Choosing a Solar Installer – Key Questions to Ask 

Don’t Put Your Home or Family at Risk!

More and more Australians are choosing a solar installer to fit solar panels on their homes. This is not surprising – power prices keep rising, and the Government provides significant incentives to reduce the final cost of a new solar system.

Unfortunately, this solar energy boom has attracted dodgy operators who are keen to make a quick buck off Aussie families struggling with high electricity prices. The Clean Energy Regulator’s most recent audit report found that 3.4% of solar system installations were unsafe, and a further 17.7% were substandard.

Common dangerous practices include leaving live wires exposed and not water-sealing junction boxes. Common substandard practices include incorrect wiring, and cutting corners by using parts that aren’t rated for the size of system being installed.

So how do you choose a reputable solar panel company? How can you avoid the dodgy operators?

Here are 5 key questions to ask:

1. Is the company approved by the Clean Energy Council?
   If they aren’t, forget it! You can be confident the installer has been trained in the safe installation of solar power systems if they have this certification.
2. What warranty does the company offer?
   Some companies only offer a warranty on the panel or equipment. Insist on a whole of system warranty that covers the panels, inverter, and installation. And check that the warranty is backed by an Australian entity – it is very difficult to lodge a successful warranty claim over panels imported directly from China.
3. Is this price too good to be true?
   Your grandfather’s old saying applies to newfangled renewable technology as well – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Ridiculously cheap solar panel packages usually include inferior quality equipment, poor quality installations, and limited after-sales service and support. Do get multiple quotes to ensure you get a competitive price, but don’t choose on price alone.
4. Is your installer locally based?
   Choose a local installer with a history of providing good service to your community. Check how long the company has been operating. Go to their showroom and ask questions. You should quickly get a feel for whether you are dealing with a fly-by-night operator or a genuine local small business.
5. Are the reviews positive?
   Read online reviews, both good and bad. Ask if you can talk to some of a company’s past clients. No company will have perfect reviews, but too many genuine poor reviews should raise red flags.

More Information on Choosing a Solar Installer

The Clean Energy Council website has some great tips to help you with choosing a solar installer. Their guide to avoiding solar scams is particularly helpful.

Our Local Solar Panel Partner

Balance Design and Construction partners with Coffs Solar Energy for our solar panel systems. Mark, Adam, and the team at Coffs Solar Energy have been serving our community for many years. They are Clean Energy Council approved, offer a 5 year “all of system” warranty, and their pricing is competitive. Check out their tips on buying a new solar system by visiting their blog.

If you are planning a new, more environmentally friendly home, give Balance Design and Construction a call. Our HIA Greensmart accredited building designer can help you create a home you and the planet will love!