A solar system should run for decades, so the installer you choose matters as much as the panels. Here is what to check before you sign, whichever company you go with.
Check their accreditation
Installers and designers must be accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) for a system to be eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs), the federal discount on solar and batteries. Ask for the accreditation number of the person who will design and install your system, not just the company name. Electrical work in Queensland must also be done by a licensed electrician.
It is also worth asking whether the retailer is an Approved Seller under the New Energy Tech Consumer Code, which sets standards for sales practices, contracts and after-sales support.
Make sure the products are approved
Panels, inverters and batteries must be on the Clean Energy Council's approved product lists to qualify for rebates. A good quote names the exact brand and model of every component, so you can check them yourself.
Expect a proper assessment
A reliable installer looks at your power bills and your roof before recommending a system. Be wary of a price given without knowing how much power you use, which way your roof faces, or what shading it gets. The system should be sized to your usage, not to the biggest package available.
What a good quote includes
- The brand, model and number of panels, plus the inverter and any battery
- The system size in kW and the expected yearly generation
- The STC discount, shown as its own line
- Any extra costs: switchboard upgrades, meter changes, tilt frames or difficult roof access
- Who prepares the network connection application
- Product, performance and workmanship warranties, with their lengths
- Payment terms and the expected timeline
Understand the warranties
There are usually three. The product warranty covers manufacturing faults in the panels, inverter and battery. The performance warranty covers how much output the panels keep over time. The workmanship warranty covers the installation itself and comes from the installer, so it is only as good as the business behind it. Ask how a warranty claim is handled and who you call.
Questions worth asking
- Who will do the installation: your own team or subcontractors?
- How long from signing to installation and grid connection?
- How will I monitor the system, and what happens if it stops performing?
- Can I add a battery later, and is the inverter suitable for one?
Red flags
High-pressure sales, quotes that are far cheaper than everyone else's without explanation, missing brand names, or vague answers about accreditation and warranties are all reasons to slow down.
At Daylight Solar every system starts with a free assessment of your bills and roof, and our quotes list every component and the rebate. See our home solar and battery options, or book an assessment.