This page is for homeowners comparing two or more installer quotes. It gives a checklist and a table template you can copy or print. Each row records the same checks, so you compare like with like. See our qualified provider list guide for the official registers behind each check.
For the broader overview, read our guide: Any Qualified Provider List for UK Homeowners.
Independent guide. We are not a lender or a government body. Always check current scheme rules with the official provider.
What to compare
Price alone does not show which quote is best. Protection and certification matter just as much. Check each point below for every installer. Record what you find, including any gaps.
- MCS certification for the installer and the products.
- TrustMark registration.
- Consumer code membership: RECC or HIES.
- A written, itemised quote.
- Workmanship warranty of at least two years.
- Deposit protection.
- An insurance-backed guarantee, where offered.
Installer comparison template
Copy this table into a notebook or spreadsheet. Fill in one row per installer. Write "yes", "no" or "not stated" in each box. Use the notes column for anything unclear.
| Installer | MCS number checked | TrustMark | Consumer code | Written quote | Warranty | Deposit protection | Insurance-backed guarantee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installer 1 | ||||||||
| Installer 2 | ||||||||
| Installer 3 |
Reading your results
Remove any installer who fails the MCS check, because many schemes need it. Then compare the protection each one offers. Compare the quotes item by item, not just the total. Ask questions about any "not stated" box before you decide.
Checklist
- Two or three installers on my list.
- MCS number checked on the MCS website for each.
- TrustMark and consumer code checked.
- Written, itemised quotes received.
- Warranty and deposit protection confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How many installers should I compare?
Get two or three written quotes. That gives you a fair view of price and protection.
What if an installer leaves a box blank?
Ask them to confirm the point in writing. Treat a refusal as a warning sign.
Is the cheapest quote the best?
Not always. Compare certification, warranty and deposit protection as well as price.
Does every installer offer an insurance-backed guarantee?
HIES members offer insurance-backed guarantees. Ask each installer what they provide.
So you can compare installers on the same checks and choose with confidence.
WHLS Editorial Team
Our editorial team writes independent, plain-English guides on home energy finance. We review guides when scheme rules change.
References
- MCS – Find an installer (opens in a new tab)
- TrustMark (opens in a new tab)
- RECC – Renewable Energy Consumer Code (opens in a new tab)
- HIES – Home Insulation and Energy Systems (opens in a new tab)
- Energy Saving Trust – Consumer protection (opens in a new tab)
- Financial Conduct Authority – Financial Services Register (opens in a new tab)
