Before investing in a solar PV system, it’s important to know the right questions to ask. Choosing between different solar companies can feel overwhelming, especially when every installer promises savings and quality workmanship. Asking the right questions will help you compare solar panel installers, understand your solar panel warranty and ensure you’re working with an MCS certified company that meets the highest industry standards.
This guide is designed to help homeowners across Essex, Kent, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and the wider South East and East Anglia make informed decisions while strengthening your confidence in choosing the right installer.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
Installing solar panels is a long term investment that should deliver reliable savings for 30 years or more. While many solar companies offer similar products, the quality of the installation, aftercare and technical design can vary significantly.
The cheapest quotation isn’t always the best value.
A reputable installer should be happy to explain every aspect of your system, provide clear documentation and answer your questions without using high pressure sales tactics.
At SolarTherm UK, we’ve spent more than 16 years designing and installing solar PV systems throughout the South East. Our experienced team believes an informed customer makes the best customer.
1. Are You MCS Certified?
This should always be your first question.
An MCS certified installer has been independently assess to meet recognised industry standards for both product quality and installation practices.
Choosing MCS certified solar panel installers provides several important benefits:
- Access to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- Assurance that products meet UK quality standards
- Correct system design and installation
- Regular auditing of installation processes
- Greater consumer protection
If a company isn’t MCS certified, you should seriously question why.
2. What Warranties Are Included?
Many homeowners ask about a solar panel warranty, but few realise there are several different warranties involved.
A complete solar installation may include:
- Product warranty – protects the solar panels against manufacturing defects and is typically 15-30 years depending on manufacturer
- Performance warranty – guarantees the panels will still generate a certain percentage of their original output after many years. Typically it guarantees 87%+ after 25 years
- Inverter warranty – usually 5-12 years and extendable for many products
- Battery warranty – usually based on charging cycles and remaining usable capacity with most expected to cover a minimum of 10 years
- Installation warranty – this covers the quality of the installation itself
3. What Consumer Protection Do You Offer?
Reliable solar companies should offer more than just product warranties. Ask whether they belong to recognised consumer protection schemes. For example: MCS, HIES, EPVS and NICEIC. These memberships and accreditations demonstrate that the installer follows recognised standards and provides additional protection for homeowners. SolarTherm UK is proud to hold these recognised accreditations and memberships, giving customers confidence that their investment is protected both during and after installation.
4. Who Will Actually Install My Solar Panels?
Some companies sell solar systems but subcontract every installation. Ask:
- Do you use employed installation teams?
- Are your electricians qualified?
- Are roofers experienced in solar?
- Who is responsible if problems arise?
Know exactly who will be working on your home provides valuable peace of mind.
5. What Equipment Are You Recommending?
Not all solar panels are equal. Ask why specific equipment has been recommended. Questions include:
- Is battery storage recommended?
- Does this system cover my needs?
- Can I add a battery later?
- Can I expand my system if my needs grow?
- What monitoring app is included?
Good solar panel installers recommend equipment based on your home – not simply what they have in stock.
6. How Much Electricity Will I Actually Save?
Be cautious of installers promising unrealistic savings. Instead ask:
- How was my generation estimate calculated?
- What assumptions have been used?
- Does this include shading?
- Does this include my actual electricity usage?
- What is my expected payback period?
Every property is different. Professional installers use specialist design software rather than guesswork.
7. What Happens if Something Goes Wrong?
Excellent aftercare is one of the biggest differences between reputable installers and less experienced companies. Ask:
- Do you provide ongoing support?
- Is there a maintenance team?
- How quickly do you respond?
- Do you offer remote monitoring?
- Is there a service department?
Solar systems require very little maintenance, but having expert support available when needed is invaluable.
8. Will My Roof Be Suitable?
Every roof should receive a detailed assessment before installation. Your installer should consider roof age and condition, structural integrity, shading, orientation and pitch and available space. Avoid any company willing to provide a final quotation without understanding your property.
9. Will I Need Planning Permission or DNO Approval?
These are two very different things, most solar installations fall under Permitted Development Rights so no planning permission is required. Conservation areas, listed buildings and large ground moutned installations will require planning permission.
DNO approval is required on every solar installation, however, the process is different depending on the size of your system. For smaller systems, DNO approval can be carried out through a G98 application, which is where you can install your system and then notify your DNO once your system is connected to the grid. For larger systems, approval is required via a G99 before the system is installed and inverter or export limitations may be put in place.
Ask your installer to explain whether planning permission is required, a DNO application is needed or if any export limitations apply. Experienced installers will normally manage the DNO process on your behalf.
10. Can I See Recent Customer Reviews?
A trustworthy installer should happily share evidence of previous work. Look for independent reviews, recent installations, before and after photographs, local case studies and verified testimonials.
If possible, choose solar companies with experience installing systems across Kent, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire, as they’ll understand local housing styles, DNO requirements and planning considerations.
11. What Is Included in My Quotation?
A quotation should clearly explain everything you’re purchasing.
Ask whether it includes:
- Solar panels
- Inverter
- Mounting system
- Scaffolding
- Electrical work
- Bird protection
- Monitoring system
- DNO application
- MCS certification
- Installation
- Commissioning
Hidden costs often appear when quotations aren’t fully itemised.
12. Why Should I Choose Your Company?
Finally, simply ask:
“Why should I choose you over other solar companies?”
A reputable installer should discuss experience, qualifications and accreditations, customer service, product knowledge, consumer protection, installation quality and aftercare. Be cautious of companies that only compete on price.
Why Homeowners Across the South East Choose SolarTherm UK
SolarTherm UK has built its reputation by helping homeowners make informed decisions – not pressured ones.
When you choose SolarTherm UK, you benefit from:
- Over 16 years of solar industry experience
- MCS Certified installation
- NICEIC Approved electrical work
- EPVS Gold Standard membership
- HIES consumer protection
- High quality solar panels, inverters and battery storage
- Transparent quotations with no hidden costs
- Professional aftercare and technical support
- Local expertise across Essex, Kent, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and the wider South East and East Anglia
Our goal isn’t simply to install solar panels – it’s to ensure every customer fully understands their investment and feels confident in their decision.
Why Trust SolarTherm UK?
Choosing solar is about more than buying equipment – it’s about partnering with an installer you can rely on for decades. SolarTherm UK combines technical expertise with recognised industry accreditations, transparent advice and local knowledge to help homeowners invest with confidence. Whether you’re comparing solar companies, checking an installer’s MCS status or reviewing a solar panel warranty, our team is committed to providing clear, honest guidance from your first enquiry through to long term aftercare.
By asking the right questions today, you’ll be better equipped to choose trusted solar panel installers and enjoy the financial and environmental benefits of solar for many years to come.
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice – and the time you need to make an informed decision.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask about MCS certification, warranties, equipment recommendations, expected savings, consumer protection, aftercare, installation teams and whether planning permission or DNO approval is required.
MCS certification confirms that both the installer and installation meet recognised UK standards. It is also required for most homeowners wishing to access Smart Export Guarantee payments.
A complete solar panel warranty package should include product warranties, performance guarantees, inverter warranties, battery warranties (where applicable) and a workmanship warranty covering the installation itself.
Compare experience, customer reviews, certifications, warranty cover, aftercare, product quality and the detail provided within each quotation—not just the overall price.
Not necessarily. Lower-priced quotes may exclude important items such as bird protection, monitoring, DNO applications or comprehensive workmanship warranties. Choosing experienced, accredited solar panel installers often provides better long-term value.
