Choosing the career path of a solar installer has become a new career for many electricians, people starting out in the workforce and those looking for a change. With over two million Australians already enjoying the savings that renewable energy like this brings, and countless businesses as well, it has become a stable profession during unstable times caused by COVID-19.
But installing panels involves more than simply wiring them up to a roof and connecting them to an inverter. There are many questions that consumers are likely to throw at you, and knowledge you’re expected to provide. So, here are the answers you will need for some of the most common questions around solar power in Australia.
Are you licenced and insured?
This is an easy one to begin with, but a necessary one. Consumers are encouraged to ask for your credentials, as there are many cowboys operators out there. If they don’t ask, you should provide this information voluntarily anyway, for their peace of mind.
How many solar systems have you installed?
Keeping a log of the jobs that you have done, customer reviews, references and case studies will put you ahead of your competition. Consumers value experience in this field and having tangible numbers and evidence on hand gives you the edge you need in the industry.
Who can they contact if something goes wrong?
Consumers want to know everything about the companies that manufacture solar panels and who to contact if there are any issues. You will need to have all of this information handy, including their locations, contact details and all of the associated information about the warranty and its inclusions.
What about my roof?
It’s not just the system that consumers will ask questions about – any change to their property means they will have questions about the property itself as well. Will the insurance on the panels cover their roofing? What happens if their roof needs repairs – will the system need to be removed? You will need to be armed with responses about their home, on top of the system they’re interested in.
What are the terms of the contract?
It’s likely that the consumer has decided to install solar panels as a financial investment, rather than an environmental one. While many consumers are environmentally-conscious, the promise of cheaper electricity bills or even getting paid by the service providers is a strong lure. Consumers have a lot of questions about this because they have been so accustomed to regular bills.
How can they gauge the performance of the system? What happens if it does not produce electricity to the level they were promised? What happens if it produces excess power – how will that be paid back to them?
Additionally, you’ll likely be hit with contractual questions, including what happens if the contract is broken. What are the penalties? What are the consumers’ rights, considering the system is part of their property? Do they have insurance for their panels or will they need to be included in their home and contents insurance? Having all of this information on hand is essential for most installations, but can also be provided prior to the service even taking place.
It pays to be prepared.
TIP: You can also direct your customers to a guide like this to help them understand how a system will work with their lifestyle and property.
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