The solar market is growing rapidly. Government data on solar deployment shows that by the end of August 2024, there were over 1.6 million installations across the UK. With thousands of registered solar panel installers available, choosing the right installer can feel overwhelming.
Subpar installations often result in system failures and unexpected costs. Since the industry has been plagued by companies going bankrupt after a few years in operation, it’s more important than ever to choose a company you can trust.
This comprehensive review makes things easier by evaluating some of the best solar panel installers in the UK.
Pro tip: Avoid upsells and confusing packages—choose a provider with a clear, fixed-price quote that won’t change. Heatable, a Which?-approved solar installer, offers transparent pricing with no surprises.
Quick overview of the best solar panel installers in the UK:
| Installer | Warranty | Average Customer Rating | Accreditations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heatable | 25 years | 4.8 | MCS, HIES |
| Project Solar | Lifetime | 4.7 | MCS, HIES, EPVS, NAPIT |
| Effective Home | 25 years | 4.5 | MCS, HIES, EPVS, NICEIC |
| Solar Fast | 25 years | 4.7 | MCS, HIES, EPVS |
| Solar4Good | 25 years | 4.7 | MCS, HIES |
Who Are the Best Solar Panel Installers in the UK?
1. Heatable
Heatable offers MCS-certified solar panel installation across the UK. They’re all-inclusive installers with a reliable, nationwide service that provides REA Fusion panels with a 25-year warranty and Enphase Microinverters with every installation.
Heatable’s free online tool can give you an instant fixed price quote customised to your exact location and property without needing a home visit.
They offer excellent prices by buying directly from the manufacturer. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about dealing with sales representatives or having any obligation to proceed.
Heatable features a 2-year, insurance-backed installation warranty and complies with the HIES consumer code. It also has finance options and an excellent rating on Trustpilot, with 98% of customers giving it five or four stars.
After installing your system, Heatable will perform ongoing maintenance and full panel-by-panel monitoring.
Pros
- Ongoing aftercare and maintenance
- Instant online fixed quotes
- Nationwide coverage
- Membership and certification with key industry bodies
Cons
- Limited panel options since they exclusively offer REA Fusion panels.
Get a free estimate for your solar with the experts at Heatable:
- It’s free, easy, and without obligation
- Compare quotes & get the best prices
- Save up to £660 per year
2. Project Solar
Project Solar is one of the UK’s most seasoned solar panel installers with vast experience and accreditations.
The company’s diverse portfolio includes Evo Max Super Series panels, SunPower Maxeon panels, PV roof tiles, smart heating systems, and advanced EV chargers.
Project Solar guarantees high installation standards, quality, and reliability. It features accreditations from various industry organisations, including the MCS, HIES, the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT), and the Energy Performance Validation Scheme (EPVS).
Project Solar offers nationwide coverage and boasts of having installed over 45,000 solar panels and batteries since its inception in 2011. This installer provides a lifetime warranty for the panels, a 10-year labour warranty, and 24/7 monitoring for extra peace of mind.
Pros
- An excellent rating of 4.7 from customers
- 11 industry accreditations
- Dedicated customer service and 24/7 monitoring
- Lifetime panel warranty and 10-year labour warranty
Cons
- Costlier than competitors
4. Solar Fast
Solar Fast is one of the fastest-growing solar panel installers in the UK. It boasts of installing over 47,000 solar panels all over the mainland UK.
Solar Fast’s mission is to champion renewable energy solutions, save customers money, and offer the best experience and peace of mind.
The company installs Tier 1 solar panels from DMEGC Solar with efficiency rates of 22.02%.
At no additional cost, you’ll get a 30-year performance warranty and a 25-year product warranty, guaranteeing at least three decades of excellence. Solar Fast also offers a 2-year labour warranty for any work they do.
Solar Fast is approved and accredited by over five independent bodies, including the MCS, HIES, and EPVS.
It has rave reviews from customers and an excellent 4.7 rating on Trustpilot. You can spread the installation cost through flexible monthly payments over 5, 10, or 15 years.
