Quote Verification Guide

The 20-Point Solar Quote Checklist — Use This Before Accepting Any Scottish Solar Quote

Solar price analysis by the Solar Installers Scotland team | Updated March 2026

Quick Answer

Before accepting any solar quote in Scotland, verify all 20 points below across four categories: equipment specification, costs, warranties, and installer credentials. Quotes missing more than 2 of these points are incomplete and should be questioned. Quotes missing 5+ points should be rejected. Every reputable MCS-certified installer will provide all 20 points as standard.

Section A — Equipment Specification

These 6 points confirm exactly what you are getting

✓1

Panel brand and model specified

The quote must name the exact panel brand and model (e.g., Q-Cells Q.Peak DUO ML-G11 400W). Generic descriptions like 'Tier 1 panels' or 'premium panels' are not acceptable.

✓2

Panel wattage and quantity stated

Total system size in kWp and the number of panels should be clearly listed. For example: '12 x 400W Q-Cells = 4.8kWp'. This lets you verify the maths and compare across quotes.

✓3

Inverter brand, model, and warranty specified

The inverter brand and model must be named (e.g., GivEnergy Hybrid 3.6kW, SolarEdge SE4000H). Include whether it is string, optimiser, or microinverter type, and the manufacturer warranty period.

✓4

Battery details (if included)

If a battery is quoted, it must state brand, model, capacity in kWh, warranty period, and whether a hybrid inverter is included. Confirm the battery is on the MCS Product List.

✓5

All equipment on MCS Product List

Panels and inverters must appear on the MCS Product List to qualify for MCS certification. Ask the installer to confirm this. Non-MCS-listed equipment means no MCS certificate and no SEG eligibility.

✓6

Manufacturer warranties documented

The quote should state the manufacturer warranty for panels (typically 25 years performance), inverter (5-25 years), and battery (10-15 years). These are separate from the installer's workmanship warranty.

Section B — Costs and Pricing

These 5 points ensure no hidden charges

✓7

Total cost fully itemised

The quote must break down costs: panels, inverter, battery (if applicable), mounting system, electrical work, installation labour, and any additional items. A single lump sum without breakdown is a red flag.

✓8

Scaffolding cost included or separately stated

Scaffolding costs £400-£1,000. Confirm whether it is included in the total price or listed as an additional charge. Some installers exclude it to make the headline price look lower.

✓9

DNO notification included

The District Network Operator must be notified of your solar installation. This is a legal requirement. The installer should handle this and it should be included in the price (typically £0-£200).

✓10

No hidden extras or conditional charges

Check for conditional charges like 'subject to site survey', 'roof repairs additional', or 'consumer unit upgrade if required'. Ask the installer to confirm the final price or state exactly what could change after the site visit.

✓11

0% VAT correctly applied

Residential solar installations in the UK carry 0% VAT until March 2027. The quote total should reflect this. If VAT is added, question it immediately — it should not be charged on domestic solar or battery installations.

Section C — Warranties and Protection

These 5 points protect you after installation

✓12

Minimum 10-year workmanship warranty

The installer should guarantee their workmanship (roof penetrations, wiring, fixings) for at least 10 years. This is separate from the manufacturer equipment warranties. Anything less than 10 years is below industry best practice.

✓13

25-year panel performance warranty confirmed

All reputable panel manufacturers offer a 25-year performance warranty guaranteeing 80-85%+ output at year 25. Confirm this is included and ask for the warranty document or reference number.

✓14

Inverter warranty period stated

Inverter warranties vary significantly: GivEnergy offers 12 years, SolarEdge offers 12-25 years, Enphase offers 25 years, basic string inverters may only offer 5 years. Ensure the warranty period is explicitly stated.

✓15

Workmanship warranty is insurance-backed

An insurance-backed warranty means your workmanship guarantee remains valid even if the installer goes out of business. This is critical — several Scottish solar companies have ceased trading in recent years. Ask for the name of the insurance provider.

✓16

RECC or TrustMark membership confirmed

Membership of the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) or TrustMark provides additional consumer protection including a complaints process and dispute resolution. Check membership status on the RECC or TrustMark websites.

Section D — Installer Credentials

These 4 points verify the installer is legitimate

✓17

Current MCS certification verified

Check the installer's MCS certification is current at mcscertified.com. MCS certification is required for SEG eligibility and confirms the installer meets Microgeneration Certification Scheme standards. Do not accept expired or pending certification.

✓18

Public liability insurance confirmed

The installer must hold public liability insurance (minimum £2 million, ideally £5 million+). This covers damage to your property during installation. Ask for the certificate or policy number.

✓19

Recent references or reviews available

Ask for at least 3 references from recent Scottish installations (within the past 12 months). Alternatively, check verified reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or the MCS installer database. Be cautious of installers with no verifiable reviews.

✓20

RECC membership verified

RECC membership is not mandatory but strongly recommended. It provides a code of practice, complaints handling, and a consumer guarantee. Search the RECC member directory at recc.org.uk to confirm membership.

How to Use This Checklist

18-20 Points Met

This is a thorough, professional quote. You can proceed with confidence. Compare it against your other quotes on price and equipment quality.

15-17 Points Met

The quote is mostly complete but has gaps. Contact the installer and request the missing information in writing before making any decision.

Below 15 Points

This quote has significant omissions. Either the installer is cutting corners or hiding information. Request a revised quote or move on to another installer entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions — Solar Quote Checklist Scotland

A legitimate Scottish solar quote must include: panel brand, model, and wattage; inverter brand, model, and warranty; system size in kWp; estimated annual output in kWh; total itemised cost including scaffolding; DNO notification confirmation; MCS certification details; workmanship warranty duration; and confirmation of 0% VAT. If any of these are missing, ask for them before proceeding.

We recommend a minimum of 3 quotes from MCS-certified installers. Homeowners who compare 3+ quotes save an average of £800-£1,200 compared to accepting the first quote. Ensure each quote specifies the same system size and includes the same components so you can compare like-for-like.

Visit mcscertified.com and search by postcode or company name. All legitimate solar installers in Scotland must hold current MCS certification to issue the MCS certificate you need for Smart Export Guarantee eligibility and to validate your installation meets technical standards. Never accept a quote from a non-MCS installer.

Scaffolding is a standard requirement for almost all Scottish solar installations and should ideally be included in the total quoted price. If listed separately, expect £400-£1,000 depending on property height and access. Always confirm whether scaffolding is included or additional before comparing quotes.

You should expect a minimum 25-year performance warranty on panels (guaranteeing 80-85% output at year 25), a 10-25 year inverter warranty (varies by brand), and a minimum 10-year workmanship warranty from the installer. If the workmanship warranty is less than 10 years, or is not insurance-backed, question it.

Ready to Get a Quote That Passes All 20 Points?

Our recommended MCS-certified installers provide fully itemised quotes that meet every point on this checklist as standard.

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