Switching to solar energy is a big decision, and choosing a reliable provider is the first step in ensuring your installation is successful.

In this guide, we have rounded up the very best solar panel installers in the UK. Our solar experts have spent hundreds of hours researching customer reviews, industry accreditations and surveyed over 2,000 people* to provide an updated shortlist in September 2026.

Only companies who offer the best solar panels, hold industry accreditations and are backed by years of experience and plenty of satisfied customers are included in this guide, so you can feel confident choosing one of them with your solar panel installation.

Request solar quotes by answering a few simple questions

Get free, no obligation solar quotes from up to 5 installers near you

Compare quotes to get the best price on your installation

Where do you want to install solar panels?
Roof
Ground
Both
Other / Not sure
It takes just 60 seconds

Our best solar panel installers of 2026

Solar panel installerFMB pickTrustpilot ratingMCS certifiedMaximum warrantyFounded
Solar4GoodBest customer service4.8 starsYes25 years2020
Project SolarBest for long warranties4.6 starsYesLifetime2011
Glow GreenBest range of high-efficiency panels4.6 starsYes30 years2011
So EnergyBest for speed of installation4.5 starsYes30 years2015
UPS SolarBest range of solar panels4.9 starsYes25 years2019
SunsaveBest solar subscription service4.7 starsYes25 years2022
Data correct as of September 2026.

A note on Effective Home: the installer was previously featured in our roundup of the best solar panel installers, but has since ceased trading at the end of June 2026.

Best customer service: Solar4Good

Although Solar4Good was only founded in 2020, it has quickly built a reputation for efficient, reliable installations, completing around 1,500 projects annually.

Their installers are backed by a friendly customer service team which is often praised in Trustpilot reviews, earning Solar4Good an impressive 4.8 stars on the review site. 

Solar4Good offers 3 customisable residential packages, with solar panel prices ranging from £5,500 for 10 panels to over £9,000 for 16 panels and 8.7kWh battery storage. It supplies solar products from JA Solar, Jinko, Trina Solar, Qcells, and Fox ESS.

Pros

Affordable packages, including a Price Match Guarantee. Rapid turnaround from quote to installation in as little as two weeks. 91 per cent of Trustpilot reviews are five stars.

Cons

Being a newer company, Solar4Good doesn’t have a long-term track record. Complaints about cold-calling after initial contact.

What Solar4Good customers have to say

As of September 2026, Solar4Good has the second-highest Trustpilot rating of the providers in this guide, at 4.8 stars. The company boasts 92 per cent of 5-star reviews, though it only counts 800 reviews in total. Many positive reviews call out the high quality of after-sales care and customer service, as well as the pricing and speed of installation.

“Good informative phone chat followed by swift quote, so transparent. In all the dealings there was just a sense of exchanging information and being given the facts. All prompt, no sense of selling. I explored 2 other companies and ruled one out for poor communication and as well as ticking the boxes for reviews and quality products also came out slightly cheaper so the quick, no nonsense approach was justified.
The scaffolders came one day, electricians and installers the next, all good guys, no drama. Discreet cable run, good looking panels, intuitive app and a happy wife!
Overall, I would strongly recommend the company, a professional team.”

“Excellent company, excellent experience.
I had a solar panel installation on my dormer flat roof recently and Solar4Good could not have been more helpful or efficient.
From the initial contact, through sales, installation and then commissioning the team were brilliant, I cannot praise them highly enough. Very responsive when I had questions, very accommodating when plans had to change ( my side ) and finally a great product at end of the journey. Highly recommended !”

Best for long warranties: Project Solar

Project Solar is the largest solar panel installation company in the UK, having installed more than 50,000 solar panels since its inception in 2011, according to its website.

It is particularly well-known for its industry-leading lifetime warranties on its solar panels and installations. The company states that provided it is installed and maintained properly, a defective solar module will be either repaired, replaced or refunded at the company’s discretion during its lifetime. This warranty does not, however, cover the removal of defective panels or shipping of new ones, so make sure to carefully read the T&Cs before you commit.

