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Over 229,610 solar panel systems were installed in the UK in 2023.[1] There are more than 2,000 national solar panel installers, so our team of experts have identified the best solar panel installers by researching qualifications, warranties, customer support and installation costs.
Our pick for the best solar panel installer is Project Solar due to its unparalleled lifetime warranties, panel and installation quality, and after-sales care. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn about the best solar panel installers in the UK to get you started on the road to energy independence.
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The efficiency of your solar system depends on the quality and positioning of the installed panels. This is why it’s important to choose a trustworthy installer that can select the best solar panels and position them for maximum energy generation while meeting safety and compliance standards. At least four years of experience will give a good indication of an installer’s customer satisfaction and expertise.
⚫️ Best overall: Project Solar
⚫️ Best for smart homes: Effective Home
⚫️ Best budget option: Glow Green
To select the best solar panel installers, we examine various critical factors.
We only considered installers with Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation. An installer with this certification meets high standards of quality and reliability, showing that its installations are safe, efficient and compliant with industry regulations. In addition, if you want to benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), an MCS accreditation is a requirement.
Through our research, we identified the installers that deliver top-notch quality, are most reliable and provide the best value for money.
| Provider | Installation warranty | Year founded |
|---|---|---|
 |
10 years | 2011 |
 |
2 years | 2008 |
 |
5 years (20-year warranty under subscription plan) | 2016 |
 |
5 years | 2011 |
 |
2 years | 2017 |
 |
2 years | 2015 |
 |
2 years | 1995 |
 |
10 years | 2019 |
 |
2 years (20-year warranty under subscription plan) | 2022 |
You can easily find solar panel installers near you by searching online directories or using the MCS database. National installers are often the best option because of their extensive experience and resources as well as their established customer service standards.
Alternatively, you can fill out our simple short form to receive free quotes from our trusted solar panel installers.
Project Solar is a significant player in the renewable energy landscape, performing over 45,000 solar installations and mitigating 150,000 tonnes of carbon emissions since its inception. The company boasts accreditations from several industry organisations, including the Home Insulation and Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme (HIES), which focuses on consumer protection, the Energy Performance Validation Scheme (EPVS), the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers and the MCS. It also has a Trustpilot rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
While most of Project Solar’s reviews are positive, there are some one-star reviews that mainly reflect customers’ dissatisfaction with the initial consultation or follow-up appointments, including reports of missed appointments and poor aftercare service. However, Project Solar has shown its commitment to customer service by responding to every single review – be it positive or negative.
Steve was very happy with his Project Solar experience, explaining that from start to finish, everyone was helpful, and the actual installation only took a few hours. He’s also extremely pleased with his savings:
“Even in mid-February, there are days when we don’t use any [grid] electricity, the battery is charged up to 70 per cent, and it lasts until 10 or 11 at night. As the days get longer, it’s just going to get better. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
Project Solar’s diverse product portfolio includes Evo Super Max solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and innovative PV roof tiles, advanced EV chargers, infrared heaters and smart heating systems. The company uses SunPower Maxeon panels in its installations.
Project Solar stands out from its competitors because of its 10-year labour warranty (which is far better than the typical two years from most other installers) and industry-leading lifetime product warranty on the solar panels. This extensive warranty provides peace of mind for homeowners.
Read our full Project Solar review.
Effective Home installs heating systems, insulation solutions, solar batteries and PV panel systems throughout the UK. It offers customers free surveys and finance options and supplies Tier One panels from JA Solar, Aiko and Longi.
Effective Home is accredited by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting, which ensures that all installed electrical parts comply with national standards. It also holds HIES and EPVS accreditations – with the latter guaranteeing consumers achieve the promised energy savings. The company’s Trustpilot rating is 4.4 out of 5 stars, with 73 per cent of reviewers granting it five stars. Effective Home’s customer service team responds to all Trustpilot reviews and offers to rectify any negative experiences, showing the company’s commitment to maintaining customer satisfaction.
