Buying without getting burned
What to ask a solar installer
Short answer
Ask what assumptions the generation estimate uses, whether scaffolding and a consumer unit upgrade are included, who handles the DNO application, what the inverter warranty is separately from the panel warranty, and what happens if the survey finds the roof needs work.
Ask the same questions of every installer and require the important answers in the quotation.
The 12 questions
- What roof direction, pitch and shading did you use in the generation estimate?
- What is the total system capacity in kWp and the panel count?
- Which panel, inverter and mounting models are specified?
- Is scaffolding included?
- Is consumer-unit or other electrical work included?
- What happens if the roof survey finds repairs are needed?
- Who submits the network application or notification?
- Which installation and electrical certificates will I receive?
- What does each warranty cover, and who pays labour?
- How are my deposit and advance payments protected?
- Who handles faults after installation?
- What can change the price after I sign?
A verbal answer is not part of the contract
Ask for material promises, exclusions and changes in writing. Keep the signed quotation, design, terms, certificates and warranties together.
Use the answers to compare installers on scope and accountability, not sales confidence.
Sources
Checked 2026-09-09. Rates, rules and eligibility can change. Confirm current terms before signing a contract or applying for funding.
Work out the number before anyone quotes you
Every assumption editable, nothing sent anywhere, no email. It will not give you a quote, but it will tell you whether one is fair.
We are not taking quote requests yet
We will not collect your details until we can name the installers who would receive them, so there is no form here to fill in. What we can do is tell you when something changes: a scheme opening, an export rate moving, or the quote form going live.