How do I choose a solar installer in Scotland?

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is the quality standard for small-scale renewable installations in the UK. When an installation is carried out through MCS-certified partners, it means the work meets recognised standards for safety, performance and quality.

MCS certification matters because it ensures your system is eligible for export payments through the Smart Export Guarantee. Some energy suppliers require MCS certification before they will pay you for surplus electricity you export to the grid.

Ask any installer directly: "Are your installations carried out through MCS-certified partners?" If they cannot give a clear yes, or if they dodge the question, that is a red flag.

A proper solar quote should be written, not just a verbal estimate. It should include: the number and brand of panels, the inverter type and brand, the battery capacity and chemistry (if included), the total system size in kW, the expected annual output in kWh, the full installed price, the warranty terms for each component, and the expected payback period.

The quote should also state whether 0% VAT has been applied (it should be for domestic installations until March 2027) and whether finance options are available. If you are offered interest-free credit, the terms and monthly amounts should be clearly stated.

A no-obligation quote means you can take as long as you need to decide. You should never feel pressured to sign on the day.

When comparing quotes, look at the price per kW of installed capacity, not just the total. A cheaper quote may use lower-efficiency panels, a shorter warranty, or exclude scaffolding and DNO notification costs.

Compare panel efficiency (modern monocrystalline panels achieve 20-22%), warranty length (25-30 years is standard for panels), and inverter type (string, micro-inverter or hybrid). If a battery is included, compare capacity in kWh, chemistry (LFP is the current standard), cycle life and usable capacity.

Also compare the installer's approach: do they offer a site survey, or just a satellite estimate? A physical survey catches issues like roof condition, shading and consumer unit upgrades that satellite images miss.

Solar panels typically come with a 25-30 year performance warranty, guaranteeing at least 80-85% of original output at the end of the period. Inverters usually have a 5-10 year warranty (some extend to 15-20 years). Batteries typically have a 10-year warranty or a cycle count warranty (6,000-10,000 cycles).

Ask who handles warranty claims: the installer, the manufacturer, or both. Ask what happens if the installer is no longer trading. A clear answer to this question shows the installer has thought about long-term customer support.

Also ask about workmanship warranty — the guarantee on the installation work itself, separate from the product warranties. A workmanship warranty of 1-2 years is typical.

Both local and national installers have advantages. A local installer may know Scottish building regulations, planning rules and grid connection processes better. They may also be closer for follow-up service. A national installer may have more buying power, which can mean lower equipment costs.

What matters most is not where the company is based, but whether they understand Scottish conditions: tenement flats and factor consent in Glasgow and Edinburgh, conservation areas and listed buildings, SSEN grid connections in the Highlands, and the specific shading and orientation challenges of Scottish housing stock.

Make sure the installer accepts your postcode. Some companies exclude rural or island postcodes, which limits your options unnecessarily.

Be cautious of installers who: pressure you to sign on the day, use high-pressure discount tactics ("this price is only valid today"), cannot explain the system design in plain language, refuse to put the quote in writing, or cannot confirm MCS-certified partner installation.

Also be wary of companies that make specific savings guarantees without seeing your actual electricity bills and usage patterns. A honest installer will give you a realistic range based on your roof and usage, not a guaranteed figure.

The best installers welcome questions, explain their reasoning, and give you time to decide. They are confident in their product and their pricing.