Effective Home has a subscription service with a £99 onboarding fee, enabling homeowners to benefit from a solar system without having to pay the large upfront costs. Through the subscription service, Effective Home retains ownership of the panels and maintains them without charging customers. The company’s Energy Shield subscription has a 5-year fixed term, in which customers buy the energy their solar panels generate at prices starting from 19.9p per kWh.
Effective Home has collaborated with smart home brand Hive to integrate solar systems into the Hive app. Additionally, Effective Home has partnered with EDF, British Gas, Halifax and Lloyds Banking Group so that these companies can offer solar panels to their customers.
“We just had 14 panels installed yesterday; the whole team led by Jack and Tom and supported by the operational planner Georgia were excellent – friendly and approachable from the start and throughout. We were consulted about the best location for cables and boxes. All the team were clean and tidy and definitely did their best on a really hot day. Super service, and great to see our energy flowing through from the panels!” – Jenny, June 2024
Read our full Effective Home review.
Glow Green specialises in energy-efficient home enhancements, including solar panels, solar battery storage, EV chargers, air conditioning and heat pumps. Its installations use Tesla, PureDrive, Trina, JA Solar and Perlight solar products, and it offers free quotes in as little as 60 seconds. What’s more, Glow Green’s like-for-like price match guarantee gives it a distinct advantage over its competitors. In essence, if a customer receives a cheaper quote from one of its competitors, Glow Green will match the price.
Customers have awarded Glow Green 4.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, but it’s important to understand that this rating applies to all of the company’s products, not just its solar panel installations. Still, Glow Green tries to respond to all reviews and offers to rectify any issues customers have. Its 12-year business history and commitment to customer satisfaction are proof of its reliable and professional service.
“Had a new solar system installed yesterday. It was so easy. My quote was prepared by Dan who was very helpful, he was extremely patient and was happy to keep revising quotes as I changed my mind and no hard sell. All equipment and scaffolding were delivered on time. The installers Billy and Danny were brilliant – so hardworking and pleasant and knew the system inside out. I cannot fault the service I had from Glow Green and would happily recommend them.” – Carol Bacon, May 2024
Read our full Glow Green review.
Established in 2016, Otovo is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, and focuses on residential solar panel installations across Europe and the UK.
Heatable uses REA Solar panels, Enphase inverters and AlphaESS batteries in its solar system installations. In addition to being MCS certified and supported by the HIES Consumer Code, the company has its own online design tool, giving customers a fixed quote without a home visit.
Once the system is installed, Heatable provides ongoing maintenance, real-time battery data and 24-hour panel-by-panel performance and storage monitoring.
Heatable has a Trustpilot customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, and an impressive 98 per cent of customers gave Heatable four or five stars. However, only a few of these reviews are for solar installations.
“The process was quick and easy from the start. Great price, really good service and the panels and all kit were installed within a couple of weeks of agreeing the contract. The only part of the process that can take a while is after installation to get the commissioning documents and all the info you need to get the special solar tariff from your supplier. Apart from that, cannot recommend Otovo highly enough!” – Eren Ismall, May 2024
Read our full Otovo review.
Heatable uses REA Solar panels, Enphase inverters and AlphaESS batteries in its solar system installations. In addition to being MCS certified and supported by the HIES Consumer Code, the company has its own online design tool, eliminating the need for a home visit to provide a fixed quote.
Once your system is installed, Heatable provides ongoing maintenance, real-time battery data and 24-hour panel-by-panel system performance and storage monitoring.
Heatable has a Trustpilot customer rating of 4.8 out of five stars, and an impressive 98 per cent of customers gave Heatable four or five stars. Be aware, however, that only a few of these reviews are for solar installations.
“Fully planned out and installed solar and battery installation and all done within two weeks of the G99 response. Installers were friendly and went through everything I needed. It is looking like the bifacial and micro inverters are performing better than I expected.” – Keith Dunbar, June 2024
Based in Berkshire, Evergen offers solar panels and batteries nationwide. It currently uses Aiko panels, which are some of the most efficient on the market and have a lengthy 25-year product warranty.
