Solar thermal installers

Solar thermal or solar PV?

Solar thermal collects heat for hot water; solar photovoltaic panels generate electricity. Check that the company offers the technology you need. A general solar installation listing does not establish experience with thermal collectors, cylinders, pumps and their controls. Tell prospective installers whether you want a new hot-water system, servicing of existing equipment or fault diagnosis.

Check the property and hot-water arrangement

Prepare details of your hot-water cylinder, current heating system, household hot-water use and available roof area. Ask a thermal specialist to assess suitability, storage requirements and the way the proposed system would work with your existing heating. Request a clear explanation of what happens when solar heat is insufficient and how the design deals with periods of low demand. Do not assume a system can be connected to every existing boiler or cylinder.

Compare installation and maintenance scope

A written quotation should identify collector type and area, cylinder or store work, controls, pipework, access, commissioning and exclusions. Ask for the basis of any predicted hot-water contribution and savings. For servicing, supply equipment labels and previous service records and ask what the visit covers, which parts may be required and whether the contractor supports your specific system.

Find a suitable specialist

Use the records below to start a shortlist, then verify current thermal services and coverage directly. Ask for experience with similar properties and confirm any claimed certification against the appropriate official source. Check the Energy Saving Trust solar water heating guide before comparing options. For electricity-generating panels, use the separate solar PV directory.