How We Score and Compare
Eco Home Check publishes editorial comparison articles covering solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, and related energy products. This page explains the methodology we use to evaluate and rank products in those comparisons.
Scoring Criteria
Every product or system in our comparison articles is evaluated against six criteria. Each criterion is weighted equally unless otherwise stated in the article.
Cost
Upfront cost, running costs, and total cost of ownership over the expected lifespan of the product or system.
Efficiency
Energy efficiency ratings, seasonal performance (SCOP/SEER for heat pumps), and real-world performance data where available.
Warranty
Manufacturer warranty length, coverage terms, and track record of honouring warranty claims.
Installer Availability
Number of MCS-certified installers offering the product, geographic coverage, and typical lead times.
Customer Reviews
Aggregated customer satisfaction from verified review platforms, weighted by recency and volume.
Grant Compatibility
Whether the product or system qualifies for government grants (BUS, ECO4, etc.) and how much grant funding is available.
Data Sources
- Manufacturer specifications and published performance data
- MCS installer registry for availability and certification data
- GOV.UK and Ofgem for grant eligibility and scheme details
- Verified customer review platforms
- Energy Saving Trust for independent efficiency benchmarks
- Industry trade publications and installer feedback
Transparency
Our methodology is public and applies consistently across all comparison articles. We do not accept payment to include, exclude, or rank products in our comparisons. Affiliate relationships do not influence our scoring or rankings.
If a product scores well in our comparison and we also have an affiliate relationship with a provider of that product, we disclose this clearly. The score is determined by the methodology, not the relationship.
Updates and Revisions
Comparison articles are reviewed and updated quarterly, or sooner if significant market changes occur (new product launches, grant changes, pricing shifts). Each article shows a “Last reviewed” date.