What to Look for in a Solar & Battery Installer

What to Look for in a Solar & Battery Installer

Choosing the right solar & battery installer is just as important as choosing the equipment itself. With the surge in demand across the UK, especially in areas like Nottingham, Leicester, and Derby, the number of companies offering installations is increasing again. However, not all installers are created equal, and getting it wrong can cost you thousands in the long run.

Here’s what you should be looking for.

1. MCS Certification & Accreditations

In the UK, your installer must be certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Without this, you won’t qualify for incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), and you can’t be sure the work meets recognised standards. Important calculations need to be done so you can trust the figures you are being told, and appropriate wind loading calculations are done for your roof.

Also check for membership of organisations like HIES or RECC, which provide extra consumer protection.

2. Proven Experience with Solar + Battery Systems

Not every solar installer has deep experience with battery integration. Installing a battery is different from solar-only work, it requires a proper understanding of load balancing, inverter compatibility, and battery management software. Ask how many solar + battery installs they’ve completed in the last year.

Solar and Battery Installation In Leicestershire

The two founding directors of SolarandBatteryCompany.com have been in the industry for over 16 years each working internationally and for Nottingham City Council delivering thousands of domestic installations, as well as for companies all over the midlands including Nottingham - where they live, Leicester and Derby.

3. Transparent, Itemised Quotes

A trustworthy installer will break down your items clearly, be able to explain how they work and be able to answer your questions in detail about paybacks. Below are some of the itemised details you should look for on the proposal.

• Panels (model and brand)

• Inverter

• Battery capacity (kWh)

• Make sure insurance backed guarantees are provided

• Any optional extras (EV charger, monitoring upgrades)

4. Real Customer Reviews, Not Just Hand-Picked Ones

Check reviews on independent sites like Google and Trustpilot. Learn how to recognise fake reviews. Such as a short sharp flurry of positive reviews could indicate they are trying to cover up and improve their reviews (they could also be actively seeking reviews from previous customers so it’s not always a red flag). Don’t just look at star ratings, read what customers say about aftercare, communication, and problem-solving. Does the company pro-actively offer you the opportunity to speak with existing customers or even visit a previous installation. This is why you should always look to use a local installer, with lots of local customers.

5. Clear Aftercare & Warranty

A good installer won’t disappear after installation. This is hard to pick out though, because you won’t know what their after service is like until you actually need them. However, at least look for:

• Workmanship warranty (usually 2–5 years)

• Manufacturer warranty (often 10–25 years for panels, 10 years for batteries).

Be wary of installers that try to pass off the manufacturer warranties as their own to try and give the impression of commitment. Ask the installer what THEIR warranties are for THEIR work. Not that of the product.

• A clear process for reporting and fixing faults

In our region (Nottingham, Leicester and Derby), poor aftercare is one of the biggest complaints from people who went for the cheapest quote. Particularly from installers that are not local. They are happy to take the work, but not happy to come back if there is a problem because of the distance to your home.

6. No High-Pressure Sales Tactics

If an installer is pushing you to “sign today or lose the deal,” just walk away. Reputable companies will not do this and will focus on education and clarity, not pressure. Even large energy companies that have a name you think you can trust use these tactics.

Key takeaway:

If you’re in Nottingham, Leicester, or Derby, take your time to choose a solar & battery installer who is accredited, transparent, and experienced with battery integration. The right choice will save you money, hassle, and potential headaches for years to come.