solar panel installers to find the ones best suited to your household. They should be in contact within 48 hours of your enquiry. 
  3. Comparing your quotes: you can then compare the quotes you’ve received and choose your preferred solar panel installer.

Find solar panel installers in your area

Looking for solar panel quotes? Just answer a few quick questions to get matched with installers operating in your area.

Choosing between national and regional installers

Both local and national solar panel installers come with advantages and drawbacks which you should consider before making your choice. 

Some of the benefits of choosing a local installer include:

  • A more personalised service: Local installers may have a better knowledge of local regulations, solar panel schemes and incentives that apply in the region
  • Quicker responses: A local installer will likely want to build a good reputation within the area, which may result in better customer service and faster response times than a national provider
  • Contributions to the local economy: By choosing a local installer, you will be supporting a smaller company in your area

However, choosing a national solar panel installer brings you:

  • A wide range of experience: National installers who have been in business for many years will have built up a wealth of experience, which can be beneficial to anyone considering solar panels
  • Peace of mind from multiple reviews: A larger company will likely have a bigger presence than a local installer, so you’ll have more reviews to consult before you make your decision
  • Competitive pricing: A larger company will usually be able to offer lower prices for its services and products, whereas local installers may have to charge more
Rahi Vakani Solar4Good solar panel installers

Rahi Vakani, co-founder of Solar4Good, gave us his advice:

  1. Always look for MCS accreditation; if the installer doesn’t have this, you won’t be able to benefit from SEG payments.
  2. Ask installers about their insurance cover. They must have valid public liability insurance to carry out installations.
  3. Look for reviews on sites such as Trustpilot. Positive reviews suggest a reliable, trustworthy installer.
  4. Choose an installer who’s been in business for a number of years; this indicates a company that has a steady stream of customers and a strong track record.
  5. The cheapest quote isn’t always the best option, and may indicate that the installer cuts corners, or uses inferior products.
  6. Avoid the ‘man with a van’ installer or those who employ cold-calling techniques. They may lack qualifications, insurance, or good after-sales care.
  7. Pick an installer that you feel comfortable with – after all, they will have access to your home during the installation, and they need to be someone you trust.

How to compare solar panel installers

Once you have found a few different MCS-accredited installers, make a pros and cons list for each one. According to our survey of over 2,000 solar panel owners*, the most important factor to consider is cost, followed by the warranties offered and the installer’s reputation.

Cost

One of the primary considerations when comparing solar panel installers is their cost. The best way to know you’re getting a fair price is to collect as many quotes as possible. It may also help you to negotiate with your chosen installer, especially if you have cheaper quotes to back up your haggling. 

Warranty and service agreements 

Hopefully nothing will go wrong with your panels, but in the event that something were to go awry, you’ll want to know that you’re covered. You should compare the lengths of the labour warranty provided by the installer, as well as the product and performance warranties that come with your solar panels of choice. 

Reputation and reviews

Most of the best solar companies have been in business for many years; for example, both Evergen and Project Solar have more than 12 years of experience installing solar panels, so these installers might be at the top of your list if this matters to you. Trustpilot is also an invaluable resource to check how customers feel about their service, especially for newer solar panel installers. 

Solar panel brands supplied

Solar panel installers will often have a select number of solar panel brands they work with, so you should do your research at the outset and make sure you’re happy with the power and efficiency of the panels offered by the installer in question. The more powerful and efficient your panels are, the fewer you’ll need to meet your energy needs. 

Time to installation 

A practical consideration when comparing solar panel installers is how long it’ll be before they can get started on your household. While you might not want to wait months and months for an installation, an installer with a slightly longer wait time because they’re in high demand can be a sign of quality. 

What to avoid when choosing a solar installer

Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to look for when comparing solar panel installers:

  • Installers without an MCS accreditation (or equivalent): Not only is an MCS accreditation a sign of reliability, without using an MCS-accredited (or equivalent) installer, you won’t be able to access regulated SEG tariffs. 
  • Poor Trustpilot reviews: However cheap an installer is, you don’t want to use them if they have poor reviews. The savings won’t be worth the potential hassle down the road. 
  • Lack of detail: If an installer isn’t upfront about the breakdown of costs, the length of their warranties, or how long installation will take, you may be better off looking elsewhere. 
  • Installers who try to pressure you into a sale: Feeling pressured into a sale isn’t a great starting point, and can be a sign of poor working practices. It’s better to walk away from those kinds of sales tactics, and take your time to find a less pushy installer. 

