How to Compare Solar Quotes in Perth: What to Look For Beyond Price
Quick Answer: To compare solar quotes in Perth properly, look beyond the total price. Check the exact panel brand and model, inverter type, workmanship warranty length, whether the installer uses in-house or subcontracted electricians, and what’s included (switchboard upgrades, scaffolding, monitoring). Always get at least three quotes from CEC-accredited installers.
You’ve decided to go solar, and now you’ve got three or four quotes sitting on your kitchen table. One is $5,200, another is $8,400, and they both say ‘6.6kW solar system’. How can two companies be $3,000 apart for the same thing? The short answer: they’re not quoting the same thing.
Solar quotes in Perth are notoriously difficult to compare because there’s no standard format. Every company presents their pricing differently, and the critical details are often buried in the fine print. This guide shows you exactly what to check so you can compare apples to apples.
The 7 Things Every Solar Quote Must Include
1. Panel Brand and Model
A quote that says ‘premium 410W panels’ tells you nothing. You need the exact manufacturer and model number — for example, ‘LONGi Hi-MO 7 410W’ or ‘Trina Vertex S+ 435W’. This lets you verify the panel is tier-1 rated, check the manufacturer warranty, and compare like-for-like across quotes.
2. Inverter Brand and Model
The inverter is the brain of your system and the component most likely to need replacement. A Fronius Primo Gen24 5kW is a very different proposition to a no-name 5kW inverter. Know exactly what you’re getting and check the warranty length — premium inverters offer 10-12 years standard.
3. Total System Size (Panels and Inverter)
A ‘6.6kW system’ typically means 6.6kW of panels with a 5kW inverter. This oversizing is standard in WA because Synergy limits single-phase export to 5kW. But some quotes use 6.6kW loosely. Confirm both the total panel wattage AND the inverter capacity.
4. Workmanship Warranty
This should be stated clearly. If it’s not on the quote, ask. The legal minimum in WA is 5 years, but quality installers offer 10-20 years.
5. Inclusions and Exclusions
Check whether the quote includes: switchboard upgrade (if needed, $500-$1,500), scaffolding for two-storey homes ($300-$800), monitoring system setup, Western Power application, and electrical certificate of compliance. Hidden costs here can add $1,000-$2,000 to a ‘cheap’ quote.
6. STC Rebate Applied
Confirm whether the quoted price is before or after the STC rebate. Most Perth installers quote the after-rebate price, but not all. A 6.6kW system’s STC rebate in 2026 is approximately $1,750-$1,840.
7. Payment Terms
Reputable installers charge a deposit (10-20%) and the balance on completion. Any company asking for full payment upfront before installation is a significant risk.
Quote Comparison Checklist
| Check Item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel brand/model | ____ | ____ | ____ |
| Inverter brand/model | ____ | ____ | ____ |
| Panel wattage total | ____ | ____ | ____ |
| Inverter capacity | ____ | ____ | ____ |
| Workmanship warranty | ____ | ____ | ____ |
| Switchboard upgrade incl? | ____ | ____ | ____ |
| Scaffolding incl? | ____ | ____ | ____ |
| CEC accreditation # | ____ | ____ | ____ |
| Google review rating | ____ | ____ | ____ |
| In-house electricians? | ____ | ____ | ____ |
Worth knowing: Talk Energy offers a price match guarantee on comparable quotes — same panels, same inverter, same warranty terms. If you find a cheaper quote with identical specs, they’ll match or beat it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many solar quotes should I get in Perth?
Three quotes is the minimum for a meaningful comparison. Five is ideal if you have the time. Getting quotes from a mix of large companies and smaller local installers gives you the best range. Make sure every company you quote is CEC accredited and has a verifiable Google review profile. Avoid companies that cold-call or door-knock — reputable Perth installers don’t need to.
Is the cheapest solar quote always the worst?
Not always, but it deserves extra scrutiny. A low price can mean budget components, subcontracted labour, a short workmanship warranty, or hidden costs that appear after you sign. Compare the exact panel and inverter models. If a quote is $2,000+ cheaper than three other quotes for the same components, ask why — there’s usually a reason, and it’s rarely good news long-term.
Should I choose the solar company with the longest warranty?
Warranty length matters, but only if the company will still exist to honour it. A 25-year warranty from a company that’s been operating for 2 years is less reliable than a 20-year warranty from an established Perth business with hundreds of installations and a physical office. Check how long the company has been trading, their Google review history, and whether they’re NETCC approved (which requires financial accountability).
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