How to Read a Solar Panel Quote: A Line-by-Line Guide

A solar quote should tell you exactly what you're getting, what it costs, and what happens after installation. Most don't. Here's how to read a solar panel quote properly, line by line, so you know whether you're looking at a fair deal or a red flag wrapped in a PDF.

What a Good Quote Looks Like

A properly detailed solar quote should include clear line items for each of the following:

• Panels — brand, model, wattage, and quantity
• Inverter — brand, model, size, and whether it's hybrid or string
• Mounting system — roof rails, brackets, and fixings appropriate to your roof type
• Scaffolding — itemised separately, not buried in the total
• Electrical work — connection to your consumer unit, isolators, and generation meter
• DNO notification — confirmation that the installer handles the G98/G99 notification
• MCS registration — essential for SEG payments
• Labour — installation, commissioning, and system handover

If your quote lumps everything into a single line ("Solar panel system — £8,500"), that's not a quote. It's a guess. Ask for a full breakdown.

Line-by-Line Breakdown

Solar Panels

The quote should name the exact brand and model. Something like "10x JA Solar JAM54D41 450W N-type TOPCon" tells you everything you need to know. "10x 400W panels" tells you nothing.

In 2026, you should be quoted 450W N-type panels as a minimum. If an installer is quoting 370W or 400W PERC panels, they're either clearing old stock or cutting corners. N-type TOPCon panels are the current standard — they're more efficient, degrade slower, and perform better in low light.

Inverter

Your quote should specify the inverter brand, model, and type. The key question: is it a hybrid inverter or a string inverter?

A hybrid inverter can connect to a battery — even if you don't add one now, it gives you the option later without replacing hardware. A string inverter is cheaper but locks you into solar-only unless you retrofit later, which costs more.

If the installer quotes a string inverter without even asking whether you might want a battery in future, they're not planning for your needs. A good installer discusses this upfront.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding should be a separate line item, not hidden in the total. Typical cost for a standard two-storey house is £300–£600. Complex access — multiple roof planes, chimneys, conservatories, or three-storey properties — costs more.

Some installers include scaffolding in the headline price. That's fine, as long as it's clearly stated. The problem is when it's excluded and appears as a surprise add-on later.

DNO Notification

Your installer must notify your Distribution Network Operator before commissioning your system. There are two types:

• G98 — for systems up to 3.68kW per phase. Free, and the installer just notifies the DNO. No approval needed.
• G99 — for systems over 3.68kW per phase. Also free, but requires DNO approval which takes 4–8 weeks. This can delay your installation timeline.

Your quote should confirm which notification applies and that the installer handles it.

MCS Registration

MCS certification is essential. Without it, you cannot register for SEG payments, and you lose access to important consumer protections. Your quote should confirm that MCS registration is included as part of the installation.

What Should Be Included (But Often Isn't)

Consumer Unit Upgrade

If your fuse board predates 2008 (the BS 7671 17th Edition), it likely needs replacing before solar can be connected safely. This adds £300–£600 and should be flagged during the site survey. If the installer hasn't mentioned it, ask directly.

Bird Proofing

Pigeons and other birds nest under solar panels. It's a common problem that many installers don't mention until you ask. Fitting mesh around the panel edges at install time costs £200–£400. Retrofitting it later — once birds have already moved in — costs more and requires scaffolding again.

Monitoring Setup

Your inverter should come with monitoring — an app showing real-time generation, daily totals, and historical data. Some inverters include WiFi monitoring built in; others need a separate dongle (£30–£80). The quote should confirm monitoring is included and set up as part of the handover.

Warranty Terms

A quote should list warranty terms separately for:

• Panels — product warranty (typically 12–15 years) and performance warranty (25–30 years)
• Inverter — typically 5–12 years depending on brand
• Workmanship — the installer's own warranty covering the installation, usually 5–10 years

If the quote just says "25-year warranty" without specifying what it covers, ask for the breakdown.

LONGi Hi-MO X6 450W

£85

watt peak

450

efficiency pct

23

dimensions mm

1722 x 1134 x 30

weight kg

21.3

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Red Flags That Should Make You Get Another Quote

"Panels included" without naming the brand. This is the biggest red flag. You could end up with cheap, unwarrantied panels from an obscure manufacturer. Always demand the exact make and model.

Inflated generation estimates. If an installer claims your 4kW system will generate 5,000 kWh per year, they're either lying or incompetent. Check the MCS estimate for your region — a 4kW south-facing system typically generates 3,400–4,000 kWh annually depending on location.

Pressure to sign today. "This price is only available if you sign today" or "We only have two installation slots left this month" are sales tactics, not genuine offers. A reputable installer gives you time to compare.

No MCS accreditation number on the quote. If they can't prove they're MCS certified, don't proceed.

VAT charged at 20%. Since April 2022, residential solar installations are zero-rated for VAT. If your quote includes 20% VAT on a home installation, something is wrong. Either the installer doesn't know the rules (worrying) or they're overcharging you (worse).

How to Compare Three Quotes

Don't just compare the total price. Use a simple table to compare like-for-like across your quotes:

The cheapest quote isn't always the best. A quote that's £500 cheaper but includes a string inverter, no bird proofing, and a shorter workmanship warranty will cost you more over 25 years.

JA Solar JAM54D41 450W N-type TOPCon

£82

watt peak

450

efficiency pct

22.8

dimensions mm

1722 x 1134 x 30

weight kg

21.5

View on Amazon

Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you

The Bottom Line

A solar quote is a contract — it should tell you exactly what you're paying for. If anything is vague, missing, or feels pressured, get another quote. There are plenty of good installers in the UK. The right one will give you a clear, detailed, no-pressure quote that answers your questions before you even ask them.

For more on what a fair price looks like, see our breakdown of solar panel costs in the UK. And if you're not sure where to start with finding installers, read our guide on choosing a solar installer.

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