How to Choose a Solar Panel Installer in Scotland — 10 Questions to Ask
Start by checking that any solar installer you consider holds valid Microgeneration Certification Scheme accreditation, which you can verify online at the MCS website. In Scotland, also confirm TrustMark registration and ask for at least three written quotes before signing any contract for a renewable energy installation.
Due diligence before choosing a solar installer can protect thousands of pounds and years of performance. Use these 10 questions to separate certified, experienced installers from those who will leave you without grants, export payments, or warranty protection.
Get a Quote — We Install Through MCS-Certified Partners
We install through MCS-certified partners.
Why Request a Quote from Scottish Energy Efficiency?
We install through MCS-certified partners. No pressure. No hidden costs.
Why It Matters
What Is at Stake When Choosing an Installer
Accredited Installer
- MCS certified — grants, SEG, and 0% VAT all accessible
- TrustMark registered — quality assured from day one
- Can explain government-backed grant and loan eligibility
- G98/G99 handled — legal grid connection and export
- SEG registered — export payments from day one
- Tier 1 panels — 25-year bankable warranty
- Local references available across Scotland
- Full documentation pack after installation
Rogue Trader (Uncertified)
- No MCS — no grants, no SEG, 20% VAT instead of 0%
- No TrustMark — no government-backed quality assurance
- No grant guidance — funding options missed
- No DNO notification — illegal grid export, SEG blocked
- No SEG — losing hundreds per year in export payments
- Unknown panels — no warranty support after 2 years
- No local references — no accountability
- No documentation — property sale issues later
Due Diligence Checklist
The 10 Questions to Ask Any Scottish Solar Installer
Ask these before signing anything. A reputable installer will answer every one confidently and in writing.
Are you MCS certified?
Good answer
Yes — and we can provide our MCS certificate number for verification on mcsinstallers.co.uk
Red flag answer
"We use MCS certified panels" — this refers to product certification, not installer certification. Not the same thing.
Are you TrustMark registered?
Good answer
Yes — here is our TrustMark registration number, which you can check on trustmark.org.uk.
Red flag answer
Vague answer about consumer protection without providing a registration number or explaining what TrustMark is.
Do you handle DNO notifications?
Good answer
Yes — we handle G98 or G99 notifications with your Distribution Network Operator as standard, included in the price.
Red flag answer
"That is your responsibility" or confusion about what DNO notifications are.
Can you check which government-backed grants or loans may apply?
Good answer
Yes — we can explain which Scottish Government-backed grants and loans may be available, subject to eligibility, and what the process involves.
Red flag answer
Vague promises about grants without being able to explain eligibility or the application process.
What warranty do you provide on panels, inverter, and labour?
Good answer
25-year product and performance warranty on panels, 10-15 year warranty on inverter, and a separate labour warranty from us.
Red flag answer
"Standard warranty applies" — this tells you nothing specific about what is covered or for how long.
Who manufactures the panels?
Good answer
JA Solar, LONGi, Canadian Solar, or REC — Tier 1 manufacturers with established warranty support and bankable performance.
Red flag answer
Unknown brands with no verifiable warranty support, or refusal to specify the manufacturer before signing.
How long have you been installing in Scotland?
Good answer
A specific number of years with verifiable local installations and references available in your region.
Red flag answer
A very recently formed company, no verifiable local history, or deflection to national presence without Scottish experience.
Can you provide local references?
Good answer
Yes — multiple customers in your area who are happy to be contacted.
Red flag answer
Unable to provide references, directing you only to online reviews without offering direct contact.
Do you register customers for the Smart Export Guarantee?
Good answer
Yes — we register with Octopus Flux as standard. You will receive export payments from day one.
Red flag answer
"You arrange that yourself" — this leaves you with the risk of missing out on export payments.
What does your aftercare service include?
Good answer
Monitoring system setup, performance report access, annual maintenance check availability, and a clear contact for any issues.
Red flag answer
Nothing post-installation. No monitoring setup. No contact for performance issues.
Quote Checklist
What a Proper Written Quote Must Include
Any installer who refuses to provide these details in writing before signing is not operating to the standard you should expect. Keep the list below to hand when reviewing quotes.
Independent Verification
How to Verify Answers Independently
MCS Database
Search mcsinstallers.co.uk by company name or postcode. If the installer is not listed, they are not MCS certified regardless of what they claim verbally or in any written materials.
mcsinstallers.co.ukTrustMark Register
Search trustmark.org.uk for current TrustMark registration. Ask the installer for their TrustMark registration number and verify it. Registration must be current.
trustmark.org.ukCompanies House
Search the company number at Companies House to verify how long the company has been incorporated. Very recently formed companies with no track record carry significantly higher risk.
companieshouse.gov.ukWarning Signs
Red Flags to Avoid
Any one of these should cause you to pause and seek a second opinion before proceeding.
No MCS certification
Means no grants, no SEG, and likely 20% VAT instead of 0%.
Cannot provide MCS certificate number
Evasion on this point is a strong indicator the certification is not current.
Does not handle DNO notifications
Leaves your system technically non-compliant for grid export.
Pressure for same-day decision
A genuine installer will give you time to compare and verify.
No written quote provided
Without a written quote, any verbal promises are unenforceable.
No verifiable local references
References available to contact — not just testimonials — are a minimum.
Unknown panel brands with no warranty support
Warranty support depends on the manufacturer still trading.
No TrustMark registration
Deposit is unprotected and there is no specialist complaints route.
Significantly cheaper than all other quotes
Low prices frequently indicate corners cut on panels, certifications, or inclusions.
Recently incorporated company with no history
Check Companies House — very new companies have no track record to assess.
Ask Every Installer All 10 Questions
We install through MCS-certified partners. A good installer should handle G98/G99 notifications and SEG registration as standard, fit Tier 1 panels with 25-year warranties, and provide local references on request. Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status.
Common Questions
Installer Vetting FAQs
Ask Us the 10 Questions
We install through MCS-certified partners. We handle DNO notifications and SEG registration as standard. Call 0141 230 0198 to ask us the 10 questions directly.
Registered office: 66 Paul Street, London EC2A 4NA
Installations provided by scottishenergyefficiency.co.uk