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Best Solar Panel Installers UK 2026: Top Companies Compared

Laura Bennet

Written By:

Laura Bennet

Home Energy & Sustainability Editor

Tom Reynolds

Reviewed By:

Tom Reynolds

Business Energy Specialist

Updated March 20, 2026
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MCS Installers in the UK
2,800+
MCS-certified companies active in 2026
Price Range (4kW Installed)
£5,000–£8,100
Get 3+ quotes to find the best price
New Installs in 2024
203,185
12.6% year-on-year increase (DESNZ)

Choosing a solar panel installer is one of the most important decisions in the entire solar journey — arguably more important than which panels you pick. The same 10-panel, 4kW system can cost anywhere from £5,000 to £8,100 depending on who installs it, and the quality of the installation directly affects how much electricity your system generates over the next 25 years. A poorly fitted inverter, inadequate cable management, or substandard mounting hardware can reduce output by 10–20% and cause failures that void manufacturer warranties.

The UK market has expanded rapidly: over 203,185 solar systems were installed in 2024 alone, and the number of MCS-certified installers now exceeds 2,800. This is good news for consumers — more competition drives better pricing — but it also means there are more companies chasing your business, not all of them with the experience or credentials to do the job well. Our shortlist focuses on installers with verifiable track records, strong independent reviews, and genuine UK coverage.

This guide covers the 8 best solar panel installers in the UK, with a comparison table, regional breakdowns, and a detailed section on how to vet any installer before you sign a contract. Before you request quotes, use our savings calculator to estimate what a system would save you. For context on what a quality installation should cost, see our solar panel costs guide.

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Key Takeaways
  • Always verify MCS certification - it is a legal requirement for SEG payments and grant eligibility; check at mcscertified.com before agreeing to any quote
  • Octopus Energy Solar leads on scale and trust - 4.8/5 on Trustpilot from over 771,000 reviews; nationwide coverage with in-house installers
  • Get a minimum of 3 quotes - prices for the same 4kW system vary by up to 40% between installers; never accept the first offer
  • Avoid deposits over 25% - a reputable installer will not require more than 25% upfront; larger deposits are a red flag
  • Which? Trusted Trader or MCS-approved status - look for these third-party endorsements as they involve background checks beyond MCS certification alone

The 8 Best Solar Panel Installers in the UK (2026)

The best solar panel installers combine MCS certification, strong independent reviews, comprehensive warranties, and transparent pricing. Our top 8 are ranked on customer satisfaction, coverage, installation quality, and after-sales support.

InstallerTrustpilot RatingCoverageStarting Price (4kW)Best For
Octopus Energy Solar EDITOR'S PICK4.8/5 (771K reviews)NationwideFrom £6,800Best overall — scale + trust
Heatable4.8/5 (10K reviews)England & WalesFrom £5,995Transparent online pricing
Project Solar4.6/5 (4.8K reviews)EnglandFrom £5,500Budget-conscious buyers
Solar4Good4.9/5 (677 reviews)South & West EnglandFrom £6,200Premium quality & service
SunsaveWhich? Trusted TraderEnglandFrom £6,500Consumer protection focus
Glow Green4.7/5 (9.6K reviews)England & WalesFrom £5,800Heating + solar combined
GreenMatchComparison platformNationwideVia local partnersComparing multiple quotes fast
Everyone's Energy4.7/5 (1.2K reviews)London focusFrom £5,200Flats & urban properties
1
Octopus Energy Solar EDITOR'S PICK
Best overall — unmatched scale, trust, and end-to-end service
★★★★ 4.8 / 5 Trustpilot (771,000+ reviews)

Octopus Energy Solar is the UK's largest and most reviewed solar installer, backed by the same brand trust that has made Octopus the UK's second-largest energy supplier. Their 4.8/5 Trustpilot score from over 771,000 reviews reflects a company that has invested heavily in customer experience and after-sales support, not just installation volume.

