Check the Solar Company’s Credentials and Experience

The first step is confirming that you are dealing with an established solar business. Attractive advertising and low prices do not tell you how experienced a company is or whether it will be available if you require assistance later.

Check the company’s trading history, business details, service areas, customer support channels and industry credentials before accepting a quotation.

Check the Solar Retailer

When comparing Australian solar companies, look at whether the retailer participates in recognised consumer-protection programs such as the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC).

Retailer credentials provide useful information about the business selling the system, but they should not be confused with the qualifications or accreditation of the person carrying out the installation.

Check the Solar Installer

Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) administers accreditation for relevant solar PV and battery professionals in Australia. Before installation, confirm who will carry out the work and whether the installer holds the appropriate current accreditation for the type of installation being completed.

• Ask who will physically install your system.
• Check relevant installer accreditation.
• Confirm applicable electrical licensing requirements.
• Ask who is responsible for installation workmanship.
• Keep copies of quotations, contracts and warranty documents.

Compare the Complete Solar Quote, Not Just the Price

Two quotations advertising the same solar system capacity can be very different once you examine the equipment, installation scope, system design, warranties and exclusions.

This makes headline price alone an unreliable way to compare solar installers.

What Should Be Included in a Solar Quote?

• Proposed solar system capacity in kW
• Solar panel manufacturer and model
• Number of solar panels
• Individual panel wattage
• Inverter brand and model
• Inverter capacity
• Battery brand and capacity where applicable
• Proposed panel layout
• Installation inclusions
• Potential additional charges or exclusions
• Product and workmanship warranty information
• Grid connection responsibilities
• Total system price

Avoid Choosing a System Size Without Understanding Why

A 6.6kW solar system, 10kW solar system or 13kW solar system can suit very different properties.

The appropriate size depends on electricity consumption, daytime energy use, available roof space, orientation, shading, local network requirements and whether you plan to install a battery, EV charger or other large electrical loads.

Check the Solar Panels, Inverter and Battery Being Offered

A solar installation is a complete energy system. The panel brand is important, but it is only one part of the installation. The inverter, mounting system, electrical components, monitoring, system design and workmanship also contribute to long-term performance.

What Should You Check When Comparing Solar Panels?

• Exact solar panel model
• Panel efficiency
• Product warranty
• Performance warranty
• Expected degradation
• Temperature characteristics
• Manufacturer history
• Australian warranty support
• Suitability for your available roof space

You can learn more in our Best Solar Panels Australia guide .

Check the Solar Inverter

Your solar inverter converts the DC electricity generated by the panels into AC electricity that can be used by your property. Ask about inverter capacity, monitoring features, warranty coverage, installation location and compatibility with the proposed solar array.

Consider Future Battery Storage

If you may install battery storage later, discuss this with your solar company before the initial system is designed. Inverter architecture, battery compatibility, switchboard configuration, backup requirements and your energy profile can influence the most appropriate design.

Explore our home battery solutions or learn more about combining solar and battery storage.

Understand Solar Warranties and After-Sales Support

Solar advertisements frequently highlight long warranty periods. However, the number of years alone does not explain what is covered, who provides the warranty or how a future claim would be handled.

Understand the Different Solar Warranties

• Solar panel product warranty: covers applicable manufacturing or product issues according to the manufacturer’s warranty terms.
• Solar panel performance warranty: relates to the manufacturer’s specified long-term panel output.
• Inverter warranty: covers the inverter according to the manufacturer’s warranty conditions.
• Battery warranty: may include time, energy throughput, operating conditions and capacity-retention requirements.
• Workmanship warranty: relates to applicable installation workmanship and the provider’s warranty terms.

Ask What Happens After Installation

Before purchasing, ask who you should contact if the inverter develops a fault, system monitoring stops working, the battery reports an error or you believe there is an installation problem.

Choose a Solar Company That Designs Around Your Energy Needs

There is no single solar system size that is right for every Australian property. A system that works well for your neighbour may not be the best configuration for your home.

For example, a household that is empty during weekdays may have a very different electricity consumption profile from a property with daytime air conditioning, a swimming pool, home office, electric hot water or an electric vehicle.

A useful solar assessment should consider:

• Your recent electricity consumption
• Daytime versus evening electricity use
• Roof size and usable roof area
• Roof orientation
• Shading conditions
• Switchboard and electrical infrastructure
• Local network requirements
• Future battery storage
• EV charging requirements
• Future electrification plans
• Budget and energy objectives

Homeowners can explore our residential solar solutions, while businesses can learn more about commercial solar systems and commercial battery storage.