How to Choose a Solar Installer in Australia: What to Check Before You Sign
Choosing a solar installer is as important as choosing the hardware. A well-designed system installed poorly will underperform or fail. A good installer with standard equipment will outperform a poor installer with premium panels. This guide covers the practical checks every Australian household should do before signing a solar installation contract.
- CEC accreditation is the minimum standard 鈥?only use a Clean Energy Council accredited installer.
- Get at least three quotes and compare them on the same terms (same kW, same panels, same inverter).
- Check references and recent reviews, not just testimonials on the installer's own website.
- Read the warranty terms carefully 鈥?installation workmanship and product warranties are separate.
The minimum standard: CEC accreditation
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is Australia's peak body for the clean energy industry. Only CEC-accredited solar installers are permitted to install systems that qualify for the federal STC rebate. If you use a non-accredited installer, you cannot claim the rebate and the installation may not meet Australian standards.
Check CEC accreditation before meeting with an installer: the CEC maintains a public database at solaraccreditation.com.au where you can search by installer name or company.
Getting quotes: how to compare properly
Get at least three quotes. When comparing, make sure you are comparing the same specifications:
| What to compare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| System size (kW) | Different sizes are not comparable on price alone |
| Panel brand and model | Panel quality varies significantly |
| Inverter brand and model | Inverter reliability is critical to long-term performance |
| Installation inclusions | Some quotes exclude electrical upgrades, meter changes or monitoring |
| Warranty terms | Product warranty vs workmanship warranty 鈥?both matter |
| Payment terms | Avoid paying 100% upfront |
A quote that looks cheapest may exclude components that others include. Ask each installer to itemise the quote.
What to look for in an installer's track record
Reviews on independent platforms
Check Google Maps, Product Review and the CEC's own review section. Look at the volume of reviews, not just the average score. A company with 200 reviews at 4.2 stars is more informative than one with 4 reviews at 5 stars.
Be sceptical of testimonials on the installer's own website 鈥?these are curated.
How long have they been operating?
Solar installation is a competitive industry and company turnover is high. An installer that has been operating for 5+ years with consistent reviews is lower risk than one that started recently or has changed names.
Do they handle warranty claims themselves?
Ask: if there is a problem with my system in three years, who do I call? A reputable installer handles warranty claims directly. Be cautious of installers who say warranty claims go through the manufacturer 鈥?you want a single point of contact.
Local presence
An interstate company sending a crew to your area may offer a lower price but provide poor post-installation support. A local or regional installer is generally more accessible for service calls.
Questions to ask every installer
- Are you CEC-accredited, and can I verify the accreditation of the person who will install my system?
- Who manufactures the panels and inverter you are quoting, and what is their Australian warranty support?
- Does this quote include the grid connection application and metering changes?
- What is your workmanship warranty, and who do I contact if something goes wrong?
- Can you provide references from installations in the last 12 months?
- How long has your company been operating under its current name?
- What monitoring system is included, and how do I access it?
Red flags
- Price too low: Premium panels and inverters have a floor price. A quote significantly below the market average often means substandard components, cut-corner installation, or a company that will not be around for warranty claims.
- Pressure to sign immediately: Legitimate installers do not use high-pressure sales tactics. Walk away from any installer who creates artificial urgency.
- No itemised quote: If an installer cannot or will not break down what components you are paying for, they are hiding something.
- No local address or physical presence: A company with only a phone number and a website is harder to hold accountable.
- Unlicensed electrical work included: All electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Any installer suggesting otherwise is a compliance risk.
After you choose: what to confirm before installation day
- Confirm the scheduled installation date and who will be on site
- Confirm the panel and inverter models match the quote
- Ask for the monitoring app setup details in advance
- Confirm the grid connection application has been submitted (required before system activation in most states)
Choosing a solar installer is a long-term decision 鈥?a typical solar system lasts 20鈥?5 years. CEC accreditation is the minimum check. Get three itemised quotes comparing the same specifications. Check independent reviews rather than installer-provided testimonials. Ask who handles warranty claims. A slightly higher price from a reputable, locally present installer is almost always worth it over the system's lifetime.