Many Australian homeowners are turning to solar energy to power their homes, and it’s not hard to see why. Using solar panels greatly reduces your carbon footprint, slashes your energy bills, and even increases the value of your property. However, the increasing popularity of solar means an increase in solar installation companies—and not all are made equal.
To make sure you’re working with a professional solar panel installer, you’ll need to carefully evaluate your options before making a decision. To help you avoid the cowboys and find a trustworthy solar energy installer in Australia, we’ve put together a few things you’ll need to consider.
Accreditations and Certifications
One of the first things to look for when choosing a solar energy installer is their accreditations and certifications. Accredited installers, such as those certified by the Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA), have proven their ability to get the job done with a commitment to quality and expertise.
Here are a few accreditations you should be looking out for when choosing a solar panel installer:
Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)
The SAA accreditation (formally Clean Energy Council (CEC) Accreditation) is a must-have qualification for anyone in the business of installing solar panels. Funded by the industry, the SAA is the accreditation body for the designers and installers, as well as the components.
If your installer has SAA accreditation, it means that they’ve undertaken the necessary training to design and install solar and have met the rigorous industry standards.
SAA-accredited installers abide by their commitment to quality and expertise, working in line with the best practice standards of the industry to produce systems that are safe, reliable, and meet expectations.
To find out if your installer is SAA-accredited, simply look for the SAA logo.
At Think Renewable, our trusted installers are SAA-accredited, guaranteeing that your installation is carried out by professionals with the highest standards of excellence.
New Energy Tech (NET) Approval
To demonstrate their commitment to responsible sales and marketing activities, solar installers in Australia should have the New Energy Tech Approved Seller badge (see below).
Authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) program aims to raise consumer protection standards within the solar industry.
The NETCC outlines transparent communication, complaint resolution procedures, and installer performance obligations. As a NETCC-approved seller, Think Renewable adheres to a stringent consumer code, providing extra assurance of fair and ethical practices.
Don’t just take their word for it
Although most solar installers are legitimate, some may simply state they are accredited and slap the member badges on their website. That’s why it’s important to check their accreditation ID card when they arrive at your property. It might seem a bit over the top, but you’d be surprised at how many people put their faith in companies that turn out to be fraudulent.
Your installer should have a digital ID card that is shown to you on a device like a phone or tablet. It should include the following information:
- a photo of the installer
- accreditation number
- expiry date
- types of accreditation held
If your installer can’t or refuses to provide their accreditation ID, stop them in their tracks and contact the place where you purchased your solar products for more information.
No accreditation, no rebate
An important thing to note when choosing a solar panel installer is the potential for the STC rebate. If the components, designer, and installer of your chosen solar power system aren’t CEC-accredited, you won’t be eligible to receive the solar rebate government subsidy.
The Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (or SRES) was introduced in 2011 by the Australian Federal Government. Under this scheme, whenever you buy solar, you’ll be awarded a certain number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (or STCs). These STCs can then be passed on to your solar installer in exchange for a discount.
To find out more about this incentive and why it’s essential to use an accredited solar installer, check out our helpful guide.
Experience and Expertise
When it comes to solar installations, experience matters. Look for companies that have a proven track record of successful installations and satisfied customers. Ideally, your installer will have several years of successful solar installations in your region and will have plenty of experience working with systems similar to your desired size and complexity.
A company that’s been in business for a number of years will be your best bet, as their team will have plenty of experience and expertise with solar panel installation. They should also be happy to provide you with a bit more information about the design and components of the system and how they’ll be installed—if they brush off any questions you have, that’s a major red flag.
At Think Renewable, our fully licensed solar energy installers bring years of experience to every project, ensuring that your solar installation is completed with precision and care.
Customer Reviews
Before making a decision, take the time to research customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the reputation and reliability of the solar energy installer. Positive feedback from satisfied customers is a strong indicator of a company’s commitment to excellence.
Look for unbiased reviews on platforms like Google My Business to gauge real customer experiences. You could even reach out to those who have already installed solar panels for recommendations and firsthand accounts.
At Think Renewable, we take pride in our numerous positive reviews and testimonials, showcasing our dedication to customer satisfaction.
Warranty and After-Sales Support
A reputable solar energy installer should offer comprehensive warranties and ongoing support to address any issues that may arise.
Any company or individual who has signed the Clean Energy Council’s Retailer’s Code of Conduct must offer a warranty that covers the entire system (including parts and labour) for a minimum of five years; some solar panel warranties can cover the system for as long as 25 years.
Your warranty should cover any water damage, glass breakage, and electrical failures. Some warranties even cover the removal and replacement of the PV panel, but some don’t provide installation, so it’s important to take a close look at your warranty.
Think Renewable: Your Trusted Solar Partner
At Think Renewable, we stand behind our commitment to provide the best solar installation in Australia. We are proud to be SAA-accredited and NETCC-approved, and we pride ourselves on being transparent and customer-centric.
In a competitive and confusing market, we aim to stand out with our excellent customer service. Our mission is to create a sustainable energy solution for our customers, providing top-notch after-sales care.
Get in touch with us today to embrace the power of solar. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future.