Octopus uses in-house installers where possible and partners with vetted MCS-certified subcontractors where coverage requires it. Their solar systems come with a 25-year panel performance warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and integration with their Intelligent Octopus Go tariff for EV owners. The ability to manage your solar, battery, EV charger, and energy tariff through one app is a genuine differentiator. Read our dedicated solar panel brand comparison to understand which panels Octopus typically installs.

What we like
Industry-leading 4.8/5 Trustpilot score from over 771,000 verified reviews
Full-service ecosystem: solar, battery, EV charger, smart tariff in one app
25-year panel + 10-year workmanship warranty standard
Nationwide coverage with in-house installation teams
Watch out for
Prices start from £6,800 — not the cheapest option for budget buyers
Waiting times can be 4–8 weeks during peak periods (spring/summer)
2
Heatable
Best for transparent online pricing and instant quotes
★★★★ 4.8 / 5 Trustpilot (10,000+ reviews)

Heatable built its reputation in the boiler replacement market before expanding into solar, and it has brought the same approach: fully online quoting, fixed prices published on the website, and no hard-sell sales calls. Their 4.8/5 from 10,000+ reviews is particularly impressive given their scale.

What sets Heatable apart is pricing transparency. You can get a fixed-price solar quote online in minutes without speaking to a salesperson — a rarity in an industry still dominated by in-home sales visits. They operate across England and Wales and use a network of vetted, MCS-certified local installers. Systems start from approximately £5,995 for a 4kW system, making them one of the more competitively priced options among the top-rated installers. They are compatible with battery storage add-ons and can bundle EV charger installation at the same time.

What we like
Fully online quoting with fixed prices — no in-home sales visits required
Competitive pricing from £5,995 for a 4kW system
4.8/5 Trustpilot from 10,000+ verified customers
Watch out for
Uses partner installers (not in-house) — quality can vary slightly by region
Not currently covering Scotland
3
Project Solar
Best for budget-conscious buyers seeking solid MCS installation
★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Trustpilot (4,800+ reviews)

Project Solar is one of the UK's longest-established dedicated solar installers, with over 4,800 Trustpilot reviews at 4.6/5. They focus on residential installations across England and are particularly strong in the Midlands, North West, and Yorkshire regions.

Their pricing starts from approximately £5,500 for a 4kW system, which positions them competitively — pair this with budget panel options and the total outlay can be among the lowest from a credible MCS installer. They offer a range of panel brands and system sizes — understanding which panel type to specify before your survey will help you evaluate the quote — and their surveyors typically visit in person to assess your roof before providing a detailed quote. Workmanship is generally well-regarded in customer reviews, and they offer a 25-year panel warranty with a 5-year workmanship guarantee as standard. A solar battery can be added at installation or retrofitted later.

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4
Solar4Good
Best for premium quality and exceptional customer service
★★★★★ 4.9 / 5 Trustpilot (677 reviews)

Solar4Good has the highest Trustpilot score of any installer on this list at 4.9/5, though from a smaller review base of 677 customers. They operate predominantly in South and West England and have built a loyal customer base through attentive project management and premium component selection.

They are a genuine premium option: systems start from around £6,200 for 4kW, slightly above the market average, but customer reviews consistently highlight the quality of the survey process, installation cleanliness, and responsiveness of their aftercare team. If you are investing in a high-specification system with battery storage and want a white-glove experience, Solar4Good is worth shortlisting alongside one or two other quotes.

5
Sunsave
Best for consumer protection and Which? Trusted Trader status

Sunsave holds Which? Trusted Trader accreditation — an independent endorsement that goes beyond MCS certification and involves background checks, customer vetting, and ongoing compliance monitoring. For consumers who prioritise verified third-party endorsement, Sunsave is an excellent choice.

