If you’re applying for CARES funding, there are some things you should think about when requesting quotes from installers.  

  •  There must be a proper selection process to appoint your contractor/installer to make sure you are getting best value. We recommend that you ask for, or have asked for, at least three quotes to make sure you are making the right choice of contractor for you and your project.  
  • Your supplier(s) must be able to complete the work and you must be able to claim all funds by the end of February 2026, to be eligible for funding in this round.
  • Installers must split their quotes to clearly identify the cost of each technology they’re quoting for.  
  • If you’re installing renewable energy technologies or battery storage, your installer will need to be MCS certified. There are several resources that can help you to find MCS certified installers in your area:
  • You usually need permissions (like building warrants and planning permission), but your installer might not know this, especially if they mainly carry out home installations. Talk to your installer about these permissions, and where possible, get quotes for a ‘turnkey installation’ that include everything (eg permissions, scaffolding, grid connection, equipment, and installation). 

We’ve provided some sample email text below that you can use to ask installers for quotes. We also suggest calling installers to discuss your project and encourage them to quote for the work.  

You’ll need to send us your preferred quote before submitting your application, along with evidence of seeking additional quotes. Where it’s not been possible to get more than one quote, and you would like to appoint a contractor, you can send their quote to your development officer who can assess it for value for money. You will need to show proof that you asked for more quotes to move forward on this basis.  

Need help? Get in touch with your local development officer. 

Example email to installers 

Dear << installer name>>

Please can you provide a quotation for: 

<< List the renewable energy technologies eg solar panels, battery or heat pump, that you want this installer to install >>

Please provide costs split out by technology and confirm the scale of each.

The works are to be carried out at << address of your community building where you want the works installed >>. To help identify our building, you can view this online. << you could include a link to a satellite image of your building on an online map, for example >>

You are welcome to visit the site to discuss the required work and find out more about us and our project. The best days for a site visit are << specify which week, date and times are appropriate >>. Please call << name >> on << telephone number >> or email << email address >> to arrange a suitable time.

We’re in the process of securing grant funding from the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). We are keen to progress our application quickly to benefit from the funding and reduce our building’s carbon emissions and energy costs.

Our preference would be for a turnkey installation, by which we mean all the works involved in the installation. Please make clear which of the following are included in your quote and please split out costs against each activity:  

  • design 
  • planning and other consents 
  • grid connection 
  • structural reports and building warrant 
  • access arrangements and any scaffolding required 
  • equipment supply (split out costs by technology and confirm the scale of each) 
  • installation and commissioning. 

Please include your MCS number in your response and state which technologies you are certified for. Please also be aware that as part of the CARES funding we may require an independent inspection of your work prior to final payment. 

Please could you advise at your earliest convenience whether you can quote for our building?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Many thanks, 

<< your name >>