Solar installation and handover checklist

Before installation

• A survey of your roof, electrics and where the inverter and any battery will go.
• A written design with the system size, panel layout, expected yearly generation and how shade was allowed for.
• A quote that itemises the panels, inverter, any battery, scaffolding and extras.
• Confirmation that the installer is MCS certified, if you want an export tariff.

On the day

• Agree where cables will run and where the inverter, isolators and any battery will be fitted.
• Ask the installer to show you how to read the inverter or monitoring, and how to switch the system off safely.

Documents to keep

• MCS certificate, which most export tariffs require.
• Electrical installation certificate for the new wiring.
• Building regulations compliance, which the installer usually provides through a competent person scheme.
• Network operator notification. For most home systems, the installer tells your network operator within 28 days of commissioning. Larger systems need approval before connection.
• Warranties for the panels, inverter, any battery and the workmanship, with who provides each.
• Performance estimate, to compare with what the system generates.
• Equipment list and manuals, including the inverter model and serial numbers.

After installation

1. Apply for an export tariff; you will usually need a smart meter that records exports and the MCS certificate. Compare offers in export tariffs.
2. Set up monitoring and check it works.
3. Tell your home insurer about the system.
4. Keep all documents together, ready for when you sell the house.

Check

What to check first

• The MCS certificate number, which you can check with MCS.
• The generation estimate in your documents against our solar panel calculator.
• That the monitoring shows generation, on the first sunny day.

Do

Practical next steps

1. Use this checklist when you speak to installers.
2. Compare quotes in the solar quote checker.
3. After handover, record monthly generation; see solar output through the year.

Take care

Important limitations

• Requirements for planning and building regulations differ across the UK nations.
• Export tariff conditions vary by supplier; check the tariff's own terms.

Related tools and guides

• Compare export tariffs
• Solar panel costs and quotes
• Solar maintenance and poor output

Sources

• MCS: notifying network operators
• Energy Networks Association: G98 connection guide
• Energy Saving Trust: solar panels

Official sources checked 3 October 2026.