How do I know if a quote is fair?

Jason Hawthorne, CEO at ESME

Rates checked October 2026 · 6 min read · Last updated 22 October 2026

In short

A fair quote is itemised, sized to your home, and comes from an MCS certified installer who belongs to a consumer code such as RECC or HIES. It shows a performance estimate for your property and how the savings were worked out. Compare it against your own numbers and at least two other quotes, and walk away from pressure to sign today.

For your house

Check a quote against your own numbers

Two minutes. You'll see your result on screen.

Key facts

Installer should be

MCS certified and in RECC or HIES

Deposit

No more than 25%, and protected

Workmanship warranty

At least 2 years, insurance backed

Cancellation

14 days to change your mind

How many quotes

At least three

What should a fair quote include?

The make, model and number of panels, and the system size in kWp.
The battery’s make and model, and its usable capacity.
The inverter, scaffolding, bird protection and any electrical work, priced separately.
An estimate of what your system will make on your roof, not an average.
How the savings were worked out, with the prices assumed and where they came from.
Who handles the network operator application, and warranties for panels, inverter, battery and the work.

How do I tell if the price is right?

Compare like for like. The Energy Saving Trust puts a typical 4.5kWp system at about £6,100 to £7,600, and batteries cost about £400 to £700 per usable kWh installed. A quote well above that should have a clear reason, such as a difficult roof or backup power.

Then check the size. A bigger system costs more and may pay back slower. If you have your own numbers first, you can see when a quote is sized to the deal rather than to your house. See why get your numbers first.

What are the warning signs?

A discount that only lasts if you sign today.
A yearly saving with no payback in years, or no assumptions shown.
A deposit above 25%, or no deposit protection.
No MCS certificate, which means no export payments.
A battery or system much bigger than your use needs.

Questions people also ask

What is MCS?

MCS certifies installers and products. You need an MCS certificate to be paid for exporting solar power under the Smart Export Guarantee.

What do RECC and HIES do?

They are consumer codes approved by Trading Standards. Members must protect deposits, give clear written quotes and offer a way to settle disputes.

Can I cancel after signing?

Yes, usually within 14 days for a contract made at home or online.

Sources

Figures are for Great Britain and were checked on the date above. Prices change, so check the latest before you decide. This is general information, not financial advice.

Your house, not an average one

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