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Before you request quotes

A few basics help you compare quotes fairly. If you are new to solar, start with our home solar guide, which explains the parts of a system in plain English.

To know what to ask installers, read about solar panel systems for homes. Budget guidance is in what solar panels cost and save, and a full breakdown of installation prices shows what a good quote should include.

Know your rough system size before you ask, because it shapes the price. Our solar panel calculator gives a starting figure. Funding is limited, so look at solar panel grants available in the UK before you sign anything.

On a smaller budget? Plug-and-play solar kits of up to 800 W can be an option. However, they make far less power than a roof system.

What a good quote includes

A good quote names the system size in kWp, the number of panels and the fitted price. It should also say whether the price includes VAT, because the 0% rate ends on 31 March 2027. Ask whether it covers scaffolding, since that can add cost. Finally, check that the installer holds MCS certification, because you need that certificate to claim export payments.

Compare more than the headline price. Panel warranties differ, because product warranties usually run 12–25 years and performance guarantees 25–30 years. Look at each panel's output, which is typically 430–450 W, and at the inverter. However, a cheaper quote can leave out extras such as bird-proofing, so ask for a full list.

Think about export income too. Each supplier sets its own Smart Export Guarantee rate, so it pays to compare. Open-market rates are about 3–6p per kWh, while customer-only tariffs can pay 12p or more. As a result, your supplier choice can change your payback by several years.

Expect a survey before a final price. The installer will check your roof, its direction and any shading, because these set how much power you make. A south-facing roof gives the most, while east and west roofs give about 80% of that. Tell the installer if you plan to add a battery or an electric car, since that changes the best system size.