Thinking about solar panels?
SolarCheck is a free, independent advisory service. We help you make sure solar is right for your home before you commit to anything.
Why check first?
Solar can be a great investment — but only on the right home, at the right price, with the right research. Independent advice before you sign anything can save thousands of pounds and a lot of stress, especially if this is the first time you've compared quotes.
The five-point check
Essential steps every homeowner should take before signing any agreement.
1. CHECK YOUR ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE (EPC)
Your EPC rates your home from A (most efficient) to G (least) and lists recommended improvements — often flagging whether insulation work should come before solar. Look yours up free at gov.uk/find-energy-certificate. If there isn't one, or it's more than ten years old, it's worth getting a fresh assessment first.
2. SORT INSULATION FIRST
Solar only pays back well on a well-insulated home — otherwise you're generating expensive electricity just to lose warmth through the loft or walls. Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and draught-proofing are usually far cheaper than solar and often pay for themselves within a few years. Do these first, or at the same time, not after.
3. ASSESS YOUR ROOF
Panels typically last 25–30 years, and removing and refitting them to repair a roof underneath can cost more than the original installation. If your roof is more than 15–20 years old, get it independently checked by a roofer — not the solar installer — before panels go up. Orientation and shading matter too: south-facing roofs perform best, but east or west-facing can still be worthwhile.
4. GET 3 QUOTES FROM MCS CERTIFIED INSTALLERS
Compare at least three installers certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Check the installer's company history at Companies House and read independent reviews. Never agree on the day of the first visit, however good the "today only" price sounds — a genuine offer will still be there next week.
5. UNDERSTAND THE FINANCE
Understand how long it will take to make your solar investment back, especially if purchasing a battery. If a loan or "pay monthly" scheme is involved, ask for the total amount repayable over the full term, not just the monthly figure. Take all paperwork away and read it, ideally with a family member or friend, before signing anything.
Red flags to watch for
Protect yourself from aggressive sales tactics and misleading claims.
- "Today only" discounts, or pressure to sign before you've had time to think it over.
- Savings promises that sound too good given your roof, usage, and location.
- Requests for payment or deposits before any survey or MCS certification is confirmed.
- No mention of your 14 day cooling-off period — you're entitled to one by law on most sales in the home.
- Reluctance to give you a written quote you can take away and compare at your own pace.
Trusted, independent reading
Independent guides to help you do your own research.
A full, independent guide to costs, savings, and what to check before buying.
Worth reading before solar, not instead of it — often the cheapest first step.
Free official lookup for your home's current EPC rating and recommendations.
Who we are
SolarCheck is an independent, non-profit advisory service. We're not owned by, funded by, or affiliated with any solar installer, and we never share your details.
Questions? Email hello@solarenergycheck.org.uk
