After 15 years working in the energy and renewables sector, I’ve never been more excited about the positive impact solar and battery storage can have on our society — or more alarmed by the dangerous shortcuts some in our industry are taking.
The problem? We’re in a race to the bottom. Not in innovation, but in quality, safety, customer outcomes — and ultimately, credibility. The market, especially in the residential space, is being driven more by price than by standards. And the consequences are already showing.
When Cheap Means Dangerous
Every day, we see ads shouting “cheapest solar install” or “fastest turnaround.” Some are legitimate. But many are only possible by cutting corners — and often, dangerously so.
It’s not just about cheap components. It’s about:
- Untrained installers on rooftops or installing electrics
- MCS and BS7671 guidelines ignored
- Safety steps like scaffolding skipped to save time
- Manufacturer instructions disregarded
- DNO Applications not submitted
Just check out all of the groups on Facebook – hundreds of images of poor installations that do not meet the basic of standards, mostly sold by sales front ends and delivered by subbies.
We recently came across a “bargain” install where DC cables were chafing against roof tiles — unsheathed, live, and dangerously exposed. The AC installation did not meet the requirements of BS7671 and we had to isolate the whole system there and then to reduce risk of fire in a family home.
And unfortunately, this isn’t a fringe issue. In 2017, there were just 568 companies certified with MCS to install solar PV in the UK. As of 2025, that number has skyrocketed to over 4,000. Growth is good — but not when it outpaces competence, oversight, and accountability.
The result? Systems that are poorly designed, dangerously installed, and likely to fail — technically or financially — long before their time.
Unaccountable Subcontracting is Breaking Trust
One of the biggest drivers of this drop in standards is the explosion of subcontracting — often unregulated, unqualified, and completely unmanaged.
In the rush to scale, many solar companies have become sales-first operations that pass installs to the lowest bidder. These subcontractors are often:
- Poorly vetted
- Paid per job, not per quality
- Incentivised to work fast, not well
This breaks the chain of accountability. When things go wrong, customers are left without support. And too often, no one on-site fully understands the system — or the regulations.
Normalising Risk: The Safety Crisis in Solar
Perhaps most concerning is the casual attitude toward safety. We’re seeing:
- Rooftop work without fall protection
- Inverters crammed into unventilated lofts
- AC/DC isolation poorly labelled — or skipped
- Systems commissioned live without testing
It’s not just unprofessional — it’s illegal. And it’s fostering a culture where shortcuts are normalised, and safety is treated as optional.
Worse still, this is damaging the public’s trust. Increasingly, homeowners see solar installers as “cowboys” — and unfortunately, some are earning that label.
There Is a Better Way
We believe in a better path — one built on performance, safety, and long-term value. That means:
- Designing systems tailored to the building and energy usage
- Using qualified, experienced installers — and standing by their work
- Prioritising compliance with MCS, BS7671, and health & safety law
- Providing real aftercare, remote monitoring, and proactive servicing
Because if we want solar to be more than just a trend, we need to build it on trust — not just cost-per-watt.
The Bottom Line
Solar PV is one of the most powerful technologies of our time. But if we keep racing to the bottom, we’ll end up with broken promises, unsafe homes, and a sector that eats itself alive.
It’s time to raise the bar. To stop rewarding low cost over long-term value. And to take pride in doing things right — not just fast.
The cheapest system isn’t the best value. And when it comes to powering our future, we can’t afford to cut corners.
If you’re planning a solar project — or want peace of mind about one you already have — let’s talk. We’re here to help you get it done right.