The installer offers some of the best solar panels on the market, as determined by our experts. Project Solar customers can choose between the brand’s own Project Solar Evolution Max 500W and SunPower panels.

Project Solar comes thoroughly recommended from its existing customers. In our solar panel survey, 97 per cent of respondents with Project Solar panels said they would recommend the brand*. The same number said their panels had met or exceeded expectations when it came to energy production, and 95 per cent of respondents felt their solar panels had met or exceeded their expectations regarding ongoing cost savings.

Pros

Best warranties on the market. Over a decade of experience. Installs FMB’s two highest-rated solar panels. Excellent communication, according to reviews.

Cons

Repeated complaints about scaffolding remaining up for too long after the installation.

What Project Solar customers have to say

Project Solar has a Trustpilot rating of 4.6 stars from over 7,300 reviews as of September 2026, with 80 per cent of 5-star ratings. The overwhelming majority of recent reviews are very positive, highlighting the efficiency of the process and the professionalism of its staff. The few negative reviews highlight pushy sales techniques and some issues getting in touch with customer service, but the company replies to them all to address the customers’ problems.

“Very good from start to finish , installation team were very efficient and explanatory about everything that was fitted and how it all worked including the mobile apps . Office team have been brilliant throughout ringing and emailing to make sure everything was running smoothly . Thoroughly recommend project solar to anyone thinking of diving into solar energy.”

“Good pitch from the guy that did the survey. Professionally installed by very efficient installation team as agreed, with scaffolding taken down in due time. Only thing we misunderstood is that I thought I was getting a 27-KWA of battery and agreed on what I would refer to as an expensive quote. Later found out it was a 15-KWA of battery space. Should have had a slightly cheaper wholesale price.”

Best range of high-efficiency solar panels: Glow Green

Founded in 2011, Glow Green initially specialised in energy-efficient boilers before branching out to offer other green home products, including an all-in-one package that encompasses solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, air conditioning and heat pumps.

The company covers its solar panels with warranties of up to 30 years and offers a 5-year workmanship warranty. Its product range includes solar panels and batteries from Perlight, JA Solar, Tesla Energy and more.

Pros

A wide range of energy-efficient products that can be installed in an all-in-one package. More than ten years of experience in the industry. More than 1,700 highly trained engineers. Solar panels covered by 30-year warranties.

Cons

Some complaints about customer service and the installation process.

What Glow Green customers have to say

As of September 2026, Glow Green Solar is rated 4.6 stars on Trustpilot from over 1,200 reviews, with 82 per cent of 5-star reviews. Recent reviews are mostly positive, with the occasional negative review calling out last-minute installation delays, and delays getting the paperwork to sell energy back to the grid.

“The installation of my solar and my battery was great. Adam and his team were brilliant.
BUT.
What’s the point of having them if you can’t use them to there full capacity. To sell to the grid you need the completed forms, not a problem. So why do they take so long. According to customer service, they said with a snigger ( it’s very complicated). […].”

“It was generally a great service but their communication is sometimes a bit lacking. My install was held up because I hadn’t been asked a question and no one contacted me to let me know. A heads up about when the scaffolding was going up would have also eased things a bit. Fortunately I work from home so it wasn’t such an issue. Other than that the staff were really good on the phone and the people they used to do the job were really good. I would recommend them to other people looking for a good value installation.”

Best for speed of installation: So Energy

Founded in 2015, So Energy is an established, MCS-accredited solar panel installer which offers competitive pricing, good warranties and plenty of flexible payment options.

Customers can opt for long-term payment plans between 5 and 25 years which cover the panels and other hardware, installation costs, monitoring, maintenance and repairs from just £75 per month. So Energy also offers 0 per cent finance options over 1 or 2 years.

