01
Build a verifiable shortlist
Confirm the legal company name, trading address, relevant certification, insurance, recent comparable work and who will perform the survey and installation.
02
Request the same information
Ask each firm for named products, an itemised scope, generation estimate and assumptions, grid responsibilities, warranties, payment schedule and complaint route.
03
Check before paying
Make sure the contracting party, payment recipient and warranty provider match the documents. Understand deposit protection and cancellation terms before transferring money.
04
Two certifications, not one
MCS certification (currently MIS 3002 v6.0) covers installation quality and is required for Smart Export Guarantee payments. Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) membership is a separate scheme covering sales practices, contracts, deposits and dispute resolution — ask an installer to confirm both, with registration numbers you can check independently. If you'd rather skip the local search, our enquiry-referral form matches you with vetted, MCS-certified installers directly.