Why this matters
Solar panels can be a good investment when the system is specified honestly, priced fairly and installed properly. The issue is not solar technology itself. The issue is whether the sale, installation or aftercare matched what you were told.
MCS, RECC and dispute-resolution routes may help with standards, paperwork, workmanship or member conduct where the installer and issue fall within scope. They may not deal with every mis-selling, warranty or insolvency problem.
We are not a government scheme, energy supplier or solar installer. Solar Panel Advice Centre helps homeowners organise the facts, understand the likely route and decide whether a free case review is sensible.
Warning signs
your installer claimed certification or code membership
you have an MCS certificate or missing handover paperwork
the dispute involves workmanship, technical standards or aftercare
the installer is refusing to engage
you are unsure whether certification, warranty or installer complaint is the right route
you need to organise evidence before contacting a body
What to keep
- MCS certificate and handover pack
- installer membership or certification details
- contract, quote and warranty documents
- photos and technical evidence
- complaint correspondence with the installer
- warranty documents, handover pack and installer correspondence
Where the issue may fit
The right route depends on which standards or consumer code applied, who sold and installed the system, what went wrong and what your documents show.
- installer complaint first where appropriate
- MCS or certification-related route where in scope
- RECC or consumer-code route where membership applies
- Green Homes Dispute Resolution where the case fits its process
- separate seller, installer or warranty route where the issue falls outside certification
How a free review helps
A free review is designed to sort the issue into the right category before you spend time on the wrong complaint. You can explain what happened in plain English, then add documents later if they are available.
The review normally looks at the sales promise, the written paperwork, the installation position and any aftercare or warranty response.
FAQs
Does MCS certification guarantee no problems?
No. Certification can matter, but disputes can still arise over sales, design, workmanship, performance or aftercare.
Which route should I use first?
That depends on the installer, certification, warranty position and complaint type. The wrong route can waste time.
Can these bodies award compensation?
Their powers and processes vary. Check the current rules of the relevant body before relying on a remedy.