Where the brand really stands out, however, is in its commitment to speed of installation. From the moment you accept the quote to the solar panels being installed on your roof, So Energy promises a speedy four-week turnaround.

While they’re not industry-leading, So Energy’s warranties are more than enough to guarantee peace of mind. The company even offers a 10-year warranty on batteries and inverters, which is a nice bonus.

Pros
Fast turnaround time
Good range of solar panels offered
Great SEG rate if you install solar panels through So Energy
Very positive customer reviews highlighting knowledgeable staff
Ground-mounted and flat roof systems available
Solid product warranties, including on batteries and inverters
Cons
Labour warranty could be longer at only 5 years

What So Energy customers have to say

As of September 2026, So Energy is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot with 73 per cent of 5-star reviews, but it’s worth noting many of these reviews are about the company as an energy provider rather than as a solar panel installer. Many happy customers call out the high level of customer service from the company’s representatives. Most of the brand’s negative reviews are about its energy tariffs, bills and smart meters, and the company replies to all of them promptly. That said, some recent reviews call out installation delays.

“We opted for SO Energy because we’ve been with them for several years and got good rates!
From getting our quotation through to installation completion everything went to plan.
Jo who arranged our quotes, Sagar who handled our installation, Tomas the surveyor and battery installer and Kevin & Tony who installed our panels in very hot weather only ever treated us with courtesy and professionalism.”

“Well from the moment we applied for the solar and ev charger on the phone with Jordon , to be installed I can honestly say it was a 5 star performance from the electrical engineer Sagar and his wife to the 2 men that put the panels on the roof, they were all so helpful, they all cleaned up after.
Sagar even spent over an hour helping us to download all relevant apps, and showed us how to use them.
They were a credit to So Energy you are very lucky to have such dedicated staff. I have and will recommend So Energy to all friends and family. Thank you”

Best for transparency: UPS Solar

Founded in 2019, UPS Solar offers panels from a range of solar solar including AIKO, DMEGC, Q CELL, JA Solar, Jinko and Eurener, many of which featured on our best solar panels guide.

Where the installer really stands out is through its transparent pricing; unlike most of its competitors, it clearly lays out the costs of different system sizes and brands so you can get a good idea of the cost of solar panels before you even reach out to get a quote.

The company also provides a 10-year labour warranty and deposit-free installation, so customers only pay after installation. The installation process is supported by the Independent Warranty Association, and the company holds certifications from the Renewable Energy Consumer Code and MCS.

Pros

Great customer service according to reviews. Frequent communication to keep you up to date with your installation. Aesthetically designed black solar panels that complement residential roofs.

Cons

A relatively new company in the sector, founded in 2019. Complaints about after-sales service, including slow delivery of the MCS certificate.

What UPS Solar customers have to say

As of September 2026, UPS Solar has the joint-highest Trustpilot rating at 4.9 stars out of 5, but it is worth noting this is from just under 500 reviews. The vast majority of recent reviews are positive, while rare negative reviews calling out incomplete installations and difficulty receiving after-sales care.

“A couple of glitches with surveyors & installation team being ill. These things happen. The quotation was clear & easy to understand, coms from the office were really good & answered all questions (this is a big investment ). The fitting team were professional, experienced & hard working. Even my neighbours have commented on how good they were. Sophie & Debbie from back office did exactly as they promised, were approachable, helpful & friendly. I would definitely recommend.”

“Good communication, clear , responsive, helpful. A very good experience.
Their electrical installation team, two men, were excellent, efficient, and very thorough, I would recommend them.”

Best solar subscription service: Sunsave

Founded in 2022, Sunsave is the newest solar panel installer on this list, and it’s known for creating the UK’s first solar subscription service. 

While other subscription services have appeared since, including from Otovo and Unbound Energy, Sunsave’s still stands out. With Sunsave Plus, you own your panels from the moment your system is installed, without the need to put down a deposit or pay an upfront fee. You then pay for your system monthly, starting at £69, for a maximum of 20 years. If you wish, you can pay off some or all of your system cost at any time, with no penalty. 

