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How to Know if Your Solar Quote Is Actually Any Good

  • Stu
  • Jun 7
  • 3 min read

Choosing a solar and battery system is a big decision, and most customers will compare more than one quotation before deciding who to use.

The challenge is that not all solar quotes are easy to compare. One quote may look cheaper, but it might not include the same products, warranties, scaffolding, monitoring, bird protection, DNO applications or aftercare. Another quote may look more expensive, but could include a better-designed system and more long-term support.

At M+S Renewables, we believe customers should understand exactly what they are being quoted for before making a decision.

Start with the system design

A good solar quote should be designed around your property, not copied from a standard package.

It should consider:

  • your roof space;

  • roof direction and shading;

  • your electricity usage;

  • whether you use more energy during the day or evening;

  • whether you have, or plan to have, an electric vehicle;

  • whether battery storage would be useful;

  • whether backup power is important to you;

  • your current or future energy tariff.

A quote that simply says “10 panels and a battery” without explaining why that system suits your home may not be giving you the full picture.

Check what products are being used

A good quotation should clearly list the main products being supplied.

This usually includes:

  • solar panels;

  • inverter;

  • battery storage;

  • mounting system;

  • EV charger if included;

  • gateway or backup equipment if included;

  • optimisers or monitoring equipment if required.

If the quote does not clearly state the products, ask for more detail. You should know what is being installed before you commit.

Look carefully at battery size

Battery storage is one of the most important parts of a modern home energy system.

A smaller battery may reduce the upfront cost, but it may not store enough energy for your needs. A larger battery may offer more flexibility, but it needs to be justified by your usage, tariff and future plans.

The right battery size depends on how much energy you use, when you use it and what you want the system to achieve.

Ask about warranties and support

Solar and battery systems are long-term investments, so warranty information matters.

Your quote should explain:

  • product warranties;

  • workmanship or labour cover;

  • battery warranty terms;

  • inverter warranty terms;

  • who to contact if something goes wrong;

  • whether monitoring and aftercare are included.

A cheap quote is not always good value if the support afterwards is unclear.

Check what is included

Before comparing prices, check whether each quote includes the same things.

Look for:

  • scaffolding;

  • bird protection;

  • DNO application where required;

  • monitoring setup;

  • handover information;

  • MCS certification where applicable;

  • VAT treatment;

  • electrical upgrades if needed;

  • any exclusions or assumptions.

If one company includes items that another company has missed, the price difference may not be as big as it first appears.

Be careful with savings claims

Estimated savings can be useful, but they should be realistic.

Savings depend on:

  • your electricity usage;

  • your tariff;

  • how much solar you use directly;

  • battery charge and discharge behaviour;

  • export rates;

  • future energy prices;

  • how the system is managed.

Be cautious if a quote promises very high savings without explaining the assumptions behind them.

Does the installer understand your long-term plans?

A good installer should ask about more than just today’s electricity bill.

They should consider whether you may add:

  • battery storage;

  • an EV charger;

  • air conditioning;

  • a heat pump;

  • more panels;

  • backup power;

  • smart tariffs.

A system designed for future expansion can often be more useful than the cheapest possible option on day one.

Get a second opinion

If you are unsure about a quote, it is worth asking someone to review it before making a decision.

At M+S Renewables, we offer honest quote advice for customers who want a second opinion on solar, battery storage, EV charging, air conditioning or wider energy systems.

The aim is not to criticise other installers. It is to help you understand what you have been quoted and whether it makes sense for your property.

Need help understanding a quote?

Send your quote to M+S Renewables and our team can help you understand what is included, what may be missing and whether the advice looks right for your home or business.

Contact M+S Renewables for honest quote advice.

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