The UK solar industry has a trust problem. There are installers operating without proper certification, using high-pressure sales tactics and overstating returns. Here's how to filter them out.
Start with MCS certification — it's non-negotiable
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is the UK's quality standard for small-scale renewable installs. Without MCS certification your system cannot earn Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments, cannot access government grants, and manufacturer warranties may be invalid. That certificate is worth thousands over the system's lifetime.
Verify directly at mcscertified.com/find-an-installer. Any installer who suggests MCS isn't necessary, or that they can "sort it out afterwards", should be immediately disqualified.
Alliant is MCS certified
Look for additional accreditations
| Accreditation | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| NICEIC Approved | Electrical installation meets safety standards. Annual inspections. Self-certification under Part P — no local authority sign-off needed. |
| TrustMark Registered | Government-endorsed quality scheme with formal complaints process, consumer redress and independent oversight. |
| HIES Member | Deposit protection up to £2,000, free disputes resolution, and a guarantee if the installer goes out of business. |
| RECC Member | Renewable Energy Consumer Code — alternative to HIES with similar protections. |
| Which? Trusted Trader | Consumer review and vetting scheme. Less rigorous than NICEIC/TrustMark but adds peer transparency. |
Alliant holds MCS, NICEIC, TrustMark and HIES — listed on our site because they're real credentials with real implications, not just logos.
Own installation teams vs. subcontractors
Ask explicitly: will the installation be carried out by your own employees or by subcontractors? Installers using their own teams are accountable for the work. Subcontracting isn't automatically bad — but for smaller local jobs, an installer who owns their team typically provides better continuity and aftercare. Alliant installs using our own engineers — we don't broker jobs to subcontractors.
Company longevity and financial stability
Solar systems last 25+ years. The installer should still exist when you need warranty work in year 8. Check:
- How long they've been trading (free at companieshouse.gov.uk)
- A registered address and landline — not just a mobile
- Recent verifiable reviews on Google or Trustpilot
- Limited company vs sole trader (both legitimate; a Ltd adds accountability)
Want to verify Alliant in 5 minutes?
Our MCS, NICEIC, TrustMark, HIES and Companies House records are all publicly searchable.
Get at least three quotes — and compare properly
Don't compare on price alone — compare what's included: panel brand and wattage; inverter brand and type (hybrid vs string); battery brand and capacity; scaffolding; DNO application; MCS certification; monitoring app; warranty terms for each component.
A quote that's £500 cheaper but uses an unknown-brand inverter with a 2-year warranty and no battery is not the same product as a Fox ESS quote with a 10-year warranty and 5.76 kWh of battery storage.
One conversation that tells you everything
The single most revealing question: "Is there any reason a solar system might not be the right choice for my property?" A good installer will mention shading, roof orientation, current usage, whether a battery is justified. A bad installer will tell you solar is perfect for every property and change the subject.
Frequently asked questions
Is a local installer better than a national one?
Not automatically — but local installers often have better survey response time, regional expertise on planning/DNO, and accountability within their community. National installers may have more hardware purchasing power. MCS certification, own teams and track record matter more than geography.
How do I know if online reviews are genuine?
Look across multiple platforms (Google, Trustpilot, Which?), check reviews span time rather than appearing in batches, and look for specific install detail rather than generic positivity. Identically phrased five-star reviews are a red flag.
Should I use a comparison site to find an installer?
They earn referral fees, which creates an incentive to favour certain companies regardless of quality. Use as a starting point but verify credentials independently. Alliant does not pay referral fees to comparison sites.
