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Here's exactly how to do each one — with the URLs and what to look for.", "image": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk/assets/installer-D2bbZsjM.jpg", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Alliant Energy Team", "url": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk/about" }, "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Person", "name": "MCS Registered Engineer", "jobTitle": "MCS Registered Engineer" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Alliant Energy", "url": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk/logo.png" } }, "datePublished": "2026-01-15", "dateModified": "2026-05-19" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if the installer is a sole trader rather than a limited company?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Sole traders aren't on Companies House in the same way, but they should still hold MCS, NICEIC and consumer code memberships — these are individual certifications. A sole trader with full credentials is a legitimate installer; the Ltd structure's protection is absent but the technical credentials are the same." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I check how long an installer has been MCS registered?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The MCS register shows current status but not full history. Companies House is the better source for trading history — it shows incorporation date and full filing history." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "If the installer subcontracts the electrical work, does the subcontractor also need to be NICEIC?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. The electrician carrying out the wiring and consumer-unit connection must be NICEIC (or NAPIT) approved to self-certify under Part P. Verify their credentials separately." } } ] } ] --- [![Alliant Energy — Renewable Energy Solutions](/__l5e/assets-v1/3bd22195-cc6e-43e6-b5ff-5a808ce292d3/alliantenergyltd-2.svg)](/) [Home](/)[About](/about-us) [Services](/services) [Guides](/guides)[Case Studies](/case-study)[![Levelise](/__l5e/assets-v1/59fd362e-361a-47d7-ad1f-65e9beeb5289/levelise-logo.webp)](/guides/levelise-hub-explained) [01282 501589](tel:01282501589)[Get a Quote →](/quote) Spoke guide · Choosing an installer # How to Check a Solar Installer's Credentials (MCS, NICEIC, TrustMark) Before signing a contract, five checks take about 15 minutes and tell you almost everything you need to know. Here's exactly how to do each one — with the URLs and what to look for. By **Alliant Energy Team**· reviewed by MCS Registered Engineer Last updated 19 May 2026 [Verify Alliant's Credentials](/about-us) [Get a Quote](/quote) On this page - [1\. MCS](#mcs) - [2\. NICEIC](#niceic) - [3\. TrustMark](#trustmark) - [4\. HIES / RECC](#hies) - [5\. Companies House](#ch) - [Summary table](#summary) - [If a check fails](#fail) - [FAQ](#faq) Ready to act? Free quote in one working day. [Get a Quote →](/quote) For a £7,000+ investment lasting 25 years, 15 minutes of due diligence is one of the best-value exercises you can do. ## Check 1: MCS certification — mcscertified.com The most important check. MCS certification is required for SEG eligibility and grant access. - Go to _mcscertified.com/find-an-installer_ - Search company name or postcode - Confirm: name matches, certification is 'current', and covers Solar PV - Some companies trade under a different name to their Companies House name — search both if needed MCS-registered installers Every Alliant Energy installation is carried out by MCS-registered installers — search them on mcscertified.com/find-an-installer to confirm current registration for Solar PV and Air Source Heat Pumps. ## Check 2: NICEIC approval — niceic.com Covers electrical installation standards. NICEIC-approved contractors can self-certify electrical work under Part P — no local authority inspection needed. - Go to _niceic.com/find-a-contractor_ - Search by company name or postcode - Confirm listed and current NAPIT is an alternative approved body offering equivalent status — equally valid. ## Check 3: TrustMark — trustmark.org.uk The government-endorsed quality scheme. TrustMark-registered businesses have agreed to a code of conduct, consumer protection standards and a formal complaints process. - Use the 'Find a Tradesman' search at trustmark.org.uk - Confirm registration is current and covers Renewable Energy / Solar PV ## Check 4: HIES or RECC membership Consumer protection schemes that provide deposit protection and dispute resolution. At least one adds meaningful protection on top of the technical certifications. - HIES: hiesscheme.org.uk — member search - RECC: recc.org.uk — member search If an installer is a member of neither, ask why. Code membership is a condition of some grant scheme participation. ## Check 5: Companies House Confirms the company is a registered