Pros
- Accreditations from 5 independent bodies
- 25-year product warranty and 2-year labour warranty
- Nationwide installations
- 30-year performance guarantee
Cons
- Reports of a pushy sales team from customers
5. Solar4Good
Solar4Good is one of the most recently founded solar panel installers in the UK, and it has quickly gained a reputation for reliable, efficient installations.
The company is committed to making solar energy affordable and accessible to everyone and completes around 1,200 to 1,500 installations annually.
With Solar4Good, you can get solar panels from top brands like JA Solar, Jinko Solar, Trina Solar, Fox ESS, and Qcells with a 25-year warranty.
It offers free solar panel quotes by asking a few questions online and promises quick turnarounds, which can take as little as 2 weeks from quote to completion.
Solar4Good offers affordable installation packages that are customisable to your needs and feature a price match guarantee that helps keep costs low.
The company only uses an in-house accredited installation team and has excellent reviews, with over 90% of customers giving it a 5-star rating on Trustpilot.
Pros
- Affordable packages with a price match guarantee
- Quick turnarounds
- Excellent support and customer service
- 25-year warranty
Cons
- Aggressive sales tactics
Factors Considered When Choosing the Best Solar Panel Installers
Criteria considered when selecting some of the top solar panel installers in the UK included:
Accreditations and Certification
Any solar installer must have accreditation from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Choosing an MCS-accredited installer guarantees a professional and reliable installation. It’s also a requirement if you plan to sell any excess energy back to the National Grid. Other certifications to look out for include HIES, EPVS, TrustMark, and NICEIC.
Cost
Cost is essential when comparing installers, but you must ensure you don’t compromise on quality. You may need to pay more for quality panels and installations, but they’ll last longer and offer more efficiency. You can ensure you’re getting the right price by getting multiple quotes from different installers.
Warranties
Warranties can tell you how much faith a company has in its products and services. They also ensure you’re covered in case anything goes wrong. Warranties to look out for include the product warranty, which covers the solar panels, and a labour warranty, which covers the installation work.
Customer Rating
Feedback from previous customers can offer first-hand insight into the installer’s quality of work, reliability, and customer service. Reviews and ratings from trustworthy sites like Trustpilot can help you check how customers feel about a particular installer’s services. They can help you choose a competent and trustworthy installer with a good reputation.
Solar Panel Brands
The brand of the panels the installers offer will impact the quality, efficiency, and longevity of your solar system. Installers usually work with a select number of brands, so ensure you do your homework to determine the best one for you. Choosing reputable brands will provide better reliability, performance, and warranty coverage.
What Should You Avoid When Choosing Solar Panel Installers?
Knowing what to avoid is also essential when choosing solar panel installers. These include:
Very Low Prices
You should think twice if you see installers with significantly lower costs than the industry average. Suspiciously low quotes can indicate compromises on other vital areas like installation standards. It can also mean the installer cuts corners or uses inferior-quality materials that can result in headaches or more expenses in the future.
Accepting Hard-sell Tactics
Ensure you don’t fall for hard-selling tactics from installers and their representatives. Avoid anyone pressuring you into quick decisions, and take your time to make an informed choice.
Research all your options and choose a transparent installer who is ready to answer all your questions and provide a quote without any obligation to proceed.
Vague Details
Avoid vague installers who fail to provide enough details about the solar installation, including the cost breakdown, warranty length, and installation time.
Poor Reviews
Multiple negative reviews from different customers are a red flag. It may indicate the installer isn’t trustworthy or has poor customer service, which can result in potential headaches.
However, you should be over-reliant on reviews since anyone can write a review. A recommendation from someone you know who has previously used the installer is more trustworthy.
Final Thoughts on Solar Panel Installers
Installing solar panels is a significant, long-term investment and not a DIY task. Choosing a reliable, trustworthy solar panel installer ensures you get the most out of your investment. Any of the above installers is a top choice for getting a system that meets your needs.
Sources and References
- https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/solar-photovoltaics-deployment
- https://heatable.co.uk/solar/advice/who-installs-solar-panels