How to Choose a Good Solar Installer in Australia

Choosing the right solar installer in Australia is just as important as selecting high-quality solar panels. A poor installation can reduce energy efficiency, increase maintenance costs, and void warranties. In fact, reports from the Clean Energy Regulator show that many solar system failures are due to substandard installations rather than faulty equipment.

With over 3.5 million rooftop solar systems installed across the country, the demand for solar has never been higher. However, this also means more unqualified operators entering the market. How do you separate trustworthy professionals from unreliable providers? This guide will walk you through the vetting process, warning signs to watch out for, and how Solar Choice’s due diligence process ensures you get a high-quality, long-lasting installation.

If you’re just getting started in your solar journey we highly recommend checking out the solar choice comprehensive guide to solar.

Why Choosing the Right Solar Installer Matters

Installing solar panels is one of the best financial and environmental investments a homeowner can make. A well-installed system can last 25+ years, delivering long-term savings on electricity bills.

However, even the best solar panels will underperform—or even fail—if installed incorrectly. The Clean Energy Regulator has found that a significant percentage of solar warranty claims stem from poor workmanship rather than equipment failure. This is why choosing a Clean Energy Council-accredited solar installer is critical to protecting your investment.

If you don’t, you could face:

• Lower Energy Production – A poorly installed system can underperform by 10-30%, significantly reducing your expected savings.
• Risk of No Warranty Support – Some solar companies go bankrupt, leaving you with no one to honor the warranty.
• Electrical & Fire Hazards – Incorrect wiring or faulty connections increase fire risks, especially with DC isolators.
• Hidden Costs & Cheap Materials – Some installers cut corners by using substandard inverters and mounting equipment, leading to early system failures.

Choosing a reliable, accredited installer ensures your system operates efficiently and remains covered under warranty for decades.

How to Avoid Bad Solar Installers

Beware of Cheap Solar Panels and Installation Deals

If a solar deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Many low-cost solar installation offers—such as “$2,999 for a 6.6kW system“—are priced that way because they cut corners on product quality, installation standards, and customer service.

Here’s why ultra-cheap solar can end up costing you more in the long run:

• Low-quality solar panels and inverters – Cheap products often fail within a few years, leaving you with expensive replacement costs.
• Poor workmanship – Some installers rush jobs or use unqualified subcontractors, leading to performance and safety risks.
• Unreliable warranties – A 25-year product warranty is worthless if the company disappears within five years. Many Australian customers have struggled to claim warranties from overseas manufacturers.
• Hidden fees – Some low-cost providers charge extra for essential services, such as removing old panels, upgrading switchboards, or extending warranties.

Before signing a contract, research the installer and verify the warranty process. Check whether the brands they use have local Australian offices to support warranty claims if the installer goes out of business.

Solar Choice’s Due Diligence Process for Vetting Solar Installers

At Solar Choice, we conduct a strict vetting process to ensure we only recommend high-quality, reliable solar installers. Our due diligence process includes the following checks:

1. Trading History & Business Verification

• We verify each installer’s ABN history to confirm they have been in business for at least one year (ideally 5+ years).
• Companies with a long track record are more likely to provide reliable after-sales service.

2. Customer Reviews & Reputation

• We check publicly available reviews on Google and other platforms.
• Only installers with at least 20 five-star reviews and an average rating above 4 stars are considered.

3. Accreditation & Licensing

• All installers must be Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited for designing and installing grid-connected solar PV systems.
• We verify they hold an Energy Contractors Licence and, where applicable, a Master Electrician membership.

4. Product Quality Standards

• We ensure installers offer high-quality solar panels, inverters, and batteries—not low-cost, unreliable products.
• Installers using non-reputable brands are excluded from our network.

5. Customer Satisfaction & After-Sales Support from Solar Choice

• We conduct follow-ups with customers six months after installation to check for issues.
• Installers with frequent complaints or unresolved customer problems are removed from our network.