legal entity, how long it has been trading, the directors, and any concerns. - Go to _find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk_ - Search by company name or number - Check status is 'Active', incorporation date, registered address, named directors - Look for trading history of 2–3+ years for a 25-year investment ### Alliant passes all five checks MCS, NICEIC, TrustMark, HIES and Companies House — all public, all verifiable. [See Our Credentials](/about-us) [Get a Quote](/quote) ## Summary: 15 minutes, five checks Check Where to verify Takes MCS certification mcscertified.com/find-an-installer 2 minutes NICEIC / NAPIT approval niceic.com or napit.org.uk 2 minutes TrustMark registration trustmark.org.uk 2 minutes HIES or RECC membership hiesscheme.org.uk or recc.org.uk 2 minutes Companies House companieshouse.gov.uk 3–5 minutes ## What to do if a check fails - **MCS not current or not found:** do not proceed. There's no acceptable substitute. - **NICEIC / NAPIT not found:** ask directly. They may operate under a different name. If they can't verify, question the electrical certification. - **TrustMark not found:** ask why. Doesn't automatically disqualify, but removes a layer of protection. - **Companies House shows recent incorporation or unusual structure:** ask about trading history. Some legitimate companies restructure or trade through different entities. A legitimate installer welcomes these checks. An installer who becomes defensive when you mention verifying credentials has told you something important. ## Frequently asked questions ### What if the installer is a sole trader rather than a limited company? Sole traders aren't on Companies House in the same way, but they should still hold MCS, NICEIC and consumer code memberships — these are individual certifications. A sole trader with full credentials is a legitimate installer; the Ltd structure's protection is absent but the technical credentials are the same. ### Can I check how long an installer has been MCS registered? The MCS register shows current status but not full history. Companies House is the better source for trading history — it shows incorporation date and full filing history. ### If the installer subcontracts the electrical work, does the subcontractor also need to be NICEIC? Yes. The electrician carrying out the wiring and consumer-unit connection must be NICEIC (or NAPIT) approved to self-certify under Part P. Verify their credentials separately. Three ways to get started ## Ready to find out what solar saves you? Get a tailored quote in one working day. No obligation. No hard sell. Speak to a renewable energy engineer — not a salesperson — at a time that suits you. [Get a Quote → ](/quote) [Request a Callback →](/request-callback) [Download Brochure →](/brochure) Accreditations ## Certified, registered, and insured. Every time. MCS certification isn't a box-ticking exercise — it qualifies your system for Smart Export Guarantee payments and government grants. Our installers are also NICEIC-approved and TrustMark-registered, and every install is fully insured. ![Citation ISO Certification: ISO 9001 quality management, ISO 14001 environmental management and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety](/__l5e/assets-v1/180183cd-e6fd-4b0a-984c-83e6a41390d7/accreditations-iso.jpg) ![Alliant Energy — Renewable Energy Solutions](/assets/logo-IFrgP5Dc.png) Renewable energy & energy-saving specialists. MCS-registered solar PV, battery storage, heat pumps and EV charging across the UK. #### Quick Links - [Home](/) - [About Us](/about-us) - [Services](/services) - [Case Studies](/case-study) - [Areas We Cover](/solar-panel-quotes-north-west) - [Contact](/contact) - [Privacy Policy](/privacy) - [Terms & Conditions](/terms) #### Services - [Solar for Homes](/services/solar) - [Commercial Solar](/services/commercial-solar) - [Battery Storage](/services/battery-storage) - [Air Source Heat Pumps](/services/heat-pumps) - [EV Charging](/services/ev-charging) - [Energy Saving Advice](/services/energy-saving-advice) #### Contact - [01282 501589](tel:01282501589) - [info@alliantenergy.co.uk](mailto:info@alliantenergy.co.uk) - Unit 214 Northlight Industries, Pendle Road, Brierfield, Nelson BB9 5FL [Get a Quote](/quote)[Brochure](/brochure) Alliant Energy Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 1020779) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (Phoenix). Phoenix is a credit broker, not a lender. Phoenix is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 539195), and offers finance from its panel of lenders. All finance subject to status and credit checks. © 2026 Alliant Energy Ltd. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](/privacy)[Terms & Conditions](/terms) MCS Registered · TrustMark · NICEIC [Chat with AI](/chat) [Call back](/request-callback) [Get a Quote](/quote) [Get a Brochure](/brochure) [Get a Quote](/quote) [Chat with AI](/chat)