For UK solar PV installers

Solar panel quote template (UK)

A clear layout for a solar PV quote that sets out system size, MCS, the roof survey, grid connection and VAT properly, so the customer knows what is included before you put a foot on the roof.

What a solar panel quote should include

Solar quotes go wrong in one predictable place: the roof. Its condition, its orientation and its structure decide whether the job runs to plan, and whether a battery is included swings the price more than almost anything else. A good solar quote prices the visible work firmly, flags the roof and grid unknowns honestly, and shows the customer that the certification and paperwork will be in order.

• Your business and MCS certification. Trading name, address, contact, your MCS certification, and your VAT number if registered. MCS belongs on the quote because it is normally needed for the customer to claim the export tariff.
• The customer and the property. Their name and the property address.
• The system. System size in kWp, the number and model of panels, the inverter, and whether battery storage is included.
• Roof and mounting. The roof type (tile, slate, flat or in-roof), the mounting method, plus a roof survey and structural check to confirm the roof can carry the array.
• Scaffold and access. Scaffold and safe access are a real line item, not an afterthought.
• Electrical and grid. The DC and AC work, the consumer unit, DNO notification (G98 or G99) for the grid connection, and the SEG export application.
• VAT. VAT on domestic solar can be zero-rated under current rules. Apply and show VAT per the applicable rules. If not registered, say so.
• Timeline, payment and exclusions. Days on site, when you expect payment and any deposit against ordered equipment, and anything excluded such as roof repairs or scaffold beyond the quoted duration.
• Validity period. "Valid for 30 days" so a panel and battery price does not follow you around after supplier costs move.

A solar panel quote example

The figures below are illustrative and shown only to demonstrate the layout. They are not market rates. Price every job from your own supplier prices and day rate.

Scope note: "Supply and install a roof-mounted PV array of the stated kWp with inverter, mounting for the stated roof type, DC and AC electrical work, DNO notification and SEG application, tested and commissioned. Battery storage included or excluded as stated. Excludes roof repairs and scaffold beyond the quoted duration." Terms note: "Price assumes the roof structure and covering are sound and suitable for the array. Any defect found during the roof survey will be quoted and agreed in writing before proceeding. Grid connection is subject to the DNO response. Valid for 30 days."

The mistakes that cost solar installers money on a quote

• Not checking the roof. Committing a firm price before the roof survey and structural check is how a job turns into a loss when the covering or the timbers will not carry the array. Add a clear variations line.
• Leaving scaffold vague. Scaffold and access are a real cost. If the install overruns the hire period, someone pays. Price it and set the assumed duration.
• Not saying whether a battery is included. Battery storage swings the price hard. State plainly whether it is in or out so the customer is comparing like for like.
• Getting DNO or G99 timing wrong. Larger systems need G99 notification and the DNO can take time to respond. Flag that the grid connection depends on their answer, not your calendar.
• Skipping the MCS and SEG paperwork. The customer needs MCS certification of the install to apply for the export tariff. Make clear you handle the MCS and SEG application so the paperwork is in order.

Should a solar installer send a quote or an estimate?

For a defined job, a system of an agreed size on a roof you have surveyed, quote it firmly. For work where the true position is not yet known, a roof you have not been up on or a grid connection waiting on a DNO response, an estimate with a firm quote to follow is the honest approach. Put the scope and variations in writing either way. Our guide to quote vs estimate for UK trades explains when each is fairer.

This page is practical quoting guidance, not legal advice. MCS, DNO and VAT treatment are set by the applicable rules, and no savings or payback are promised here. For a serious dispute or a large sum, take proper advice.

Solar panel quote FAQ

Related guides: How to write a professional quote · All trade quote templates · Electrician template · Builder template · Plumber template · Plasterer template