This rigorous process ensures that homeowners choosing a solar installer through Solar Choice get long-term reliability, quality service, and premium products.

5-Step Process for Vetting Solar Installers

Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Solar Installer

Asking the right questions can help you avoid unreliable installers and ensure you get the best return on your investment. Here are the top five questions to ask before making your decision.

1. How do you calculate the optimal system size for my home?

A professional solar installer should provide an estimate of:

• Your expected savings on electricity bills
• Your return on investment (ROI) over time

Be wary of installers who overpromise savings without clearly explaining their assumptions. Key factors that affect ROI include:

• Self-consumption rate – How much of the solar energy will be used in your home vs. exported to the grid? Homes where people are away during the day may only use 20-30% of their solar power.
• Future electricity price increases – Some sales representatives assume unrealistic energy price hikes to make solar appear more profitable.

To compare multiple quotes using consistent assumptions, use the Solar Choice Payback Calculator.

2. How can I improve my solar return on investment?

A good installer should provide tailored advice to maximize your savings. Some common strategies include:

• Applying for government solar rebates and incentives
• Running high-energy appliances during the day (e.g., washing machines, pool pumps, water heaters)
• Installing a system size that aligns with your energy usage patterns
• Using tilt frames if your roof faces south to improve panel efficiency

The best solar companies take the time to assess your roof space, energy habits, and budget before making recommendations.

3. What happens if something goes wrong, and what is your workmanship warranty?

Solar systems can experience failures, so it’s essential to understand the installer’s warranty and support process. Key questions to ask:

• Who do I contact for system issues?
• What is the repair process, and how long does it usually take?
• Are there any service fees for inspections or repairs?

Most Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Solar Retailers provide a minimum five-year workmanship warranty, but response times and service quality can vary. Choose a company with a proven track record of post-installation support.

4. Do the solar panel and inverter brands have Australian warranty support?

Many solar installers have gone out of business over the years, leaving thousands of Australians with orphaned solar systems. To avoid this risk, ask:

• Does the panel or inverter manufacturer have an office in Australia?
• Is there a direct customer support line for warranty claims?
• Can I make a warranty claim without going through the installer?

Buying products with local warranty support ensures you still have options if your installer shuts down.

5. Can I speak to a past customer before making my decision?

Reputable installers should have many satisfied customers and should be able to connect you with a previous client in your area. Speaking to a real customer provides insight into:

• Installation quality – Was the system installed professionally and on time?
• Customer service – Was the company responsive to questions and issues?
• System performance – Has the system met expectations for energy savings?

If an installer refuses to provide references, consider it a red flag.

Final Tips for Choosing a Reliable Solar Installer

• Compare multiple quotes – Use independent platforms like Solar Choice to compare installers based on quality, reputation, and pricing.
• Check CEC accreditation – Ensure the installer is a Clean Energy Council (CEC) Accredited Solar Installer for grid-connected systems.
• Read online reviews – Look for installers with at least 20+ five-star reviews and an average rating above 4 stars.
• Verify business history – Check the company’s ABN and trading history to ensure they have been operating for at least 5+ years.

By doing your research and asking the right questions, you can choose a trusted solar installer that will provide long-term savings and support.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a reliable, accredited solar installer ensures you receive a system that delivers maximum savings, lasts for decades, and remains protected under warranty. By following the steps in this guide, you can avoid common pitfalls and make an informed decision.

FAQ – Choosing the Best Solar Installer in Australia

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James Shand

Marketing Manager at Solar Choice

With half a decade experience in the solar energy industry, specialising in business strategy and marketing for solar companies. He has worked with top solar distributors in Canada and now collaborates with solar manufacturers and installers across Australia via Solar Choice, Australia's leading solar comparison platform. With degrees in business technology, science, and marketing, James combines in-depth market insights with technical knowledge, positioning him as a trusted authority in renewable energy.

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