Things to know
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accreditation is not merely a badge. It is what allows the customer to actually get paid for exported electricity through the Smart Export Guarantee. State clearly that the installation will be MCS-certified. A customer who later finds their system isn't eligible for export payments because of an uncertified install will hold the installer responsible, regardless of how well the panels themselves were fitted.
A roof survey and structural assessment is a real, separately billable step before you can commit to a firm price. Roof orientation, shading, and the condition of the roof structure itself all affect feasibility and final cost. Price the survey on its own, and credit it against the job if the customer proceeds. That's standard practice, and it avoids giving away a technical assessment for free on jobs that don't go ahead.
Notifying the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) before connecting a system to the grid is a legal requirement, not paperwork you can skip. Some installations need DNO approval before work even starts, which can affect your schedule. Flag this explicitly if the property's local grid capacity is a known constraint in the area, instead of assuming approval will be instant.
Break out panels, inverter, and scaffolding as separate line items instead of one bundled "solar system" price. Scaffolding in particular is a real, sometimes substantial cost that has nothing to do with the panels themselves. A customer comparing your quote against one that excludes scaffolding access will otherwise assume yours is simply more expensive for the same job.
Typical solar panel installer line items and UK prices
Indicative ranges, excluding VAT. Rates vary by region (London and the South East run higher) and by job size.
| Item | Unit | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| 4kW solar PV system, supplied + installed | per system | £5,000–£7,500 |
| Battery storage (5kWh), add-on | per battery | £2,500–£4,500 |
| Scaffold for roof access | per job | £500–£1,000 |
| Bird mesh / pigeon proofing | per array | £300–£600 |
| Hybrid inverter upgrade | per unit | £800–£1,500 |
| Solar diverter (hot water) | per unit | £300–£600 |
| System health check + panel cleanOften sold as an annual visit. | per visit | £100–£250 |
Common solar panel installer jobs and how to price them
- Roof-mounted PV
- Fixed price per system, listing panel and inverter models, kWp, estimated annual generation and the MCS method used.
- Retrofit batteries
- Fixed price per battery with usable capacity and warranty years.
- Ground-mounted arrays
- Fixed price plus groundworks and cable trenching.
- Larger systems needing G99
- Quote valid subject to DNO approval, with the application lead time stated.
Regulations and certificates to reference
- MCS certification — installs must be MCS-certified for the customer to get Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments. Put your MCS number on the quote and issue the MCS certificate at handover.
- DNO notification (G98 / G99) — systems up to 16A per phase (about 3.68kW single-phase) are notified to the network operator within 28 days of commissioning under G98; larger systems need G99 approval before installation.
- Building Regulations (Part P and Part A) — the electrical work is notifiable, and roof loading may need checking. Competent person schemes cover both for most domestic installs.
- Permitted development — roof panels usually do not need planning permission if they do not protrude more than 200mm from the roof slope; listed buildings and conservation areas differ.
Payment terms solar panel installers commonly use
- Deposit on order (commonly 10–25%), balance on commissioning; some installers take a stage payment on delivery of panels.
- Deposits on consumer contracts should be protected, e.g. through a deposit or workmanship warranty insurance scheme.
Read more: Invoice payment terms explained · Payment methods to offer clients
VAT and CIS for solar panel installers
VAT
Installing solar panels and batteries in homes is zero-rated (0%) as energy-saving materials until 31 March 2027 in Great Britain. Show VAT at 0% on the invoice.
Supply-only, or solar installed on commercial property, is standard-rated at 20%.
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
Electrical installation as a subcontractor on a construction project falls within CIS. Domestic retrofits sold direct to homeowners do not.
General guidance, not tax advice — check your position with HMRC or an accountant.
Read more: Do I need to charge VAT on my invoices? · What must an invoice include? (UK legal requirements)
What this template includes
- Roof survey and structural assessment priced separately
- MCS certification referenced (required for export payments)
- DNO grid notification noted as part of the job
- Panels, inverter, and scaffolding itemised individually
- PDF download or shareable tracked link
Full guide
How to Start a Solar Installation Business as a Sole Trader
Frequently asked questions
Without MCS certification, the homeowner cannot get Smart Export Guarantee payments for exported electricity. It is also the benchmark customers use to compare installers.
Not on domestic installations in Great Britain until 31 March 2027. Installed solar panels and batteries are zero-rated as energy-saving materials. Supply-only and commercial installs are standard-rated.
Smaller systems are notified after installation under G98. Larger systems, or those with big batteries or export, need G99 approval before installation. Factor the lead time into the quote.
Yes. Use the MCS estimation method and show it with its stated limitations. Customers make the buying decision on the payback figure.
It is required for the customer to receive Smart Export Guarantee payments for electricity they export back to the grid. An uncertified install can mean a customer misses out on that income entirely.
The Distribution Network Operator must be notified before a solar system connects to the grid. Some areas require approval before work starts, which can affect scheduling.
It is a real access cost independent of the panels and inverter themselves. Pricing it separately avoids a customer assuming your quote is inflated compared to one that quietly excludes it.
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