Solar Fast, now trading in partnership with Wickes, is a fast-moving, nationally available solar installer known for rapid turnaround—often within one to two weeks. It offers solid product warranties, reputable panel and battery brands, and modern aftercare. However, its pricing tends to be at the higher end, so it’s ideal for customers prioritising speed, convenience, and brand backing over bargain pricing. Here’s our full Solar Fast review.
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Who is Solar Fast?
Solar Fast is the solar energy division of Gas Fast Limited, which originally specialised in heating systems. The solar arm began in 2019 and gained MCS accreditation for legitimacy in renewable installations. In 2024, Wickes acquired a 51% stake, leading Solar Fast to trade as “Solar Fast in partnership with Wickes”, providing it broader reach and brand recognition.
Products and services they offer
- Solar panels – Solar Fast installs tier‑1 panels such as DMEGC bifacial 450 W models—efficient, sleek, and financially backed for long-term warranty reliability.
- Battery storage – They offer various brands including Tesla, Duracell, Fox ESS, and Sigenergy.
- EV charging – Not specifically detailed, but the company also provides solar-compatible EV charging solutions.
Accreditations and customer protection
Solar Fast holds MCS certification, essential for installations that qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Additionally, they emphasise multiple independent accreditations, including EPVS Gold Membership and Checkatrade approval—highlighting quality and consumer trust.
Pricing benchmarks and turnaround speed
- Turnaround time – Installation typically completes within under two weeks, arguably the fastest in the UK market, and sometimes within seven days.
- Price per kilowatt – A standard solar install runs at approximately £1,200 per installed kW, and with a battery, about £1,657 per kW—notably higher than many competitors but compensated by speed and service.
- Battery costs – Greenlinx 3.2 kWh battery via Solar Fast quoted around £2,500 for affordable storage, with customer experiences ranging up to £3.5 k for more extensive setups.
Warranties and aftercare
- Workmanship warranty: 2 years
- Product and performance warranties: Up to 25‑year product and 30‑year performance warranties, placing them favourably for long-term peace of mind.
They also highlight lifetime system monitoring for continued oversight.
Customer reviews and reputation
- Trustpilot: Excellent score of 4.7 from over 2,200 reviews—86% five-star and just 5% one-star. The company replies to all negative feedback promptly, enhancing credibility.
- CompareSolar.co.uk: Rated 5 stars, with testimonials emphasising swift installs, professionalism, and significant bill reductions.
- Reddit feedback (r/SolarUK): Mixed views—some users praise the knowledgeable survey process, while others caution that Wickes’ entry into solar might lack long-term stability.
“They ended up being the most expensive … very knowledgeable”
“Personally, I’d stay away… unlikely to have legs in the long term.”
Pros and cons
Pros
- Exceptionally fast installation (1–2 weeks; sometimes 7 days)
- UK-wide service and Wickes brand backing
- Use of tier‑1 panels and multiple battery brand options
- Strong long-term product/performance warranties
- Lifetime system monitoring
- High Trustpilot and CompareSolar ratings
Cons
- Higher pricing per kWh compared to many local installers
- Parent company (Wickes) not historically a solar specialist—some consumers wary of long-term commitment
- Limited public details on EV charger offerings and finance terms
Benchmark pricing
| Setup | Approx. cost per kW installed |
|---|---|
| Standard PV | £1,200 / kW |
| PV + Battery | £1,657 / kW |
While higher than average, this includes speed and full-service value.
For battery-only costs:
- Greenlinx 3.2 kWh: ~£2,500
- Some customers report up to £3,500 for full setups
Is Solar Fast a good choice?
Yes, if you:
- Need installation fast and smoothly
- Prefer predictable turnaround and brand support
- Value long warranties and monitoring
- Are less sensitive to premium pricing
Maybe not, if you:
- Prioritise lowest possible upfront cost
- Want to choose your own panel/battery brands
- Are concerned about long-term backing from a non-specialist parent brand
Tips for comparing with competitors
- Always request like-for-like quotes (same system size, installation complexity, warranties, scaffolding, monitoring)
- Check MCS certification and ask for warranty terms in writing
- Seek products with long product and performance guarantees, as Solar Fast offers
- Reference your quote to broader UK pricing benchmarks: standard installs between £1,000–£1,500/kW
- Consider competing installers that may offer lower prices without sacrificing quality
Verdict – Solar Fast review
Solar Fast is a solid contender for UK homeowners keen on fast, comprehensive solar installations with strong brand reliability, warranties, and national reach. Their pricing is a premium—but many are willing to pay for speed and simplicity. As always, compare quotes carefully, and ensure all performance and warranty details are crystal clear.