Before deciding to go solar and signing any contract with a solar retailer, research and get all the required facts to understand if solar is truly the appropriate choice for your home or business.

If you own your home, you must confirm that no heritage overlays would preclude installation. You must obtain authorisation if you are a member of an Owner’s Corporation. If you are a tenant, you will need the landlord’s permission. You should talk to your landlord to see if you can reap the rewards of solar electricity long enough to justify the initial outlay and to work out who will be paying for the system and receiving the feed-in tariff.

Once you have done your due diligence and confirmed that you are ready to install solar, the next step is to request free solar quotes and select a trustworthy solar company.

This post will guide you through all the questions you should ask a solar retailer before allowing them to drill into your roof. Make sure the solar retailer you pick can satisfactorily answer all these questions.

1. Questions about the installer

Ensure the solar retailer you’re working with is licensed and has a respectable level of experience. It’s a good idea to ask who will perform the installation and whether the business of a subcontractor employs them. If the system will be installed by a subcontractor, ensure they have the appropriate licences and experience.

How long has the company been in operation? What do their clients think of them? Do they strive to keep a positive brand presence, and are they professional in their dealings? When you Google their name, what results do you get?

You should be aware of anyone working on your property at any given moment. Who will be in charge of each component of your installation? Find out who is hired if the company contracts portions of the project.

It would be best to verify whether the business installing your system has received accreditation from the Clean Energy Council. Using subcontractors allows a business to expand its geographic reach and increase its installed capacity.

Companies with the Clean Energy Council accreditation assist you with a simple installation process. Additionally, you receive a system that complies with industry standards for safe connection. To benefit from Small-scale Technology Certificates, you must hire an accredited installer.

How many installations have they completed in your area, what certifications do they hold, and how long has the company been operating in your state? You should ensure they know the rules and procedures for solar where you live, as each state has distinct incentives, financial regulations, and processes.

Examining references and reviews is the greatest approach to determining whether a solar panel contractor or installer is the right choice for you. Reputable businesses always have former customers prepared to talk to you about their experience. Do not be afraid to request those references.

2. Be specific about the offered warranty

Before committing to installing panels, ask about the system lifespan. Inspect the warranty thoroughly, and never be afraid to get supplementary information from the installers. Most manufacturers provide 10 years or greater warranties, though almost all panels provide 25-year linear ones.

In the unfortunate event that your solar product malfunctions, a warranty will safeguard you. There are several different kinds of warranties, so be sure to enquire about the type of guarantee your goods have and the specifics of what it covers.

Find out how the system’s various components are protected, how frequently maintenance is advised for optimum operation, and how long the product guarantee lasts.

A qualified solar supplier will give you clear information on warranties when you obtain a quote for your solar power system. This covers information on and warranties for the various solar power system parts. For instance, many inverters come with 10-year warranties, and many solar panels have 25-year guarantees. A warranty for the installation, which addresses any issues with the installation, should also be included. Some companies may even pay for any work required to replace components that break during the warranty period of their product. It could be a clue that your solar store isn’t the correct one for you if they don’t give you clear information about warranties.

Additionally, confirm whether the business expects you to pay them for a routine check-and-clean as part of the installation guarantee. Some less reputable providers may set this cunning trap.

Understanding what is and isn’t covered by a solar panel manufacturer’s warranty is crucial because solar energy is a long-term investment.

3. How can I be certain that my investment will sustain? How much can I anticipate saving using solar energy (over 20 years)?

In light of this, your solar firm should describe how they intend to determine the system size that will result in the highest rate of return for you. This challenging process calls for estimating the energy you will export vs the energy you will import. In other words, it’s not just about how much energy is used but also about when it is used.

You need to know how much money you will save on energy costs once the solar system is installed. Although a solar system can generate power for more than 25 years, you can request 20 years. It is simpler to comprehend the savings if you have a certain long-term time frame in mind.

Which federal government incentives and rebates will I get for a solar panel?

Of course, the financial incentive provided by government solar subsidies is one of the main advantages of solar panels. The fundamental idea of the present programs, which vary between states and territories, is that energy suppliers buy back the energy that households export to the grid at a price equal to or greater than market prices.

4. What kind of after-sales service do you provide?

Unfortunately, many solar retailers are only interested in making a quick buck. Check if the solar retailer you’re dealing with provides aftercare services to its consumers. You’ll want to know how quickly they respond to after-sales inquiries and if they have plans to help you after your solar equipment is installed.

It’s beneficial to comprehend what will transpire if a repair or replacement is necessary, as well as your duties within the total process (for instance, who you may need to contact, what kinds of costs you will potentially work out, and so on).

5. Choosing the right components: What system configuration do they advise for your needs in terms of property and energy?

Verify the value of the products the installation business utilises. Request a list of the manufacturers and models of the fasteners, inverters, panels, and other equipment the company uses. Read online product reviews and conduct additional research to learn more.

Make sure you get paperwork explaining the panels and inverter you’ll get. Check this on the installation day to ensure you receive what you paid.

The installer determines whether your roof can support solar energy. Make sure your roof is big enough for solar panels, faces north, east, or west, and is not overshadowed. A quality solar installer can assist you in making this determination.

Check out our page to learn more about choosing the best solar panels.

Batteries

There are several special benefits to adding batteries to a solar system after installation. When designed as a system component, you often choose between DC or AC-coupled batteries. Though the difference is not significant, it merits investigation.

A battery built simultaneously with solar panels may be less expensive than a battery added later because some of the labour costs associated with the installation may be minimised.

The Tesla Powerwall, for example, stores electricity only once it has been converted from DC to AC by your solar inverter.

Furthermore, if you wait to install a battery, you will only be offered the AC-coupled variety. Although the conversion results in a tiny amount of additional power loss, that isn’t necessarily bad.

Energy Matters can help you make an informed decision and the perfect option on the suitability of a solar battery with our Solar Power and Battery Storage Calculator.

Inverters 

The type of inverter is another aspect of solar panels that may influence your decision. While the majority of the gadgets in your home utilise alternating current (AC), solar electricity is direct current (DC). You have the following choices for changing the electrical current:

String inverters: These inverters connect strings of panels to just one inverter, which converts DC electricity into AC electricity.

Microinverters: This option converts DC to AC without needing a string inverter via the back of the individual panels.

Wrapping up: Why choose Energy Matters?

Going solar is an excellent investment for your home or business and your financial stability in the long run. However, ask the right questions before signing the contract to ensure an optimal return. Finally, make sure that your energy plans are competitive. It could be a solar plan that uses a higher tariff on feed-in or a regular plan with low usage. Please evaluate your options in deciding the most suited for your family and needs.

It’s time to get in touch with trusted solar installers in your area if you’ve researched and determined that solar power is the best option for your home.

Energy Matters has over 17 years of experience in the solar industry and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence. And has been a leader in the renewable energy industry since 2005.

Energy Matters can connect you with our trusted local installers, who will provide up to 3 FREE quotes for your home and business solar PV system. Contact us today and let us discuss the best quote that suits your needs and budget. Complete our quick quiz and begin your solar journey today