Evergen has HIES and EPVS Gold Standard accreditations and operates under the Trading Standard Approved Code. It was also a finalist at the National Energy Efficiency Awards 2023 and for Maidenhead and Windsor’s Best Covid Bounce Back Award.
Evergen scores 4.2 out of 5 on Trustpilot, with 75 per cent of its customers giving it four or five stars. The negative reviews talk about the company’s poor customer service and mention some dissatisfaction with scaffolders, but Evergen replies to every review.
“Billy and Adam were here on Thursday to install the system. Very quick and professional. Helped me to move things out of my garage so that they could route the cable from the circuit breaker and once they had finished helped me to put them back. Explained the app clearly. System is up and running and generating more electricity than we need even on a dull day like today.” – Tony Bentley, May 2024
Read our full Evergen review.
Solarsense installs and maintains solar panel systems, solar batteries, solar-powered hot water systems and EV chargers and offers guidance to customers applying for solar panel grants. Its unique charity programme carries out conservation projects across Asia, Africa and the UK. Solarsense has also partnered with The Brightwell – a charity that supports people with neurological conditions – and provided it with solar panels.
Solarsense operates as a group of independent contractors, so it isn’t committed to one particular brand of solar panel. It appears to favour products from Q Cells, Solis Solar and SolarEdge, but if homeowners want a specific manufacturer, the company is willing to oblige.
Solarsense has a Trustpilot rating of 3 out of 5 stars, but this score is based on just three customer reviews, including one that awarded the provider five stars. The other two reviews mention poor aftercare service but provide no details, and the company has yet to respond to these customers.
Read our full Solarsense review.
UPS Solar is a nationwide company that installs solar panels (mostly from Sharp, Q Cells and JA Solar), batteries and various inverter models. Its product catalogue provides solar packages completely tailored to each customer’s home. UPS Solar offers ongoing maintenance, a 10-year labour warranty and a deposit-free installation, so customers only pay once the job is complete.
UPS Solar is rated 4.7 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot – with 90 per cent of customers awarding the company four or five stars. Many of its Trustpilot reviews highlight the company’s clear and prompt communication with customers.
UPS Solar holds accreditations from the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) and MCS, and its installations are backed by the Independent Warranty Association. It also operates under the guidelines of the Trading Standard Approved Code.
“Excellent experience from the initial contact right through the install and beyond. Without doubt amongst a vast number of installers these are the ones to choose. I have had solar before on a previous property so knew a bit about what I wanted (and didn’t want) UPS worked with me helping me create the system exactly as I wanted, offering suggestions along the way. If you’re someone who knows what you want but need a flexible installer who is willing to adapt and help you create that system, these are the guys!” – Ric Kelly, July 2024
Although Sunsave only started in 2022, it has already made a name for itself in the solar industry. It specialises in solar power generation and storage and offers supply, installation, monitoring and maintenance of solar panels.
The Sunsave Plus scheme allows homeowners to pay for their panels through a monthly subscription service starting at £69 per month, which means there are no upfront costs. It even includes a free out-of-warranty replacement battery.
Customers have awarded Sunsave 4.7 out of five stars on Trustpilot, with 91 per cent of reviews being five stars. The feedback reflects homeowners’ experiences from the initial sale to installation. To date, the company has replied to every negative review after two or three weeks.
“Sunsave exceeded my expectations in every way. From the initial quote to the final installation, their customer service was outstanding. They were incredibly responsive to all of my questions and concerns, and they kept me informed every step of the way. Their team was knowledgeable, efficient and incredibly respectful of my property. I was particularly impressed with their attention to detail and commitment to ensuring my complete satisfaction. If you’re looking for a solar panel company that puts the customer first, look no further.” – Shiam Jaiprakash, May 2024
Read our full Sunsave review.
