When you invest in solar panels, you want absolute confidence that the company you select is reliable, professional and transparent. Being endorsed as a Which? Trusted Trader provides exactly that reassurance. Our membership of the scheme means we have been through one of the most thorough vetting processes in the home-improvement industry. In this article, we’ll explain what Which? does, why its Trusted Trader endorsement matters and how it benefits you when you choose us for your solar installation.
What is Which?
Founded in 1957 as a consumer-advice magazine, Which? is a non-profit organisation operated by the Consumers’ Association, a registered UK charity. Every year, Which? tests more than 3,600 products, publishes impartial guides and campaigns for consumer rights. Profits from its commercial activities, such as magazine subscriptions, are reinvested into its mission of protecting and informing consumers.
Which?’s reputation rests on its independence, rigorous testing and principled approach. Its Trusted Trader scheme extends that authority to home-improvement firms by holding members to exceptionally high standards.
Why a Which? Trusted Trader Matters
When you choose a Which? Trusted Trader, you gain:
Independently verified credentials – Which? checks that every accreditation you see on our website or marketing material is genuine.
Rigorous financial and legal compliance – From insurance certificates to director DBS checks, every document is scrutinised.
Real-world customer feedback – Which? contacts up to ten of our recent clients to verify our quality of workmanship and customer service.
Dispute-resolution support – Should an issue arise, you can access an independent expert-led service rather than heading straight to court.
This level of scrutiny is rare in the solar industry, where misleading claims and fake accreditations can be all too common. With a Which? Trusted Trader, you can be confident that experts have already done the hard work for you.
Here is exactly what Which? checks before endorsing a Trusted Trader, and why each element matters when you choose us for your solar installation.
What do Which? Check Before Admitting a New Trusted Trader?
Legal Status, Website Compliance and GDPR Compliance
Which? requires that every company is properly registered as a limited company or sole trader, with the correct company name and registered address displayed on its website in line with UK company law. Many firms overlook these requirements, but Which?? verifies full compliance before endorsement. The team also ensures your website’s data-collection processes meet GDPR standards, checking that any contact forms or data-handling procedures safeguard consumer information.
Financial Health, Director Checks and Trading History
A company’s financial stability is critical to delivering a reliable service from start to finish. Which? conducts extensive background checks on both the business and its directors, reviewing Companies House records to confirm operational history, running credit checks and scrutinising trading performance. This gives homeowners confidence that your installer can fulfil long-term warranties and support any after-sales issues.
Extensive Customer Feedback
As part of the application, we supply contact details for up to ten customers whose installations were completed within the last year. Which? contacts each homeowner directly to assess workmanship quality, punctuality, professionalism, value for money and overall satisfaction. This independent feedback is a key pillar of the endorsement process.
Operational Standards, Accreditations and Insurance
Which? examines your terms of business to guarantee they are clear, fair and compliant with consumer law. You must provide proof of active public-liability insurance and verify the legitimacy of every accreditation, certification and qualification you claim. This removes the risk of encountering fake MCS certifications or dubious claims.
In-Person or Online Interview
Once the paperwork and background checks are complete, a senior Which? assessor conducts a 90-minute interview, either face-to-face or online. In our case, we discussed complaints handling, pricing transparency, staff training, company values and our internal quoting procedures. This stage ensures that your business operates professionally at every level.
Sales and Marketing Conduct
Trusted Traders must follow Which?’s strict codes on sales and marketing practices. Cold calls, if used, must comply with a formal code of conduct, and unsolicited home visits are prohibited. Which? also checks that sole traders do not mislead customers by using plural pronouns such as “we” or “our”, and that any stock images on your website are clearly labelled “for illustration purposes only”.
Clarity and Accountability
Which? reviews actual quotation documents to ensure they are free of hidden fees and written in plain, understandable language. Every Trusted Trader agrees to Which?’s dispute-resolution process, giving consumers access to an independent ombudsman service if a complaint cannot be settled directly.
Dispute Resolution Service
Should an issue arise that cannot be resolved between homeowner and installer, Which? customers can turn to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ independent dispute-resolution service. This expert-led process is quicker and more cost-effective than going to court, ensuring a fair outcome for both parties.
Your Next Steps
If you’re considering solar panels or any other home-improvement project, look for the purple Which? Trusted Trader badge. It signifies a firm commitment to transparency, professionalism and quality.
Ready to proceed? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. Experience peace of mind knowing you’re working with a solar installer that has been thoroughly vetted, and continues to be regularly audited, by one of the UK’s most respected consumer bodies.
