Questions to Ask Your Solar Installer Before Signing
Questions to Ask Your Solar Installer Before Signing a Contract
Choosing a solar installer is one of the most important decisions you will make when going solar. The right installer ensures quality workmanship, reliable products, and support for the 25+ year life of your system. Here are the essential questions every Perth homeowner should ask before signing.
Talk Energy believes informed customers make the best decisions. We encourage you to ask these questions of any installer, including us.
1. Are You CEC Accredited?
A Clean Energy Council accredited installer is essential. CEC accreditation means the installer meets Australian standards, uses approved products, and you qualify for the STC rebate. Ask for their CEC accreditation number and verify it on the Clean Energy Council website. Talk Energy holds full CEC accreditation.
2. What Brands Do You Use?
Ask specifically which panel and inverter brands are included in the quote. Reputable brands include Trina, Jinko, LONGi, and Canadian Solar for panels, and Fronius, SMA, Enphase, and Sungrow for inverters. Avoid quotes that list generic or unbranded components. Talk Energy uses only tier-1 panels and premium inverters.
3. What Warranty Do You Offer?
There are three types of warranty to ask about: panel product warranty (typically 25 years), inverter warranty (5-15 years depending on brand), and workmanship warranty from the installer. Many installers offer only 5 years workmanship. Talk Energy offers a 20-year workmanship warranty, one of the longest in the industry.
4. Do You Use In-House Electricians?
Many solar companies subcontract installation to third parties. This can lead to inconsistent quality and slow response times for warranty claims. Ask whether the installer uses their own licensed electricians. Talk Energy uses only in-house electricians for every installation and service call.
5. What Is Your Aftercare Process?
Ask what happens after installation. Do they set up system monitoring? How quickly do they respond to faults? Do they have a dedicated service team? Talk Energy provides system monitoring setup, a dedicated aftercare team, and our 48-hour fix or replace guarantee.
6. What Are the Payment Terms?
Understand when payment is due. Reputable installers typically require a deposit (10-30%) with the balance due after installation. Be cautious of any installer requiring full payment upfront before any work begins. Ask about financing options and interest-free payment plans.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of door-to-door sales with high-pressure tactics, quotes significantly cheaper than competitors (often means inferior products), vague warranty terms, no CEC accreditation, reluctance to provide references, and demands for full upfront payment. A trustworthy installer like Talk Energy welcomes questions and provides transparent, detailed answers.
