What Happens After You Request Solar Quotes? The Process Explained

You've filled in the form, hit submit, and now you're wondering what happens next. The process from quote request to generating your own electricity is straightforward, but knowing what to expect makes it smoother.

Step 1: Initial contact (within 24-48 hours)

After you request quotes, up to three MCS-certified installers in your area will contact you, usually by phone. They'll ask basic questions about your property and check you're a good fit for solar. This isn't a sales call - it's a qualification conversation.

Step 2: Site survey (within 1-2 weeks)

A surveyor visits your property to assess roof orientation, pitch, condition, shading, your consumer unit, and available roof area. This takes 30-45 minutes. Some installers do initial surveys remotely using satellite imagery, followed by a brief in-person visit.

Step 3: Detailed quote (within a few days)

You'll receive a written quote including system size, panel and inverter make/model, estimated annual generation, projected savings, total cost (0% VAT for domestic), warranty terms, and proposed installation date.

Compare all three quotes carefully. Don't just look at the bottom-line price. Panel quality, inverter brand, warranty length, and monitoring features all matter. Our best solar panels guide helps you understand the differences.

Step 4: Accepting and scheduling

Once you choose an installer, you sign a contract and pay a deposit (10-25% is standard). The installer registers with MCS, notifies your DNO, orders equipment, and schedules your date.

Step 5: Installation day (1-2 days)

A typical 4kW system takes one day:

• Morning: Scaffolding up, mounting rails fixed to roof rafters
• Midday: Panels mounted onto rails


• Afternoon: Inverter and electrics installed, system wired


• Late afternoon: Testing and commissioning

Step 6: Registration and go-live

Your installer registers the system with MCS and your DNO. You'll receive your MCS certificate - keep it safe for export tariff applications and any future house sale.

Export payments via the Smart Export Guarantee require a separate application to your chosen energy supplier. Comparing energy tariffs at this point is worth doing, as SEG rates vary between suppliers.

Step 7: Monitoring

Most modern systems come with an app showing real-time generation, consumption, and export data. The whole process from enquiry to generating typically takes 4-8 weeks.

If you haven't started yet, get your quotes going and the rest follows naturally. For cost expectations, our 2026 cost breakdown has the latest figures.