Why EPVS Is Now the Solar Scam Badge You Can Skip

Is EPVS Still Worth It – Or Just Another Expensive Solar Sales Gimmick?

If you've been shopping around for solar panel quotes, you've probably seen the term EPVS thrown around — often presented as some kind of gold-standard reassurance. But as the solar industry evolves, many are beginning to ask: Is EPVS still relevant, or is it just another way to inflate the price of your system without offering real value? Let’s break it down.

What is EPVS?

EPVS stands for Energy Performance Validation Scheme. It was set up in the wake of widespread mis-selling scandals in the early solar boom — when aggressive salespeople were promising homeowners the world and delivering very little. Back then, customers were being misled with exaggerated savings, questionable forecasts, and poorly performing systems. Installers were often hand-typing figures into spreadsheets and “estimating” performance to suit the sale. EPVS aimed to clean up this mess by providing a formal way to check and certify solar savings forecasts and system outputs.

How Does It Work?

Here’s the basic idea:

• An installer signs up to the EPVS scheme and gets trained to use their process.
• When they design a system for your home, they submit your performance estimates to EPVS for approval.
• If the figures are deemed realistic, a certificate is issued to prove the numbers have been independently verified.
• This certificate can be used to reassure the customer — and is sometimes required by finance providers.

Why EPVS Made Sense... Then

Back when EPVS was created around 2019, the industry was the Wild West. Homeowners were regularly mis-sold systems, and finance deals were being handed out based on wild, unrealistic figures. There were no reliable software tools like we have today. Quoting was manual. Forecasting was rough guesswork. Customers had no way to compare figures or understand if they were being ripped off. In that world, EPVS was a much-needed safety net.

Why EPVS Is Outdated in 2025

Fast-forward to today, and the landscape has completely changed.

• Quote software is now automatic – tools calculate output based on postcode, roof pitch, shading and panel specs.
• Consumers are smarter – explore our Solar Panel Directory to compare kits and forecast yields yourself.
• Finance options have matured – many lenders no longer require EPVS, and if they do, quality installers can provide the necessary documentation without the extra fee.

🚨 Example: Did EPVS Ever Actually Save Anyone?

Despite its presence for over five years and covering £50 million worth of installations, there have been zero confirmed consumer rescues or mis-selling withdrawals via EPVS. It may offer a paper trail, but that’s not the same as real-world protection.

Here’s the Trick: How EPVS Is Used to Inflate Prices

This is where things get murky. Some installers use EPVS as a sales tactic. They present it as essential, build it into their pitch, and charge a premium because they’re “certified”. In reality, all they've done is paid a fee and ticked a few boxes. We’ve seen cases where the exact same system (same panels, inverter, and battery) is quoted at £1,000+ more by an EPVS-certified installer than by a non-certified one. Why? Because most customers won’t dig into the details — they’ll just assume the “official-looking” quote must be safer.

We Work With EPVS Installers—But You Decide

For those who truly value an EPVS badge, we partner with certified installers listed on our Residential Solar Panel Services platform, and even highlight EPVS certification in our comparison results. But ask yourself: why pay an extra £1,000–£2,000 for a scheme that’s irrelevant to modern quoting and has never once protected a customer in its five-plus years of operation?

Vet Installers with Confidence

If you want to go one step further, check credentials and read reviews via our How to Choose a Qualified Electrician guide. It covers everything from certifications to insurance, ensuring you pick the right professional every time.

• Compare the forecast figures: If they’re virtually identical (and they usually are), pick the lower price.
• Get one quote from an EPVS-certified installer: Use as your initial benchmark.
• Enter the figures into our system at Kilowatts.uk: We’ll validate them for free so you can be confident.
• Get a second (and third) quote for the same system spec from reputable installers who aren’t part of EPVS: Compare the total costs without EPVS fees.

Final Verdict

EPVS was created at a time when the industry needed cleaning up — and it served a purpose. But times have changed. Software has improved, consumer awareness has grown, and the most transparent installers already provide detailed, realistic quotes without needing third-party stamps. In today’s market, EPVS is more of a badge than a barrier, more marketing than meaning — and often a signal that you’re being asked to pay more for something you can easily check yourself. Don’t be fooled by glossy certifications. Be smart, compare quotes, and know what you're paying for.