Solar Panel Installers Near You

An installer starts with a roof survey and a look at your electricity use. They then design the array and order the equipment. Since roof work is risky, they also fit scaffold before panels go on the mounting rails.

Design choices matter at this stage. Specifically, the installer looks at shade from trees and chimneys, because shade can cut output. They also weigh the panel layout, since the shape of the roof limits what fits.

Cables then run to an inverter, which turns the direct current from the panels into household power. A battery, if you have one, connects at this stage too, although some homes add storage later.

Once the work is done, the installer tests and commissions the system. They also notify your network operator as required, since the network must know about new generation. Afterwards you should receive a handover covering how to read your app and what to do if a fault appears.

Solar suits homes with a roof that gets good sun for much of the day. A south, east or west facing roof with little shade is a good start. Households that use power in the daytime benefit most, although a battery helps those who are out.

It suits some homes less well. Heavy shade, a roof in poor condition or a short stay in the property can weaken the case. However, a survey gives a clearer answer than any rule of thumb.

For flats and leased homes, ask your landlord or freeholder early, because leasehold permission is a separate matter from planning rules. Planning rules in England do cover blocks of flats, yet lease terms can still apply.

Government data shows that most UK home systems are up to 4 kW, and 3.5 to 4.5 kW is a common size. Quotes vary because roofs, scaffold needs and equipment differ. Treat the table as a guide, not a quote.

Installing solar panels in a home is currently VAT-free (0%) until 31 March 2027. However, the rate is due to revert to 5% from 1 April 2027 under current legislation. Therefore the timing of your order may matter.

Batteries add to the total, although the exact amount depends on size. Our guide to a solar and battery package in the UK explains how bundles are priced. You can also see how we describe solar and battery bundles.

MCS, the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, is the UK quality mark for installers and products. Solar installations are certified under MIS 3002, and home batteries under MIS 3012. Because you need MCS certification to claim Smart Export Guarantee payments, our matches are MCS-certified.

Planning rules differ across the UK. In England, most rooftop solar on houses and flats does not need planning permission, although conditions apply. The rules changed on 27 August 2026, so ask your installer to confirm for your home.

Although a building warrant may still apply, panels on a house in Scotland are generally permitted development outside listed buildings and World Heritage Sites. Conservation areas add extra limits. In Wales, most house roofs can take panels without planning permission.

However, flats, listed buildings and conservation areas in Wales need checking with the council. Moreover, electrical work has to meet building regulations. Our guide to MCS-certified solar installers explains how to check a certificate.

Your installer also notifies or applies to your network operator, depending on the system. Specifically, they should handle this as part of the job, so ask for proof it was done. Keep that proof with your certificates.

A good installer surveys the roof in person before quoting. They explain the layout, the inverter and the expected output in plain words. They also say what they will not cover. For example, repairs to an old roof may sit outside the quote.

Ask about deposits and consumer codes too, because RECC members follow a code that says deposits should be no more than 25% of the contract price. Also ask whether your deposit and workmanship warranty are insurance-backed. Then get the manufacturer's warranty terms in writing.

Aftercare matters as well. For example, ask who watches for faults and who you call if output drops. Since panels stay on the roof for years, a clear contact route is worth having.

Specifically, a clear quote lists the panel and inverter makes, the system size in kWp and the scaffold. It shows any battery, the MCS certificate and the grid notification. It also gives a payment schedule and the warranty terms.

Compare at least two quotes on the same basis. For instance, check that each includes scaffold, certificates and the export meter if you want Smart Export Guarantee payments. A homeowner in Sheffield or Edinburgh can compare quotes from separate firms in the same way.

Some councils also run group-buying schemes, such as Solar Together, now branded Switch Together. Check whether your council has one open before you compare quotes, because rounds open and close. Meanwhile you can still request a quote through our form.

Solar Base Energy is a free matching service, not an installer. Because of this, we pass your details to an MCS-certified installer rather than doing the work ourselves. You tell us about your home on the short quote form.

There is no obligation to go ahead. Meanwhile the installer handles the survey, design and fitting. If you are in Cardiff, the same form applies.

To plan storage alongside panels, see how home battery storage works. You can also read about our battery storage service and MCS-certified installations, since both affect which system suits you.