Technologies
Discover the benefits of solar panels and what to expect from an MCS certified solar installation.
Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity. They provide your home with a renewable, reliable energy source.
Solar panels are part of a system known as solar PV (photovoltaic). Solar PV refers to all parts of the system, as well as the panels themselves.
Reduce your electricity bills.
Earn money on the electricity that you produce by selling excess energy back to the grid using the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) or an export tariff from an energy provider.
Cut your carbon footprint.
Requires little maintenance.
Invest in the future and reduce your reliance on the National Grid.
You can pair it with a battery storage system to store excess electricity that your panels generate for when you most need it.
Solar panels work by absorbing energy from the sun and turning it into electricity. They even work on cloudy days and during the winter.
Solar panels come in different shapes and sizes, and can be fitted on your roof (most commonly), in your garden, or on an external building like a shed or garage.
To power your home, several panels are connected together with other parts, like an inverter and wiring, to make a full rooftop system. This is then plugged into your home electrics, allowing you to use the electricity generated around the home.
It is increasingly common for households with solar panels to also have an electrical energy storage device (battery storage or a battery), so you can store and use excess electricity when the sun isn’t shining.
Before you decide to have solar panels installed, you should research the factors that can influence how much power they are able to provide to your home. These include:
Although solar panels are typically installed on roofs, it is also possible to have them mounted in your garden or installed on a shed or garage.
The costs of installing solar panels have gone down considerably in recent years. The average cost of installing a certified solar PV system for the home in 2025 is just over £7,000 – we’ve seen around a £500 price reduction compared to 2024.
In most cases, you don’t need planning permission to install solar panels. However, if your home is a listed building, or you live in a Conservation Area or World Heritage Site, there may be extra rules. For example, the panels might need to be placed where they can’t be seen from the street. To discuss these requirements further, reach out to your local council or speak to a certified installer.
If you’re planning to install a solar panel system on your home, you must register it with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Before your installer begins work, you will need to notify your DNO, providing details on the type and capacity of your system. In some cases, the installer can do this on your behalf.
MCS is the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewables like solar panels. We set the standards you should always expect from an MCS certified installer.
MCS certification ensures that our installers install renewable technologies to the best possible quality, while also adhering to industry-recognised safety practices when working in and around your home or small business.
Certified installers use MCS certified products, including solar panels and mounting kits. This means that they have been tested for quality, reliability, and performance.
We encourage you to check an installer’s certification status through our online Find an Installer search, or by calling our Customer Support Helpdesk. To ensure that your installer has maintained certification throughout, it’s worth checking as you get a quote, before you sign your contract, and before the installation starts.
If you are ready to explore installing solar panels on your home or small business, you can find an MCS certified solar installer near you using our ‘Find an Installer’ online search.
MCS certified installers are expected to operate with integrity and provide a high-quality service, taking care of, and protecting, their customers.
This starts with the quote you will be provided for your solar installation, which will be clear and provide a full breakdown of what you’re purchasing. It is the duty of your installer to ensure that you are fully informed of their products and services, the installation timeline, and any delays which may occur.
Your installer should also tell you about any subcontractors that will be involved in your installation, so you can know who is at your property and when.
Your solar panels should be working as expected.
You will receive an MCS certificate within 10 working days of completion.
You will receive a handover pack upon completion, including key information such as product details and workmanship warranty.
Your new system will be designed and installed in accordance with MCS Standards.
Solar panels are low-maintenance – you’ll just need to keep the panels reasonably clean and make sure that any shading is minimised; where possible.
Your MCS installer will provide a simple maintenance guide with instructions for checks to keep everything running smoothly. This includes information on common inverter signals and basic troubleshooting tips.
Solar panels themselves can last over 25 years, but the inverter may need replacing during that time, which typically costs around £800.
There are several schemes – some backed by the government – that can help with the costs of installing solar panels.
Solar panels on their own offer lower electricity bills and clean energy, but can work even better when combined with other renewable technologies.
Solar panels and heat pumps
Solar panels and battery storage
Our case studies highlight real-life success stories from consumers, showcasing the positive impact of solar panels on their home.
“I can get up and put the washing machine on ...
Our case studies highlight real-life success stories from consumers, showcasing the positive impact of solar panels on their home.
“I can get up and put the washing machine on first thing in the morning, and with my smart meter I can see that it’s costing me nothing.” – Sian
“The technologies have significantly decreased our energy bills, and we’ve also been able to earn money by selling the surplus electricity generated from our solar panels (and stored through the battery storage) back to the national grid through our supplier....
“The technologies have significantly decreased our energy bills, and we’ve also been able to earn money by selling the surplus electricity generated from our solar panels (and stored through the battery storage) back to the national grid through our supplier.” – Stephen
MCS works with the wider industry to empower consumers to make the right choice in how they power their homes. There are other resources available that you might find helpful when researching solar panels:
Energy Saving Trust is the largest provider of energy-saving advice in the UK, helping you to find ways to reduce your carbon emissions and find eligible grants.
Powered by MCS and Energy Saving Trust, Go Renewable is a start-to-end platform allowing you to assess your home for your next renewable upgrade, book a professional home survey, and compare quotes from MCS certified installers ready to install your chosen renewable technology.
Solar Energy UK is the not for profit trade association working for and representing solar energy and energy storage in the UK. SEUK can provide more information about maintaining and living with your solar panels.
