Choosing a reliable solar installer and installation company can mean the difference between a smooth trouble-free installation, or years of headaches and unanswered phone calls.
Without trusted advice, investing in solar can be daunting and confusing. Take the time to ask a few questions before you sign on the dotted line, you won’t regret it.
What Are Good Ways to Select a Solar Installer?
Obtain at least three to five quotes and compare them line-by-line.
Take time to research:
- Online reviews
- References from recent homeowners who've have a similar size/type system installed.
- Solar panel brands/designs
- Parts/equipment warranty info
- Certifications and professional affiliations
- In-house (or not) financing options
Is the company accredited?
Make sure prospective companies are licensed and insured. The solar industry has more accreditation than ever to protect consumers and maintain standards. The trick is knowing what accreditation to ask for and where you can check it.
When you're buying and installing a solar PV array, it's likely you'll be dealing with:
- the sales company
- the system designer (who puts the panels, inverters and battery design together)
- the installer
- a qualified electrician, who must sign off on the system and provide a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW).
In some cases, one person (for example a local electrician who specialises in solar installations) can cover all four roles. Make sure they can prove their credentials and have adequate and current insurance.
Expertise
Outside of the Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Retailers, there are around 400 solar panel companies and 4800 accredited installers in the market. As with any major investment, you should seek a number of quotes and vet the company before signing anything. Also keep in mind that if the components, the designer and the installer are not CEC accredited, you won't receive the government rebate of Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
Track record and experience
Solar is a growing industry that attracts professionals from many backgrounds. Contractors that once focused on other types of projects are extending their practice into solar installation. When conducting solar reviews, make sure your installer has an established solar track record. A solar provider should be able to discuss and show you systems installed for previous clients.
Reputation in the market
Solar company reviews from past customers are great for evaluating installers, but they can be misleading. Customers providing ratings and reviews are unlikely to be a representative sample relevant to you. However, ratings and reviews can provide a check on bad behaviour – a pattern of customer complaints is probably an indication that you should work with a different installer.
Find a Company that:
- has been operating for more than five years.
- has an Australian office and local phone number.
- can provide you with a list of previous customers so you can ask them their experience.
Avoid a Company that:
- Use aggressive sales techniques such as asking you to sign on the spot
- Quote with a one-size-fits-all system.
- Offer systems well under the usual market rate – you'll end up with a poor quality system.
- Make exaggerated claims such as 'no more energy bills' or unrealistic investment payback times.
Summary
Going solar is a significant investment in your home, and you should have a strong, trusting relationship with your installer. The best installers will work with you to understand how solar fits within the energy system of your home or business.
Moreover, superior installers are guides and advisors. Your solar installer should be someone that that you want to do business with, as well as a professional with the competence that you expect.
