Heatable is a fast-growing, online-first solar panel installer with strong customer feedback and recognised accreditations. But how does it compare to other major UK providers?
Installing solar panels enables you to harness free, renewable, and clean electricity to power your appliances, sell excess electricity to the grid, or store it for later use. A case study by the Energy Saving Trust shows that households can save around £750 per year by installing solar panels.
When installing solar panels, you want absolute confidence that the company you select is reliable, professional, and transparent. However, with thousands of installers across the UK, it can be challenging to navigate the vast array of choices.
That’s where Heatable steps into the spotlight: a digitally savvy installer backed by highly rated reviews and endorsements.
But how does Heatable compare to the big names? To help you make an informed decision, this guide weighs Heatable’s pricing, Trustpilot record, accreditations, warranties, and aftercare against the established strengths of national providers.
Key Takeaways on Heatable Solar Review:
Who Is Heatable?
Heatable started as a digital-first heating provider and has swiftly expanded into the renewable energy market, earning TrustMark and MCS accreditation for solar and battery systems.
These credentials ensure the company meets UK building and consumer standards, a must for homeowners needing finance or export registration.
With over 12,000 Trustpilot reviews averaging 4.8/5 stars, its installation feedback is consistently strong, highlighting trust in workmanship and communication.
Meanwhile, Octopus Energy garners media attention as a software-led disruptor with high-scoring customer reviews in energy supply, although some forums note inconsistencies specific to solar.
British Gas and EDF have long-standing reputations, though their installers vary regionally. Which? features Heatable among trusted installers, an impressive nod for a relatively new name. Overall, Heatable combines strong technical credentials and customer sentiment, while energy majors rely more on brand familiarity and broad service coverage.
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- MCS-accredited & Which? Trusted Trader
- Exclusive REA Fusion solar panels
- Fixed price guarantee — no hidden fees
- Finance options & deposit protection
- Average 4.9/5 rating from thousands of happy customers
Pricing and Value for Money
Heatable provides an instant online quote tool, promising fixed prices and optional financing. This clarity appeals to homeowners tired of back-and-forth pricing games.
Discussions on community forums and recent review data suggest that its pricing often undercuts that of big suppliers, although not necessarily that of local or independent installers.
Octopus Energy shares transparent example package prices online, which is useful for baseline comparison. However, forum users report that real-world quotes sometimes exceed expectations by several thousand pounds.
British Gas and EDF custom-price based on survey, often including a bundled offer with supply or finance options, which may lower upfront figures but complicate comparisons.
Neither big brand offers instant, fully itemised estimates up front. In practice, Heatable’s digital-first model provides faster and more transparent pricing, while big providers offer complexity and scale but often at a premium.
The best approach for any homeowner is to obtain three quotes: one from Heatable, one from a local independent installer, and one from a large supplier. This allows for a comprehensive comparison of line items to ensure a fair assessment.
Product Range and Technology
Heatable frequently installs setups featuring micro-inverters (e.g., Enphase), which are especially favoured on shaded or complex roofs, and offers high-efficiency panels and smart meters for enhanced performance monitoring.
Reviewers highlight the clean tech integration and advanced system dashboards. Octopus Energy emphasises high-wattage panels and backs its solar arm with analytics, as well as leveraging Kraken technology for operational insight.
British Gas and EDF typically work through partners and may offer classic string-inverter systems; product options vary.
Heatable prides itself on pairing modern component choices with transparent monitoring capabilities, while big providers’ product ranges can be broader but less customizable.
If your roof is shaded or non-standard, Heatable’s micro-inverter offerings may deliver better generation performance. In contrast, energy suppliers may offer more familiar brands but may not provide the most technically optimised setup for your home.
Installation Process
Heatable coordinates installation through a vetted network of local professionals. The process involves remote quoting, followed by a regional installer handling surveys, scaffolding, installation, and follow-up.
Customers frequently praise punctuality, tidiness, and effective communication. Octopus, British Gas, and EDF operate nationally with regional partners. This scale can mean robust coverage, but forum feedback sometimes cites delays, inconsistent installer quality, and poor communication.
Octopus invests heavily in logistical software to minimise such drawbacks. Heatable’s smaller size enables more oversight and direct accountability, as reflected in customer comments.
If you want consistent installer behaviour and central support, Heatable shines. For wider geographic coverage and bundled billing, big providers deliver, though at the risk of occasional service variability.
Accreditations and Trust Signals
Heatable holds TrustMark and MCS accreditations. Both are keys to legitimate domestic solar and warranty coverage. It also carries a Which? Trusted Trader endorsement. These offer reassurance on installation standards and consumer protection.
Solar must meet MCS standards for export/import registration, as well as insurance validity; Heatable’s membership ensures compliance.
While Octopus and other large providers may not hold installer-level accreditations universally, they often use MCS-certified partners. However, their documentation and support may vary.
If accreditations matter, especially for qualifying for incentives or warranty insurance, Heatable offers more direct visibility. Large providers rely on partner compliance but may lose consistency in documentation.
