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We break down the best solar panel installers, considering factors such as warranties, brand range, certifications and reputation.
The solar panel installer you choose impacts your experience of integrating this green technology into your home. There are plenty of installers, but the right company will communicate clearly throughout the process, be affordable and hold accreditations that certify the quality of the best solar panel system. Our experts have researched the UK’s top installers to help you find the right company for your journey towards free energy.
Solar panel installation takes four to six weeks from enquiry to project completion. During this process, there are several things to consider, such as choosing between national or local solar panel installers, checking their accreditations and assessing their experience.
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| Warranty | MCS certified | Trustpilot rating | Founded in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifetime warranty | Yes | Excellent (4.6) | 2011 |
Founded in 2011, this award-winning installation company is the largest in the UK, having installed more than 45,000 solar panels. Most notably, Project Solar’s warranties are the longest offered in the UK solar sector.
Project Solar covers one of its panels, the Evolution Titan 445, with a lifetime product warranty and a 10-year labour warranty. The panel’s efficiency is 21 per cent, making it one of the most efficient options on the UK market; Project Solar also claims that it performs optimally even with limited light. Highly aesthetic, the panel comprises high-quality materials and consists of sleek black cells that blend well with the colours of most residential roofs.
In our solar panel survey, 97 per cent of those with Project Solar panels said they would recommend the brand. The same figure said their panels had met or exceeded expectations when it came to energy production, while 95 per cent of people had their expectations met or exceeded in regards to ongoing cost savings from their Project Solar panels.
Project Solar also offers the highly efficient Evolution Super Max Series 455 and SunPower Maxeon solar panels, which are among the most efficient brands on the market. The company even produces its own brand of integrated solar roof tiles and Blackline mounting systems.
A product warranty covers the solar panels, including manufacturing defects, while a performance warranty relates to panel efficiency, which naturally degrades over the product’s lifespan. The performance warranty is often longer than the product warranty, and it guarantees a certain level of panel efficiency after a specified period. The labour warranty, also known as an installation or workmanship warranty, covers the quality of your system’s installation.
| Warranty | MCS certified | Trustpilot rating | Founded in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-year or lifetime warranty | Yes | Excellent (4.4) | 2016 |
Effective Home installations are covered by various certification schemes, including:
The company was established in 2016 to help homeowners make their properties more energy efficient. To this end, the company provides solar panels, battery storage and a range of other products, such as heat pumps, insulation and EV charging.
Effective Home covers its solar panels with a minimum 25-year product warranty and a lifetime warranty for the manufacture of the modules and solar cell performance.
In July 2023, Effective Home teamed up with Halifax to offer a cashback scheme whereby customers receive up to £500 when they install green technologies, such as solar panels.
Effective Home recently launched a monthly paid subscription service through which homeowners can access solar energy for as little as £99 upfront. With this service, Effective Home owns the panels and maintains them at no extra cost to customers, and the Energy Shield subscription offers the option to install solar panels with fixed payments that won’t change for five years.
According to the official website, the MCS “sets, defines and maintains the Standards for low-carbon energy technology products, contractors and their installations.” So, 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 the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
| Warranty | MCS certified | Trustpilot rating | Founded in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 30 years | Yes | Excellent (4.4) | 2011 |
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 five-year workmanship warranty. It has financing options and has won many awards for its services. Its product range includes panels from JA Solar, Trina Solar, Tesla, PureDrive Energy and Perlight Solar.
| Warranty | MCS certified | Trustpilot rating | Founded in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 years | Yes | Great (4.2) | 2010 |
Evergen Solar was founded in 2010, and in 2015, it began installing residential solar panels on new builds.
The company is HIES-accredited and offers battery storage systems in addition to its solar panels. You can choose to install these alongside the initial panel installation or add them to an existing solar panel system.
The company’s solar panels come with an industry-standard warranty of 25 years, while the battery storage systems include a 10-year warranty from the HIES.
Flexible payment options are available to customers who want to spread the installation costs over several years.
| Warranty | MCS certified | Trustpilot rating | Founded in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 years | Yes | Excellent (4.7) | 2019 |
UPS Solar offers a range of solar panel brands, including Sharp, Qcells and JA Solar; the latter of which is a brand that 95 per cent of people who participated in our survey would recommend to others.
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.
Founded in 2019, UPS Solar also has a high Trustpilot rating of 4.7. Positive reviews suggest good communication, friendly installers and a quick installation process.
When deciding between a local or national solar panel installer, you should first carefully consider the benefits of each option to make an informed decision.
Some of the benefits of choosing a local installer include:
However, choosing a national solar panel installer also has benefits, such as:
Whether you choose a local or national solar panel installer, the process of finding an installer may look quite similar either way. Here are our top tips for getting started in your search for an installer:
Once you have found a few different MCS-accredited installers, make a pros and cons list which outlines each installer’s experience, reviews and warranties. Most of the best companies have been in business for many years; for example, both Evergen and Project Solar have more than 12 years of experience with solar panel installation, so these installers might be at the top of your list.
Make sure you know what the installation warranty is (usually between one and 10 years), as well as the warranty for the panels themselves, which is usually around 25 years, matching a panel’s expected lifespan.
According to the official website, the MCS “sets, defines and maintains the Standards for low-carbon energy technology products, contractors and their installations.” So, 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 the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Installing a solar system typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks from the initial enquiry to completion. This timeframe includes a thorough site survey, roof plans, the actual installation and the completion of necessary documentation. For larger systems, the process may take slightly longer.
DIY solar panels might seem like a good idea to reduce the installation cost, but it is generally not recommended. Installing solar panels is a complex process that involves electrical wiring, and there are many safety hazards from working at heights or incorrectly wiring up the array, leading to a potential fire risk. Also, to take advantage of the SEG scheme, your solar panel system must be installed by an MCS-qualified installer.
Generally, installers include labour costs in the overall estimate. These costs are usually between £300 and £500, and they cover the one or two days that installation typically takes. However, this can depend on the size of the system and the area in which the installation is taking place, as local labour rates may vary.
Every solar panel installer and company has different reviews and reputations within the industry. Companies like Project Solar and Effective Home have been top players in the solar panel industry for many years, meaning they can generally be depended on for a reliable service. However, that’s not to say that a smaller, local installer won’t be just as reputable.
Not every electrician can install solar panels, as installing them involves specialised skills beyond standard electrical work, including roof mounting and system integration with the National Grid. Installers must be MCS-certified to ensure quality and compliance with industry standards, and for the homeowner to benefit from the SEG.
In most cases, planning permission is not required to install solar panels on a residential property if they are not visible from a road. However, certain properties, such as listed buildings and properties within Conservation Areas, will require planning permission before installing solar panels; though the new Labour Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has proposed schemes to make it easier for these buildings to adopt solar panels. Check with your local planning authority if you are unsure.