There are many benefits to hiring one of the UK’s professional national solar panel installers over attempting a DIY installation or opting for a less experienced provider. Some advantages include:
When choosing a professional solar installer, keep the following tips in mind:
Solar panels are a long-term investment, so choosing the right company from the outset can save you a lot of trouble down the line. Below are the most important factors to consider when evaluating a potential installer.
Certifications are a good way to determine whether an installer is competent and adheres to recognised standards. A few certifications to look out for include:
A solar panel installer’s experience significantly affects the efficiency, safety and durability of its solar systems. Newer companies can be great at installation, but those with over four years of experience have also proven their reliability and industry adaptability. Perusing a company’s portfolio offers insights into its expertise, and checking reviews on sites such as Trustpilot can give a snapshot of customer experiences. Positive feedback on customer service and installation durability is a good sign, but repeated negative comments may suggest you’d want to proceed with caution.
Although the cost of solar panels is important, don’t compromise on quality. High-quality panels and installations may cost more upfront but will be more efficient and last longer. It’s a good idea to request multiple quotes with a breakdown of costs from different installers to effectively compare prices.
Warranties signify a company’s faith in its products and services. There are three types of warranties to check for:
Product and performance warranties vary depending on the brand of solar panel. The best installers will take the time to explain the details of your panels’ warranties.
“The best residential solar companies will design a system tailored to your unique energy needs. Avoid installers who oversell larger batteries than necessary; a 3kW battery is typically sufficient for most households. Battery storage can be increased later, avoiding unnecessary upfront costs.”
From your initial consultation to installation, the lead time will vary according to how busy the company is and whether the system components are in stock. Typically, a solar panel installation will take about two days, but there are several factors that could affect the timeframe:
“Installers typically arrive the day before roof-top solar panel installation to set up scaffolding, which takes about a day. Fitting the panels may take a couple of days, depending on the home’s size and number of panels. Installers then connect the battery system and demonstrate how to monitor it via an app.”
Installing solar panels yourself might seem more economical, but the challenges and potential pitfalls can turn this into a risky, even dangerous, undertaking.
When selecting a national solar panel installer, explore your options and compare quotes before making a final decision. Ideally, get at least three different quotes, and consider each installer’s cost, experience and credentials. Avoid settling for the first quote that comes in, as you won’t be able to determine whether it’s a good deal.
Commit some time to making a well-informed choice, and don’t give in to pressure from an aggressive salesperson. Be wary of any installer who tries to push a time-limited offer. Remember, there are many installers available, each with its own deals, so take the time to find the one that best suits your needs.
Besides comparing quotes, it’s a good idea to take advantage of consultations, which should be free. A solar panel consultation clarifies the installation process and allows you to ask about any queries or concerns you have.
[1] Data from The MCS Data Dashboard, updated April 2024.
Solar panel installation quotes usually include labour costs, so you won’t need to request that separately. Labour costs can vary, typically ranging from £300 to £500 per day per technician, but could reach £1,800 for larger installations requiring two technicians over three days.
Not every electrician can install solar panels; installers should be certified under the MCS to ensure quality and compliance. This certification is also necessary if you’d like to benefit from the SEG scheme. Solar panel installation involves specialised skills beyond standard electrical work, such as roof mounting and connecting the system to the national grid.
In the UK, solar panel installation is generally considered permitted development, and residential properties typically don’t require planning permission. However, there are exceptions, such as when the property is listed or located in a conservation area.
Before proceeding with a solar panel installation, check with your local planning authority to confirm whether you need any permits. A professional solar installation company can also help guide you through the regulatory requirements and approval process.
Yes. You do need to inform your electricity supplier if you installed solar panels so that it can account for any surplus energy you may export to the grid. You might also need to register your system with the distribution network operator. However, a reputable installer will do this for you.
Solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills and, in some cases, supply all the electricity your household needs. Moreover, you could even earn money by exporting surplus energy to the grid through the SEG scheme. But you may still need to draw power from the grid on cloudy days.
