Questions to ask an installer
A calm, practical checklist for comparing proposals without getting lost in jargon.
A good installer will welcome these questions. If one seems uncomfortable answering any of them, that tells you something useful.
Before the survey
How many solar installations has your company completed in the last 12 months? Are you MCS-certified? Can you provide references from recent customers in my area? What does the survey involve, and will a surveyor visit in person?
About the equipment
Which panels and inverter are you proposing, and why? How long has the panel manufacturer been trading? Is the inverter battery-ready? What is the product and performance warranty on the panels?
About the generation estimate
What assumptions did you use for the annual generation figure — which direction is the roof modelled as, what shading was assumed, and what specific yield did you use? How does this compare to PVGIS data for my postcode?
About the installation
What exactly is included in the quoted price — scaffolding, electrical work, DNO registration, monitoring? How long will the installation take? Who carries out the work — your own employees or subcontractors? What happens if there is a roof tile or structural issue found during installation?
After installation
How do I monitor the system? What do I do if something goes wrong — who do I contact and how quickly will you respond? What does the installation warranty cover and for how long?
Key takeaways
- MCS certification is a baseline requirement — without it you cannot access the Smart Export Guarantee.
- Ask about the assumptions behind the annual generation figure, not just the number itself.
- Confirm what is included in the price — scaffolding and electrical work are common extras.
- Ask how post-installation support works before you sign.
This guide is for general information only. It is not a substitute for a survey of your home or professional advice. Solar Help Centre does not install solar equipment or produce the final design for your home.
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