Sunsave doesn’t just offer a subscription service. With Sunsave Standard, you can buy your panels upfront, with costs starting from £6,700 for a complete solar system with a battery.

Sunsave Plus and Standard both offer 25-year performance and product warranties on your panels, and 10-year warranties for batteries and inverters. And if you’re an existing Octopus Energy customer, installing your panels with Sunsave will give you faster access to the energy provider’s often market-leading Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs. 

Pros

Options to pay upfront or spread the cost of your solar panel installation through the Sunsave Plus subscription service. Monthly subscription payments include maintenance costs, replacement parts and insurance. Sunsave is partnered with Octopus Energy, allowing its customers to access some of the best export tariffs in the UK.

Cons

Octopus Energy SEG tariffs only available for existing Octopus customers. The newest solar panel installer featured on this list, with a small number of Trustpilot reviews.

What Sunsave customers have to say

As of September 2026, Sunsave is rated 4.7 stars on Trustpilot from just over 400 reviews, with 90 per cent of customers giving the provider 5 stars. Most recent reviews are very positive, praising the installation process from the initial consultation to the final result. Negative reviews are few and far between and mostly mention difficulty getting in touch with the sales team.

“Where do I start. Recommended by a friend. Spoke to Joseph at Sunsave. Confirmed prices but more importantly the savings we could make! It was a no brainier and we signed up. The whole process from start to finish was fantastic. Just as we were promised. Joseph was so professional, knowledgeable and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. I cannot recommend Sunsave highly enough. We are now enjoying watching all our savings”

“Had a great explanation from Andre on how the system would work as well as the payments.
On e we agreed we were handed over to Seth who helped with all our install questions. You will love the app which is easy to use. Cannot wait to see how much energy we can generate in a whole year.”

Regional solar panel installers

Alongside the national installers above, you can find a number of regional solar panel installers in your local area. Below are just some highly-rated MCS-accredited regional solar panel installers:

RegionRegional solar panel installerRatings and accreditationsAreas covered
North EastSustainable Energy Engineering4.9-star Google ratingNorth of England
North West Applegarth Electric4.6 stars on TrustpilotWirral, Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire
Yorkshire and the HumberPurelec Energy4.8-star Google ratingWest Yorkshire, North of England
MidlandsGeo Green Power4.9 stars on TrustpilotBased in Nottingham, operates nationwide
East of EnglandCahill Renewables4.0 stars on TrustpilotBased in Essex, operates nationwide
London and the South EastEveryone’s Energy UK4.9 stars on TrustpilotLondon, Hertfordshire, South East of England
South WestEco NRG4.2 stars on TrustpilotDevon, Cornwall, Somerset
ScotlandSolar Specialists Scotland5-star Google ratingBased in Paisley, operates in Scotland
WalesCeltic Green Energy3.7 stars on TrustpilotBased in Camarthenshire, operates in Wales
Northern IrelandSolar Power NI4.9 stars on TrustpilotBased in Ballycastle, operates in Northern Ireland
Data correct as of September 2026.

Finding a solar panel installer

Whether you choose a national installer or a smaller regional one, the process from getting quotes to installing panels will be fairly similar. You can find a solar panel installer through FMB by:

  1. Filling out our free quote form: answering a few simple questions including what type of roof you have and whether it is impacted by any shading. 
  2. Waiting for a match: we’ll search our network of solar panel installers to find the ones best suited to your household. They should be in contact within 48 hours of your enquiry. 
  3. Comparing your quotes: you can then compare the quotes you’ve received and choose your preferred solar panel installer.

Find solar panel installers in your area

Looking for solar panel quotes? Just answer a few quick questions to get matched with installers operating in your area.

Choosing between national and regional installers

Both local and national solar panel installers come with advantages and drawbacks which you should consider before making your choice. 

