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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

4 fact checks verified
Prices verified Jul 2026
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Table of Contents
MCS Installers in the UK
2,800+
MCS-certified companies active in 2026
Average 4kW Cost (GB)
£6,500
DESNZ 2025/26 – get 3+ quotes to compare
New Installs in 2024
180,000+
UK solar installs recorded by DESNZ in 2024

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 averages around £6,500 installed across Great Britain, but quotes for it can sit well above or below that 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 180,000 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 7 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 - nationwide in-house installers and a 4-6 week survey-to-install timescale; its Trustpilot score covers the whole energy supplier, so we don’t quote it for solar
  • 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
Quick Picks
Online fixed quotes
Heatable
4.8 /5 Trustpilot (15,000+)
England & Wales · No sales visit · Battery bundles
Read review →
Premium pick
Solar4Good
4.8 /5 Trustpilot (815)
South & West England · Premium components · From ~£6,200
Read review →
Budget pick
Project Solar
£5,500 4kW from
England-wide · 7,600+ reviews · 25-yr panel warranty
Read review →

The 7 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 7 are ranked on customer satisfaction, coverage, installation quality, and after-sales support.

InstallerTrustpilot RatingCoverageStarting Price (4kW)Best For
Octopus Energy Solar EDITOR'S PICKGroup score only, not solarNationwideFrom £6,663Best overall – scale + trust
Heatable4.8/5 (15K reviews)England & WalesFixed online quoteTransparent online pricing
Project Solar4.6/5 (7.6K reviews)EnglandFrom £5,500Budget-conscious buyers
Solar4Good4.8/5 (815 reviews)South & West EnglandFrom £6,200Premium quality & service
SunsaveWhich? Trusted TraderEnglandFrom £6,500Consumer protection focus
Glow Green4.6/5 (15.8K reviews)England & WalesFrom £5,800Heating + solar combined
GreenMatchComparison platformNationwideVia local partnersComparing multiple quotes fast

Trustpilot scores and review counts move daily; the figures in this guide were checked on Trustpilot on 9 October 2026. Octopus Energy’s profile covers its whole energy supply business, so we don’t quote it for solar. Always confirm the current score on trustpilot.com before you commit.

1
Octopus Energy Solar EDITOR'S PICK
Best overall – unmatched scale, trust, and end-to-end service

Octopus Energy Solar is the UK's largest-scale solar installer, backed by the brand trust that has made Octopus the UK's largest energy supplier. Its Trustpilot profile covers the whole Octopus energy supply business rather than solar installs, so we don’t quote that score here, but the same customer-service operation stands behind the solar arm.

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, an advertised 10-year workmanship warranty (confirm it appears in your quote pack), 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
✓Same customer-service operation as the Octopus energy supply business
✓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 £6,663 for a 2-panel system – 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 (15,039 reviews, 9 Oct 2026)

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 Trustpilot profile, which covers the boiler business as well as solar, stands at 4.8/5 from 15,039 reviews (checked 9 October 2026).

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. Heatable publishes its prices: solar installs start from £4,995, and its three 10-panel LONGi packages with battery storage cost £9,155 to £11,815 installed, including VAT (checked 5 October 2026). Scaffolding is not in the online quote and typically adds £800–£950, by Heatable’s own estimate. 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
✓Fixed-price online quotes in minutes, without a sales visit
✓4.8/5 on Trustpilot (15,039 reviews across boilers and solar, checked 9 Oct 2026)
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 (7,600+ reviews)

Project Solar is one of the UK's longest-established dedicated solar installers, with 7,632 Trustpilot reviews at 4.6/5, rated Excellent (checked 9 October 2026). 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.

What we like
✓One of the longest-established dedicated solar installers in the UK
✓From £5,500 for 4kW – among the lowest credible MCS-installer pricing
✓25-year panel warranty with a 5-year workmanship guarantee as standard
Watch out for
✗Strongest in the Midlands, North West and Yorkshire – coverage thins elsewhere
✗In-person survey/sales process rather than instant online quoting

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4
Solar4Good
Best for premium quality and exceptional customer service
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 Trustpilot (815 reviews, 9 Oct 2026)

Solar4Good shares the top Trustpilot score on this list with Heatable at 4.8/5, from a smaller review base of 815 customers (checked 9 October 2026). 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.

What we like
✓Joint-highest Trustpilot score on this list: 4.8/5 from 815 reviews (checked 9 Oct 2026)
✓Reviews consistently praise the survey process and aftercare responsiveness
✓Premium component selection for high-specification systems
Watch out for
✗Smaller review base than the volume installers
✗From ~£6,200 for 4kW – slightly above the market average
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.

What we like
✓Which? Trusted Trader accreditation – independent vetting plus complaint recourse
✓Thorough in-home survey and detailed written proposal
✓Solar and battery storage designed together
Watch out for
✗From ~£6,500 for 4kW – a higher entry price
✗No large published Trustpilot base – the endorsement rests on Which? vetting
6
Glow Green
Best for combining solar with heating system upgrades
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Trustpilot (15,700+ reviews, 9 Oct 2026)

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 4.6/5 from 15,789 reviews (checked 9 October 2026) 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.

What we like
✓Bundles solar with boiler or heat-pump work under one contractor
✓High operational volume: 4.6/5 from 15,789 reviews (checked 9 Oct 2026)
✓Covers England and Wales
Watch out for
✗Solar is a newer line than its heating core business
✗Bundle quotes need line-item comparison against solar-only specialists
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.

What we like
✓Free, fast way to collect up to 4 quotes from pre-vetted local installers
✓Covers the whole UK
✓Good pressure-free starting point before committing to a shortlist
Watch out for
✗Not an installer – quality of network members varies by region
✗Cross-check every match’s Trustpilot score and MCS status yourself

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
LondonOctopus Solar, Heatable, Solar4GoodUrban 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 Government Nest scheme funds solar for eligible households (gov.wales)

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

Compare Solar Panel Quotes from Trusted Suppliers

✓ 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

By Trustpilot score (checked 9 October 2026), the leaders on our list are Solar4Good (4.8/5 from 815 reviews) and Heatable (4.8/5 from 15,039 reviews, a profile that also covers its boiler business). Project Solar and Glow Green follow at 4.6/5. Octopus Energy’s Trustpilot score covers its whole energy supply business rather than solar installs, so we don’t rank it on that. Scores move daily; the best choice depends on your location, budget and whether you want tariff integration.

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.

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.

A 4kW system averages around £6,500 installed (inc. 0% VAT), according to DESNZ’s 2025/26 cost data drawn from MCS installation records. Prices vary by region and installer, with London usually the most expensive. If a quote sits significantly above this range, get at least 3 comparisons. Group-buying schemes such as Solar Together can secure discounts on standard market rates.

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 (used by several public funding schemes). In Wales, the Welsh Government’s Nest scheme funds solar panels for eligible households.

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