The questions to ask before installing solar should reveal what the proposal includes and why it suits your home. Use this checklist alongside the quotation, rather than relying on a headline savings percentage.
Is the roof suitable for the intended lifetime?
Ask about condition, structure, shade and safe access. If repairs or reroofing are likely soon, discuss the order of work. Also confirm any planning or building requirements for the actual property.
How Much Electricity Should the System Generate?
Request the array capacity and annual energy estimate, with orientation, pitch, shading and loss assumptions. Then ask how output changes by season. A kWp rating is not an annual kWh forecast.
How Does the Installer Calculate Savings?
Check self-consumption, import price, export price and future cost assumptions. Also ask for a less favourable scenario. Read our solar payback guide.
What does a proposed battery add?
Separate its installed cost and expected benefit from the solar array. Ask about usable capacity, output power, charging losses and tariff compatibility. If you want backup, require an explicit description of supported circuits and limits.
What Does the Quote Include and Exclude?
Check scaffolding, mounting, electrical alterations, monitoring, network requirements, commissioning, documentation and VAT. Our solar cost breakdown provides more detail.
Who supports the system afterwards?
Distinguish product warranties from workmanship and performance terms. For example, check labour, access costs and the claims route. Confirm homeowner monitoring access and the recommended maintenance arrangements.
For the broader decision, read our solar benefits and limitations guide.
Solar design for your property
Renew-Able Solutions assesses roofs and electricity use across Edinburgh, East Lothian and wider Central and East Scotland. Explore our solar PV installation service or contact us for an assessment.
Reviewed 27 September 2026.