Some of the benefits of choosing a local installer include:

  • A more personalised service: Local installers may have a better knowledge of local regulations, solar panel schemes and incentives that apply in the region
  • Quicker responses: A local installer will likely want to build a good reputation within the area, which may result in better customer service and faster response times than a national provider
  • Contributions to the local economy: By choosing a local installer, you will be supporting a smaller company in your area

However, choosing a national solar panel installer brings you:

  • A wide range of experience: National installers who have been in business for many years will have built up a wealth of experience, which can be beneficial to anyone considering solar panels
  • Peace of mind from multiple reviews: A larger company will likely have a bigger presence than a local installer, so you’ll have more reviews to consult before you make your decision
  • Competitive pricing: A larger company will usually be able to offer lower prices for its services and products, whereas local installers may have to charge more
Rahi Vakani Solar4Good solar panel installers

Rahi Vakani, co-founder of Solar4Good, gave us his advice:

  1. Always look for MCS accreditation; if the installer doesn’t have this, you won’t be able to benefit from SEG payments.
  2. Ask installers about their insurance cover. They must have valid public liability insurance to carry out installations.
  3. Look for reviews on sites such as Trustpilot. Positive reviews suggest a reliable, trustworthy installer.
  4. Choose an installer who’s been in business for a number of years; this indicates a company that has a steady stream of customers and a strong track record.
  5. The cheapest quote isn’t always the best option, and may indicate that the installer cuts corners, or uses inferior products.
  6. Avoid the ‘man with a van’ installer or those who employ cold-calling techniques. They may lack qualifications, insurance, or good after-sales care.
  7. Pick an installer that you feel comfortable with – after all, they will have access to your home during the installation, and they need to be someone you trust.

How to compare solar panel installers

Once you have found a few different MCS-accredited installers, make a pros and cons list for each one. According to our survey of over 2,000 solar panel owners*, the most important factor to consider is cost, followed by the warranties offered and the installer’s reputation.

Cost

One of the primary considerations when comparing solar panel installers is their cost. The best way to know you’re getting a fair price is to collect as many quotes as possible. It may also help you to negotiate with your chosen installer, especially if you have cheaper quotes to back up your haggling. 

Warranty and service agreements 

Hopefully nothing will go wrong with your panels, but in the event that something were to go awry, you’ll want to know that you’re covered. You should compare the lengths of the labour warranty provided by the installer, as well as the product and performance warranties that come with your solar panels of choice. 

Reputation and reviews

Most of the best solar companies have been in business for many years; for example, both Evergen and Project Solar have more than 12 years of experience installing solar panels, so these installers might be at the top of your list if this matters to you. Trustpilot is also an invaluable resource to check how customers feel about their service, especially for newer solar panel installers. 

Solar panel brands supplied

Solar panel installers will often have a select number of solar panel brands they work with, so you should do your research at the outset and make sure you’re happy with the power and efficiency of the panels offered by the installer in question. The more powerful and efficient your panels are, the fewer you’ll need to meet your energy needs. 

Time to installation 

A practical consideration when comparing solar panel installers is how long it’ll be before they can get started on your household. While you might not want to wait months and months for an installation, an installer with a slightly longer wait time because they’re in high demand can be a sign of quality. 

What to avoid when choosing a solar installer

Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to look for when comparing solar panel installers:

  • Installers without an MCS accreditation (or equivalent): Not only is an MCS accreditation a sign of reliability, without using an MCS-accredited (or equivalent) installer, you won’t be able to access regulated SEG tariffs. 
  • Poor Trustpilot reviews: However cheap an installer is, you don’t want to use them if they have poor reviews. The savings won’t be worth the potential hassle down the road. 
  • Lack of detail: If an installer isn’t upfront about the breakdown of costs, the length of their warranties, or how long installation will take, you may be better off looking elsewhere. 
  • Installers who try to pressure you into a sale: Feeling pressured into a sale isn’t a great starting point, and can be a sign of poor working practices. It’s better to walk away from those kinds of sales tactics, and take your time to find a less pushy installer. 

