Are you MCS-certified?

We are an advisory service, not an installer. We install through MCS-certified partners — the installer who carries out your work is MCS-certified.

What should a good solar quote include?

A written, itemised quote after a survey should include the system size, panel and inverter brands, battery option if chosen, warranty terms, finance options and the total cost. It should be no-obligation and confirmed on paper.

How do I choose a solar installer in Edinburgh?

Quick answer: Choose a solar installer who works with MCS-certified partners, gives a written no-obligation quote, explains warranties clearly and has conservation area experience. Ask about panel and inverter brands, timelines and aftercare. Red flags include pressure to sign, vague pricing and no written quote.

Last updated: 1 November 2026

Choose a solar installer who works with MCS-certified partners, gives a written no-obligation quote, explains warranties clearly and has experience with Edinburgh conservation areas and tenements. Ask about panel and inverter brands, timelines and aftercare. Red flags include pressure to sign, vague pricing and no written quote. We install through MCS-certified partners.

Why MCS certification matters

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the quality standard for small-scale renewable installations in the UK. Using an MCS-certified installer means the installation meets recognised standards for equipment and workmanship, and it is usually required to access export payments under the Smart Export Guarantee. We install through MCS-certified partners. We are an advisory service, not an installer — we match your home with an MCS-certified installer partner who carries out the work.

What to check before you choose

MCS certification — confirm the installer who will actually carry out the work is MCS-certified. We install through MCS-certified partners.
Written quote — you should receive a written, itemised quote after a survey, not a verbal estimate. Confirmed on your written quote.
Pricing transparency — every system should be priced at survey. Avoid anyone quoting a fixed price without seeing your roof.
Warranty explanation — the installer should explain workmanship and manufacturer warranties clearly before you sign. Warranty terms are confirmed in writing on your quotation.
Conservation area experience — much of Edinburgh sits in conservation areas, and many buildings are listed. Your installer should know when planning permission or listed building consent is needed.
Aftercare — check what happens after installation: monitoring setup, performance check-ins and how to reach the service team if something goes wrong.

Questions to ask an installer

Are you MCS-certified, and who actually carries out the installation?
What panel and inverter brands do you use, and why?
What system size do you recommend for my roof and usage, and why?
Do I need planning permission or listed building consent for my property?
What warranties apply — workmanship, panel product, panel performance, inverter and battery?
What is the installation timeline, and how long does the work take?
What aftercare do you provide after commissioning?
Is finance available, and what are the terms? (Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status)

Conservation area and listed building experience

Edinburgh has a high concentration of conservation areas — including the World Heritage Site covering the Old Town and New Town — and many properties are Category A or B listed. Street-facing roof slopes in conservation areas usually need a planning application, and listed buildings need listed building consent. An installer with local conservation experience knows how to assess visibility, prepare applications and design a layout that has the best chance of approval. The survey should flag these requirements before the quote is finalised. See our Old Town and New Town solar guide for what this involves.

Red flags to watch for

Pressure to sign on the day — a reputable installer gives you time to consider the quote.
Vague or verbal-only pricing — you should receive a written, itemised quote after a survey.
No survey before quoting — quoting a fixed price without seeing the roof is a warning sign.
Unclear warranty terms — if warranties are not explained in writing, ask why.
No mention of planning or conservation — an installer who ignores conservation area status in Edinburgh is not doing the job properly.
No aftercare plan — you should know how to get help after the installation.

How we help you choose

Edinburgh Solar Hub is part of Scottish Energy Efficiency. We are not an installer — we are an advisory service that matches your home with the right MCS-certified installer partner. We arrange the survey, provide the written quote, explain the warranties and finance, and stay your first point of contact for aftercare. Call 0141 230 0198 or use the quote form to get started.

Frequently asked questions

Do you install solar panels in Edinburgh?

Yes. We arrange solar panel, battery and heat pump installations across Edinburgh. We install through MCS-certified partners. Your survey checks the roof, any planning or conservation area rules and the grid connection before anything is quoted.

Can I add a battery to my existing solar panels?

Usually, yes. Most existing solar systems can take a battery, either through a hybrid inverter or a separate battery inverter. The survey checks your inverter, consumer unit and a safe place for the battery, and your written quote confirms exactly what is needed.

Can I spread the cost?

Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status. Every system is priced at survey and the full cost is confirmed on your written quote, so you can compare paying upfront with finance before you decide. There is no obligation to go ahead.

How do I get a quote?

Call us on 0141 230 0198 or fill in the short quote form. We arrange a survey of your home, then send you a written, no-obligation quote from one of our MCS-certified installer partners.

More answers from Scottish Energy Efficiency

Edinburgh Solar Hub is a trading name of Scot Energy Efficiency Ltd, company number 17408629, registered office 66 Paul Street, London EC2A 4NA.

Ready for your Edinburgh quote?

Tell us about your home in two minutes. We arrange a survey, then send a written quote.

Get a quote 0141 230 0198

No obligation · We install through MCS-certified partners · Scottish homes and businesses