Solar Companies: How to Choose Wisely

Thinking of getting solar panels or a battery system installed? You're not alone. More Aussies are embracing renewable energy than ever, and with good reason. But while picking the right gear is important, finding a reliable solar installer is absolutely critical. A well-installed system can save you money, boost your home’s value, and run smoothly for decades. A dodgy job? It could cost you heaps down the line. So here’s a bit of info to help you find a trustworthy solar installer.

Licensing & Accreditation: The Non-Negotiables

Let’s start with the basics—legality and qualifications. In Australia, anyone installing solar must be a licensed electrician. While some companies handle this in-house, others might subcontract. Either way, the person doing the wiring must be licensed. Don’t be shy about asking for a license number. You can also look it up yourself using their name or number on your state or territory’s electrical regulator site:

Another essential: make sure your installer holds current accreditation from Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA). Since early 2024, they’ve taken over from the Clean Energy Council (CEC) for managing installer and designer eligibility for federal rebates (like Small-scale Technology Certificates, or STCs).

Without SAA accreditation, you can’t claim those STCs. You should also verify the accreditation number and ensure it’s up to date via SAA's official site. Meanwhile, the CEC still maintains the approved product lists and provides training—but when it comes to installer credentials, it’s now all about the SAA.

What Are the Latest Rules & Standards?

Installing solar isn’t a DIY job for a reason—it’s governed by detailed Australian Standards that aim to keep systems safe and effective. These are the key ones for 2025:

AS/NZS 5033:2021: Core requirements for rooftop solar installations.
AS/NZS 4777.1:2024: Mandatory from 23 February 2025. It affects how inverters are hooked up to the grid and deals with supply types and phase balancing.
IEC 61215:2021: Applies to solar panels from 1 April 2025. If panels don’t meet this standard, they won’t be eligible for STCs.

If you want a breakdown of how these rules impact you, check out this detailed explainer from SolarQuotes: Australian Solar Standards, Regulations, Rules & Guidelines Explained.

These documents are technical and usually not free to access (you can buy them at Standards Australia), but your installer should absolutely be across all of them. Ask how they stay compliant—it’s a good measure of their professionalism.

The NETCC: A Mark of Consumer Respect

The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) is a voluntary code that solar retailers can sign onto. If your installer is an Approved Seller, that’s a big plus. It means they commit to:

Honest, pressure-free sales practices
Clear, understandable paperwork
Top-notch installation standards
Dependable support after install

The NETCC is under review, so it may get even stronger. Either way, it’s a useful trust signal.

Do a Bit of Detective Work

Licenses and accreditations are great—but don’t stop there. Here’s how to dig a little deeper:

Check their business record: Use the ABN Lookup and ASIC register to see how long they’ve been around.
Read real reviews: Try SolarQuotes, Google, and ProductReview.com.au Be wary of fake-looking praise or big batches of generic reviews.
Ask for local references: A good installer will happily share past customers you can speak to.

Watch out for red flags:

Quotes that seem too cheap
No site visit before quoting
High-pressure sales tactics
Reluctance to share credentials
No proof of past work or references

Quotes & Contracts: What to Look For

Quotes should be clear and detailed. Expect to see:

Cost breakdowns for panels, inverter, labour, and extra gear
Brand and model names
Estimated system output
Warranties explained
Who handles grid connection and meter upgrades

Compare quotes from different companies and question big price differences. Never feel rushed to sign—make sure every promise is written into the contract, and double-check for cancellation fees or sneaky clauses.

Rebates and Incentives in 2025

Federal STC Rebate: Still running, and reduces upfront system costs. Learn more from the Clean Energy Regulator.
NEW Federal Battery Rebate (from July 1): Worth around $372 per usable kWh. An 11.5 kWh battery could score a $4,000+ rebate.
State/Territory Offers: Check with your local energy department:
- Victoria: Panel rebates + interest-free loans
- NSW: Federal + new battery subsidy
- Queensland: STC only (Battery program closed)
- WA: New Residential Battery Scheme (up to $7,500)
- South Australia: Federal + local council incentives
- ACT: Loans + battery grant
- Tasmania: Interest-free loans
- NT: Battery grants up to $12,000

Your installer should explain what you’re eligible for, but always double-check on official government websites.

Warranty Wisdom: Don’t Skip This

There are three key warranty types:

Product Warranty: Covers manufacturing issues (panels: 15–25 yrs, inverters: 5–10+ yrs)
Performance Warranty: Guarantees output over 25 years for panels
Workmanship Warranty: Covers the install job itself (aim for 5–10 years)

What’s critical: ensure there’s Australian-based support for both the installer and the product manufacturer. Ask:

How are warranty claims handled?
Is there a local support office if the company shuts down?
How long do repairs usually take?

After-Sales Service: Will They Stick Around?

The best installers offer solid support after the install—whether it’s questions about system monitoring or help if something goes wrong. Ask how you can reach them and how quickly they usually respond to issues.

Wrapping It Up: Make a Smart Solar Move in 2025

Going solar (or battery, or solar with battery) is a big decision, and the installer you choose can make or break the experience. Doing your homework pays off. Verify licences and SAA accreditation, ensure they’re NETCC approved, understand standards and rebates, ask the right questions, and always check for strong warranties and after-sales service. Pick a pro, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of clean, cheap energy for years to come.

For more reading on this topic from an expert, check out this article written by a Chartered Electrical Engineer: The High Cost of Cheap Solar Systems