Why should your solar panel system be accredited by the MCS?

According to the official website, the MCS “sets, defines and maintains the Standards for low-carbon energy technology products, contractors and their installations.” Choosing an MCS-certified solar panel installer guarantees a reliable and professional installation. Opting for an MCS-accredited installer is also a requirement if you plan to sell your unused solar energy back to the National Grid via a regulated SEG tariff.

A MCS accreditation isn’t the only certificate to watch out for, however. The following are all signs that your installer provides a high quality service – you should look for evidence of certification or participation on an installers’ website, typically in the form of a badge or logo:

  • TrustMark: This is a government-endorsed scheme that is a sign of quality for companies that work in or around the home. 
  • Energy Performance Validation Scheme (EPVS): This means that all the documentation you’re provided with during your installation has been vetted and is up to standard for consumers. 
  • National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC): This is the UK’s leading certification body for companies that carry out electrical installations.
  • Home Insulation and Energy Systems Contractors Scheme (HIES): This means a solar panel installer is adhering to the HIES scheme rules and code of practice, and is annually vetted to ensure they continue to do so.-

How long will the installation process take?

More than half (52.38 per cent) of the people we surveyed said installing their solar system took 1 to 3 months from signing the contract to completion. This timeframe includes a thorough site survey, making up roof plans, the actual installation and the completion of necessary documentation. For larger systems, the process may take slightly longer.

Best solar panel installer FAQs

Installing solar panels yourself might seem like a good way to reduce your upfront costs, but it is generally not recommended. Installing a solar system requires technical knowledge as there are many safety risks involved, and you may find that a DIY solar panel system may lack efficiency compared to a professionally-installed one. What’s more, to take advantage of the SEG scheme, your solar panel system must be installed by an MCS-certified installer.

Labour costs are typically included in your solar panel system quote. These costs generally range between £300 and £500 depending on the size and complexity of the installation, as well as the area you live in.

Companies like Project Solar and Glow Green have been top players in the solar industry for many years, meaning they can generally be depended on to provide a reliable service. That said, a smaller, local installer might be just as reliable and provide a more personalised service; however, make sure to check customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot before you commit. 

Not every electrician can install solar panels as roof mounting and integrating a system with the National Grid involve specialised skills beyond standard electrical work. 

In most cases, planning permission is not required to install solar panels. Certain properties such as listed buildings and those within Conservation Areas do require planning permission to install solar panels, though the Labour Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has proposed schemes to make it easier to install solar panels on such buildings. Always check with your local planning authority if you are unsure. 

A product warranty covers the solar panels, including manufacturing defects, while a performance warranty relates to the panel’s efficiency, which naturally degrades over its lifespan. The performance warranty guarantees a certain level of panel efficiency after a specified period, and is often longer than the product warranty. The labour warranty, also known as an installation or workmanship warranty, covers the quality of your system’s installation. 

Written by Robin Whitlock

Contributor

Robin is as seasoned writer with expansive experience in the renewable technology industry.

Robin has been writing on the clean energy sector for over 24 years, including renewable energy, environmental issues and climate change. He has written for a variety of publications, including Renewable Energy Magazine, Solar Thermal Magazine, and Water 21 Magazine.

Contributions by Connor Campbell

Senior Writer

Connor Campbell is an experienced personal finance writer who has been producing online content for 10 years.

Throughout his career, Connor has strived to demystify complex topics to help consumers make the best decisions, whether that’s what solar panel to pick, how to get cheaper car insurance, or which business bank account to open. 

He has written extensively on a number of personal finance topics for Independent Advisor, NerdWallet, and Spreadex, and has been quoted in a range of publications, including The Guardian, BBC, Evening Standard, Daily Express and The Mirror.

Sources

*Survey conducted by the Federation of Master Builders, 2,004 respondents, June 2024.