What happens if our solar installer goes out of business?

Full answer

Installer failure is rare in the UK MCS-certified commercial solar sector — bonding requirements, financial reporting, and accreditation audits create substantial barriers. But it does happen occasionally (industry-wide, around 1-3% of MCS-certified installers cease trading each year, typically smaller operators).

Three protections specifically for PCCs:

First, the Insurance-Backed Warranty (IWA). Our 10-year workmanship warranty is underwritten by an independent insurance underwriter (currently Aros Insurance Solutions on our standard policy). If we cease trading during the warranty period, the underwriter assumes responsibility for warranty claims. This is the same model used by FENSA for window installers and similar trade bodies.

Second, manufacturer warranties are direct between the manufacturer and the parish, with the installer as a third party. Panel manufacturer warranties (typically 25 years on performance, 12-25 years on product) are independent of installer continuity. Inverter manufacturer warranties (10-15 years) similarly. If the installer fails, the parish contacts the manufacturer directly for warranty claims.

Third, other MCS-certified installers will service existing systems. The MCS standards mean any certified installer can take over routine maintenance, fault repair, and inverter replacement on a system originally installed by a different MCS-certified firm. There is no system 'lock-in' to the original installer.

Related questions

• What is the IWA workmanship warranty?
• Are MCS installers vetted financially?
• Can we switch installers mid-project?
• What happens to the monitoring service?