They operate across England and offer both solar panel installation and battery storage solutions. Their approach involves a thorough in-home survey followed by a detailed proposal. Systems start from approximately £6,500 for a 4kW system. The Which? Trusted Trader mark provides added recourse if anything goes wrong, which is a meaningful differentiator for a significant home improvement investment.

6
Glow Green
Best for combining solar with heating system upgrades
★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Trustpilot (9,600+ reviews)

Glow Green has built a strong reputation in heating installations — boilers and heat pumps — and has expanded significantly into solar over the past three years. Their 4.7/5 from 9,600+ reviews reflects a company with high operational volume and generally consistent standards.

Their key advantage is the ability to bundle solar panels with a heat pump or boiler replacement, simplifying what would otherwise require coordinating multiple contractors. This is particularly valuable if you are planning a broader home energy upgrade. Solar systems start from approximately £5,800 for 4kW, with heat pump packages offering potential bundle savings. They cover England and Wales.

7
GreenMatch
Best comparison platform for finding and comparing local installers

GreenMatch is not an installer — it is a comparison platform that connects homeowners with up to 4 pre-vetted local installers. If you want to compare multiple quotes from MCS-certified companies quickly, without approaching each one individually, GreenMatch is a useful tool.

The platform covers the whole of the UK, matches you with local installers based on your property details, and the service is free to use. The quality of the installers in their network varies by region, so always cross-reference any installer you receive against their Trustpilot score and MCS certification before proceeding. GreenMatch is best used as a quote-gathering starting point rather than an end-to-end solution.

8
Everyone's Energy
Best for London flats and urban properties with complex access
★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Trustpilot (1,200+ reviews)

Everyone's Energy specialises in urban solar installations, with a particular focus on London and surrounding areas. Their expertise in navigating planning considerations, managing access in terraced streets, and working with leasehold properties makes them a standout choice for city homeowners.

They have experience with the specific challenges that urban properties present: restricted scaffolding access, party wall agreements, and the need to design systems around chimneys and roof terraces. Their systems start from approximately £5,200 for a 4kW system — competitive for London — and they offer a thorough free survey. Coverage is primarily Greater London and the Home Counties.

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How to Choose a Solar Panel Installer

Before approaching any installer, work out the system size you need for your home. Then the five non-negotiable checks before signing any solar installation contract are: MCS certification, Trustpilot score (minimum 4.3/5 with 100+ reviews), a written quote specifying panel make and model, a maximum 25% deposit, and a clear workmanship warranty of at least 5 years.

1. Verify MCS Certification First

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification is not optional — it is a legal requirement to access the Smart Export Guarantee and to apply for the Warm Homes: Local Grant. An MCS-certified installation also provides a Certificate of Compliance which you will need for building regulations and insurance purposes. Check any installer at mcscertified.com before agreeing to a quote. Do not rely on the installer's own word; verify directly on the MCS register.

2. Get a Minimum of 3 Quotes

Prices for the same 4kW system from the same panel brand can vary by up to 40% between different MCS-certified installers. Always obtain at least 3 written quotes that specify the panel make, model, output, inverter brand, expected output from your system (kWh annually), and total system cost including VAT. Comparing quotes on price alone is insufficient; compare the specification carefully.

3. Check Reviews on Multiple Platforms

Trustpilot is the most reliable independent review platform for solar installers, but also check Google Reviews and Which? Local. Look specifically at reviews from the past 12 months and read negative reviews carefully to understand how the company handles complaints. A minimum of 4.3/5 from 100+ reviews is a reasonable baseline for a credible installer.

4. Review the Warranty Terms

A professional installation should include:

  • Panel performance warranty: 25 years minimum (guarantees at least 80% of rated output)
  • Panel product warranty: 10–15 years (covers manufacturing defects)
  • Inverter warranty: 5–10 years (most standard inverters; some premium brands offer 12 years)
  • Workmanship warranty: 5–10 years (the installer's own guarantee on their installation work)

If an installer cannot provide written warranty terms for all four of these, do not proceed.