Why should your solar panel system be accredited by the MCS?

According to the official website, the MCS “sets, defines and maintains the Standards for low-carbon energy technology products, contractors and their installations.” Choosing an MCS-certified solar panel installer guarantees a reliable and professional installation. Opting for an MCS-accredited installer is also a requirement if you plan to sell your unused solar energy back to the National Grid via a regulated SEG tariff.

A MCS accreditation isn’t the only certificate to watch out for, however. The following are all signs that your installer provides a high quality service – you should look for evidence of certification or participation on an installers’ website, typically in the form of a badge or logo:

  • TrustMark: This is a government-endorsed scheme that is a sign of quality for companies that work in or around the home. 
  • Energy Performance Validation Scheme (EPVS): This means that all the documentation you’re provided with during your installation has been vetted and is up to standard for consumers. 
  • National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC): This is the UK’s leading certification body for companies that carry out electrical installations.
  • Home Insulation and Energy Systems Contractors Scheme (HIES): This means a solar panel installer is adhering to the HIES scheme rules and code of practice, and is annually vetted to ensure they continue to do so.-

How long will the installation process take?

More than half (52.38 per cent) of the people we surveyed said installing their solar system took 1 to 3 months from signing the contract to completion. This timeframe includes a thorough site survey, making up roof plans, the actual installation and the completion of necessary documentation. For larger systems, the process may take slightly longer.

Best solar panel installer FAQs

Installing solar panels yourself might seem like a good way to reduce your upfront costs, but it is generally not recommended. Installing a solar system requires technical knowledge as there are many safety risks involved, and you may find that a DIY solar panel system may lack efficiency compared to a professionally-installed one. What’s more, to take advantage of the SEG scheme, your solar panel system must be installed by an MCS-certified installer.

Labour costs are typically included in your solar panel system quote. These costs generally range between £300 and £500 depending on the size and complexity of the installation, as well as the area you live in.

Companies like Project Solar and Glow Green have been top players in the solar industry for many years, meaning they can generally be depended on to provide a reliable service. That said, a smaller, local installer might be just as reliable and provide a more personalised service; however, make sure to check customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot before you commit. 

Not every electrician can install solar panels as roof mounting and integrating a system with the National Grid involve specialised skills beyond standard electrical work. 

In most cases, planning permission is not required to install solar panels. Certain properties such as listed buildings and those within Conservation Areas do require planning permission to install solar panels, though the new Labour Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has proposed schemes to make it easier to install solar panels on such buildings. Always check with your local planning authority if you are unsure. 

A product warranty covers the solar panels, including manufacturing defects, while a performance warranty relates to the panel’s efficiency, which naturally degrades over its lifespan. The performance warranty guarantees a certain level of panel efficiency after a specified period, and is often longer than the product warranty. The labour warranty, also known as an installation or workmanship warranty, covers the quality of your system’s installation. 

Written by Robin Whitlock

Contributor

Robin is as seasoned writer with expansive experience in the renewable technology industry.

Robin has been writing on the clean energy sector for over 24 years, including renewable energy, environmental issues and climate change. He has written for a variety of publications, including Renewable Energy Magazine, Solar Thermal Magazine, and Water 21 Magazine.

Contributions by Connor Campbell

Senior Writer

Connor Campbell is an experienced personal finance writer who has been producing online content for 10 years.

Throughout his career, Connor has strived to demystify complex topics to help consumers make the best decisions, whether that’s what solar panel to pick, how to get cheaper car insurance, or which business bank account to open. 

He has written extensively on a number of personal finance topics for Independent Advisor, NerdWallet, and Spreadex, and has been quoted in a range of publications, including The Guardian, BBC, Evening Standard, Daily Express and The Mirror.

Sources

*Survey conducted by the Federation of Master Builders, 2,004 respondents, June 2024.