Solar panels Home services reviews & ratings what customers say

UK solar installers compared by real customer experience

A clear view of what UK homeowners actually report about solar panels can cut through the noise. We distil trusted reviews and market data so you can compare cost, quality, speed, and aftercare - and decide with confidence.

Understanding APR is not just about percentages - it is about what you will pay in real terms. The same principle applies to solar savings and warranties.

Who should read this

This guide is for UK homeowners weighing up solar panels and battery storage, including those in terraced, semi-detached, detached, and listed-adjacent homes. If you care about price transparency, installation speed, and long-term support - or you want to understand government-backed options for lower upfront costs - this is for you.

Jargon decoded - what matters most

• kWp: System power rating under ideal conditions. A typical home fit is 3 kWp to 6 kWp.
• kWh: Units of energy your home uses or generates. Bills are measured in kWh.
• SEG: Smart Export Guarantee - you are paid for surplus electricity exported to the grid. Rates vary by supplier.
• Battery storage: Captures surplus solar for evening use. Boosts self-consumption and savings, reduces grid reliance.
• Inverter: Converts DC from panels to usable AC. Expect replacement once in 10-15 years.
• MCS: Microgeneration Certification Scheme - confirms product and installer standards for SEG eligibility.
• DNO approval: Network permission for grid connection. Your installer manages this.
• EPC impact: Solar can improve your property’s energy rating, supporting long-term value.

Standout point: Battery storage has become a key driver of customer satisfaction thanks to higher bill savings and resilience during peak-price hours.

Installer landscape - who does what well

The UK market now blends fast-growing specialists with seasoned providers. Below is a snapshot of leading names cited by customers for distinct strengths.

Notes to compare fairly:

• Always verify current warranty terms in writing.
• Check accreditations and who underwrites guarantees.
• Ask for a roof-specific generation estimate and shading analysis.

What will it cost - and what could you save

• Typical installation: Many UK homes pay £4,000-£10,000 for panels, depending on size, roof complexity, and kit.
• Battery storage: Adds cost but can increase savings by capturing daytime surplus. Savings are higher with evening usage.
• Running costs: Minimal. Inverter replacement is the main lifecycle cost.

Returns and payback:

• Savings range widely with usage, tariffs, and SEG rate. Homes with daytime use and a battery often see shorter paybacks.
• Expect payback periods to tighten if energy prices rise or export rates improve.

Risks to weigh:

• Roof suitability and shading can reduce output.
• Warranty scope varies - workmanship vs product vs performance.
• Sales pressure can lead to over-sizing. Design should match your consumption profile.

Tip: Ask for a 12-month bill analysis and a conservative solar yield model based on your postcode and roof pitch.

Who is eligible - property and scheme checks

• Property fit: Best results with south, south-east, or south-west roofs without heavy shading. East-west can still work with the right design.
• Structure: Roof condition matters. Older or complex roofs, including Tudor-style properties, may need tailored mounting - some providers excel here.
• Conservation and planning: Most homes use permitted development. Flats, listed buildings, or conservation areas may need extra steps.
• Grid connection: Your installer will handle DNO notification or approval.
• Finance routes: Many UK providers offer finance options to spread costs in line with regulations.
• Government-backed support: Depending on eligibility, providers like Warma UK help households access funded measures that can reduce or remove upfront cost. Criteria vary by scheme and region.

Checklist:

• MCS-certified installer and products for SEG payments.
• Clear, written warranty terms and who to contact for claims.

From quote to switch-on - your path in 7 steps

1. Share bills and roof photos for a tailored design.
2. Receive a fixed quote with yield and savings assumptions.
3. Confirm finance or scheme eligibility where relevant.
4. Survey and DNO paperwork scheduled by your installer.
5. Installation day - scaffolding, panels, inverter, batteries.
6. System handover, app setup, and safety certificates.
7. Submit SEG application and track your export payments.

Upsides and trade-offs to consider

Pros

• Lower bills with potential export income via SEG.
• Battery boosts independence and bill control.
• Adds resilience during peak price periods.
• Can raise EPC rating and buyer appeal.

Cons

• Upfront cost, higher with batteries.
• Output varies by season and location.
• Inverter likely needs replacement mid-life.
• Warranty terms differ - read the small print.

Balanced view: Choose design for your usage, not a headline kWp.

Red flags and smart buyer checks

• Over-optimistic generation claims - ask for conservative modelling.
• Vague warranties - insist on written terms and underwriter details.
• Pushy upsells - batteries should match your evening load, not just be added on.
• Aftercare clarity - who handles future faults, and how fast?
• Accreditation proof - MCS, RECC or HIES membership, and EPVS verification where applicable.

Quick test: Ask for two designs - with and without battery - showing separate payback and savings.

If solar is not a fit today

• Energy efficiency first: insulation, draught-proofing, smart controls often deliver quick wins.
• Community energy or green tariffs: support renewables without roof works.
• Solar thermal: targeted hot water support in suitable homes.
• Deferred approach: prepare roof works now, install panels later when finances allow.

Tip: Use a whole-home plan so each upgrade complements the next.

Your questions answered

Q: How quickly can I be installed? A: Some providers complete within two weeks subject to surveys and DNO approval. Lead times vary seasonally and by region.

Q: Do I need a battery to make solar pay? A: Not necessarily. Batteries raise self-consumption and often savings, but payback depends on your evening use and tariff structure.

Q: What warranties should I expect? A: Look for separate workmanship, product, and performance warranties. UK options range from 2-year workmanship to panel performance assurances up to 30 years. Verify in writing.

Q: Can my home export income change? A: Yes. SEG rates are set by suppliers and can change. Shop around periodically for better export terms.

Q: What about complex or older roofs? A: Choose installers experienced with heritage or complex properties. Many UK customers praise teams that tailor mounts and cable runs carefully.

Q: Are government-backed options available? A: Eligibility-based schemes exist and can reduce upfront cost. Reputable firms will check criteria and guide applications.

What to do now

• Shortlist 2-3 MCS-certified installers with strong recent reviews.
• Request a like-for-like quote including battery and no-battery scenarios.
• Ask for a shading report, yield model, warranty schedule, and finance APR.
• Compare payback using your bills and a conservative SEG rate.

Next step suggestion: Book a remote assessment and prepare 12 months of energy bills for accurate modelling.

Important notice

This guide provides general information for GB homeowners and is not financial advice. Always confirm current prices, incentives, warranties, and eligibility with certified installers and your energy supplier before committing.