Red Flags to Watch For

– Requests for a deposit of more than 25% upfront – Cannot provide MCS certification number for verification – “Today only” pricing or heavy pressure to sign immediately – Refuses to provide a written quote specifying panel make, model, and expected output – No physical address or registered company number on the quote document

Best Solar Panel Installers by Region

Solar panel installer quality and pricing varies significantly by UK region. National brands offer consistency, while strong regional specialists often provide more competitive pricing and faster installation slots.

RegionRecommended InstallersNotes
LondonEveryone's Energy, Octopus Solar, HeatableUrban access expertise essential; leasehold rules apply
Manchester & North WestProject Solar, Glow Green, Octopus SolarGood competition; slightly lower solar irradiance than south
Birmingham & MidlandsProject Solar, Heatable, Glow GreenStrong installer density; prices competitive
Leeds & YorkshireProject Solar, Octopus SolarUse GreenMatch to find strong regional specialists
Bristol & South WestSolar4Good, Heatable, Octopus SolarHigh solar irradiance; excellent output in this region
Glasgow & ScotlandOctopus Solar, GreenMatch networkHome Energy Scotland 0% loan available; Heatable not operating
EdinburghOctopus Solar, GreenMatch networkCheck planning — many Edinburgh properties are listed or in conservation areas
LiverpoolProject Solar, Glow Green, Octopus SolarStrong national coverage; use GreenMatch for local alternatives
Cardiff & WalesHeatable, Glow Green, Octopus SolarWelsh Nest scheme available for eligible households (up to 100% funded)

For city-specific guides including local pricing data and region-specific grants, see our solar installation guides for London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Liverpool. For a broader look at whether the investment makes sense, visit our guide on are solar panels worth it and our solar panel grants guide to see what funding is available in your area.

Get Your Savings Estimate First

Before requesting installer quotes, use our solar panel savings calculator to understand what size system you need and what your realistic payback period is. This lets you evaluate installer quotes against an independent benchmark.

FREE QUOTE COMPARISON

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✓ Save up to £975/year on energy bills

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Laura Bennet

Laura Bennet

Home Energy & Sustainability Editor

Laura leads coverage on home energy, heating, and sustainable living. With over 12 years in the UK energy sector, she writes about boilers, solar panels, insulation, and eco-friendly upgrades that reduce household costs.

Tom Reynolds

Reviewed by

Tom Reynolds

Business Energy Specialist

FAQs

Who is the best solar panel installer in the UK?

The top-rated UK solar installers by Trustpilot score are: Solar4Good (4.9/5, 677 reviews), Octopus Energy (4.8/5, 771K reviews), Heatable (4.8/5, 10K reviews), and Glow Green (4.7/5, 9.6K reviews). The best choice depends on your location, budget, and whether you want tariff integration.

How do I find a good solar panel installer?

Always verify MCS certification at mcscertified.com — this is required for SEG payments and grant eligibility. Get at least 3 quotes, check Trustpilot reviews, ask about workmanship warranty length, and never pay more than 25% deposit. Avoid companies using high-pressure sales tactics.

Should I use a national or local solar installer?

Both can be good. National installers (Octopus, Heatable) offer tariff integration and brand backing. Local MCS-certified installers often provide competitive pricing, faster installation, and more personal service. Get quotes from both and compare like-for-like.

How much should I pay for solar panel installation?

A 4kW system should cost £5,000-£8,000 installed (inc. 0% VAT). Prices vary by region — Wales is cheapest at £1,508/kW, London most expensive. If quoted significantly above this range, get more quotes. Solar Together schemes offer 33-37% discounts.

What accreditations should a solar installer have?

MCS certification is essential — without it, you cannot claim SEG payments or qualify for most grants. Additional accreditations to look for: RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code), Which? Trusted Trader, NAPIT, and TrustMark (required for Green Homes Wales).

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