Warranty and Aftercare
Heatable offers 12-month workmanship warranties, in addition to standard manufacturer warranties (typically 10–25 years on panels and 5–12 years on inverters). Trustpilot reviews describe quick post-install support and issue resolution under warranty.
Octopus includes insurance-backed workmanship guarantees and product warranties, often accompanied by remote system monitoring to identify issues early.
British Gas and EDF similarly offer installation and equipment warranties but rely on third-party partners. Customer experiences vary. Post-install support from big providers can benefit from integrated customer service teams, including help with export payments.
Heatable, however, stands out for personalised follow-through and clear communication pathways, backed by high Trustpilot ratings. Ultimately, Heatable delivers strong aftercare, while big providers offer scale support, with variable execution.
Customer Reviews and Trustpilot Scores
Heatable has over 12,000 reviews on Trustpilot, averaging 4.8/5, with homeowners praising the professionalism, communication, and responsiveness of their installers and aftercare. A handful of critical reviews mention panel deliveries or small installation issues, but most report swift fixes.
Octopus Energy’s solar reviews on national pages are generally positive, although solar-specific complaints often mention overquoted systems or delays.
British Gas and EDF have received varied online feedback: long-standing brands with high service expectations; complaints often concern dispatch delays or billing integration issues.
Heatable delivers consistent satisfaction for installations, while national names offer brand recognition but more mixed feedback on solar-specific execution.
Heatable Comparison with Major UK Providers
| Category | Heatable | Octopus Energy / British Gas / EDF |
|---|---|---|
| Quoting Experience | Fast, online, transparent | Nationwide, variable regional performance |
| Installer Quality | Depends on installer’s network | Local, highly rated reviews |
| Warranty & Support | 12-month workmanship + manufacturer cover | Insurance-backed + integrated customer support |
| Technology Options | Modern (micro-inverters, smart dashboards) | Depends on the installer’s network |
| Accreditations | TrustMark, MCS, Which? Trusted Trader | Competitive, quicker quote turnaround |
| Pricing & Value | Depends on the installer’s network | Scale benefits; bundle potential |
| Customer Feedback | Strong consistency | Mixed; depends on region and installer |
This snapshot shows where Heatable excels. It features a transparent process, strong technology, and a reputation, while large providers offer scale, integrated energy services, and bundled financing.
Pros and Cons of Choosing Heatable
Pros
- Streamlined online quoting and fixed pricing
- Excellent customer satisfaction and responsive support
- Strong technical choices (micro-inverters, smart monitoring)
- Accredited under TrustMark and MCS
- Clear and direct workmanship guarantees
Cons
- Less ability to bundle with energy supply or tariff offers
- The upfront cost is higher than that of small independent installers
- No national call-centre infrastructure. Emergency support may depend on local installers
- Financing packages are more limited than large-supplier bundles
Is Heatable Right for You?
Deciding whether Heatable is a good fit depends on what you value most in a solar provider. If you’re looking for straightforward online quoting, transparent fixed pricing, and a relatively quick installation timeline, Heatable may be a good option.
Their online-first approach suits those who prefer minimal in-person sales calls and want to see costs upfront without pressure.
On the other hand, some homeowners might prefer the tailored consultation style offered by companies like Octopus Energy or local MCS-certified installers.
These providers may offer more system configuration options, on-site assessments, and integration with energy tariffs designed for solar-plus-battery setups.
Heatable’s Trustpilot score and MCS accreditation indicate reliability, but their product range is narrower than some competitors. If you want premium panels, specific inverter brands, or niche energy storage solutions, it’s worth checking whether Heatable can accommodate those needs.
For households prioritising budget and speed over a fully bespoke design, Heatable can be a solid choice.
If your focus is maximum efficiency, long-term tariff optimisation, or advanced system monitoring, it’s worth comparing offers from multiple providers before committing. The right match will align with your energy goals, roof capacity, and desired aftercare support.
Final Thoughts on Heatable Solar
The UK solar market is diverse, and Heatable has carved out a niche by combining transparent pricing with a streamlined installation process. Their focus on an easy-to-use online platform and competitive rates sets them apart from traditional high-pressure sales approaches, making them attractive to homeowners who value clarity and speed.
While they meet industry standards through MCS accreditation and receive positive customer feedback, they may not be the right fit for everyone.
Their system configurations may not be as flexible as those offered by some competitors, and those seeking highly customised setups or complex integrations may find better options elsewhere.
Price-conscious buyers who want quick installation and straightforward communication will likely find Heatable’s service appealing.
Those seeking in-depth technical consultations, premium hardware options, or bespoke battery storage solutions should broaden their search to include other major UK providers.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to balancing cost, speed, product range, and aftercare.
By reviewing multiple quotes and checking verified customer reviews, you can select a provider that delivers the optimal balance of reliability, performance, and value tailored to your specific energy needs.
Sources and References:
- Energy Saving Trust – How Russell and Kate installed solar panels and a heat pump