You've Got Your Solar Quotes — Here's What to Do Next
Solar price analysis by the Solar Installers Scotland team | Updated March 2026
You have taken the first step and gathered solar quotes. Now comes the important part: comparing them properly, verifying the installers, and making a confident decision. Follow these 9 steps and you will avoid the common mistakes that cost Scottish homeowners thousands.
What should you do after receiving your solar quotes?
Compare quotes side by side on equipment, warranties, and total price, check the installer's MCS credentials, and do not sign until every question is answered.
Compare Quotes Like-for-Like
Not all quotes are created equal. Before comparing prices, make sure you are comparing the same things. Use this checklist:
Like-for-Like Comparison Checklist
If a quote is missing any of these details, ask the installer to provide them before comparing. A reputable installer will happily provide full specifications.
Check MCS Certification Numbers
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification is mandatory for SEG registration, insurance validity, and consumer protection. Every installer should provide their MCS number on the quote.
How to verify
- 1.Find the MCS number on your quote (format: MCS XXXX)
- 2.Visit mcscertified.com/find-an-installer
- 3.Search for the company name or certification number
- 4.Confirm the certificate is current (not expired or suspended)
- 5.Check it covers solar PV (not just solar thermal or heat pumps)
If an installer cannot provide a valid, current MCS certification number, do not proceed with them regardless of price.
Call References and Check Credentials
Ask each installer for 2-3 recent customer references in Scotland, ideally within the last 6 months. Also check independent credentials:
- •Which? Trusted Traders: Indicates the installer has passed Which? assessment.
- •TrustMark registration: Government-endorsed quality standard with access to dispute resolution and insurance-backed guarantee.
When calling references, ask: Was the work completed on time? Were there any hidden costs? How was the aftercare? Would they recommend the installer?
Negotiate (Yes, You Can)
Solar installation prices are not fixed. Here are legitimate ways to negotiate:
What works
- •Showing a lower competing quote for equivalent specs
- •Being flexible on installation date (off-peak = lower)
- •Asking if a neighbour install gets a multi-home discount
- •Paying full amount on completion (no finance markup)
What to avoid
- •Accepting "today only" discounts under pressure
- •Agreeing to downgrade panels/inverter to reduce cost
- •Paying full cost upfront before installation
- •Choosing an installer solely on price
Typical negotiation savings: £200-£500. Not huge, but worth a 10-minute conversation.
Review the Contract Carefully
Before signing, ensure the contract includes all of the following:
- •Full system specification (panels, inverter, battery if applicable)
- •Total price including VAT status (should state 0% VAT)
- •Payment schedule (deposit, stage payments, final payment)
- •Estimated installation date or date range
- •Warranty terms for panels, inverter, and workmanship
- •Cancellation policy (14-day cooling-off period is legally required for distance sales)
- •Confirmation that MCS certification will be provided
- •DNO notification responsibility (should be the installer)
- •Insurance-backed guarantee details
Confirm Deposit Terms
A reasonable deposit structure protects both you and the installer:
10-25%
Deposit on signing
Typically £500 - £1,500
0%
During installation
No further payments until complete
75-90%
On satisfactory completion
After system is tested and working
Red flag: Any installer demanding more than 30% upfront, or full payment before installation, should be treated with extreme caution.
Book Your Survey Date
Once you have paid the deposit, your installer will schedule a site survey. This is a physical inspection of your property to confirm:
- •Roof structural suitability and condition
- •Optimal panel placement and orientation
- •Electrical system capacity and consumer unit condition
- •Inverter and battery location options
- •Any shading issues not visible from satellite imagery
- •Scaffolding access requirements
The survey takes 1-2 hours. Be present so you can ask questions and discuss any preferences (inverter location, cable routing, etc.). If the survey reveals issues that change the quote, discuss these before proceeding.
Prepare for Installation Day
Your installer will confirm the installation date 1-2 weeks in advance. Here is what to prepare:
Before the day
- •Clear access to your loft/attic space
- •Ensure clear access around the consumer unit
- •Clear driveway/path for scaffolding delivery
- •Inform neighbours about scaffolding and work
On the day
- •Someone must be home all day (power will be off briefly)
- •Installation takes 1-2 days for a standard system
- •Offer tea — it is good practice and appreciated
- •Ask for a walkthrough and monitoring app setup
Post-Installation Checklist
After installation is complete, ensure you receive and complete all of the following:
Your Post-Installation Checklist
Scottish Energy Efficiency
No obligation | Responds within 2 hours
Still Need Quotes to Compare?
Get matched with 3-4 MCS-certified installers in your area. All quotes are detailed, no-obligation, and comparable using the checklist above.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend getting 3-4 quotes from different MCS-certified installers. This gives you enough data to compare prices, equipment, and service quality without becoming overwhelming. Fewer than 3 means you cannot identify outliers; more than 5 rarely adds useful information and delays your decision.
A fair deposit is 10-25% of the total cost, typically £500-£1,500. Never pay more than 25% upfront. The remainder should be due on completion of installation, not before. Some installers ask for a small booking fee (£100-£250) to secure your installation date, with the main deposit due after the site survey.
Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status.
Call us on 0141 230 0198 or use our online form. We arrange a no-obligation survey, then send a written no-obligation quote.