The solar industry in Australia has a long history of aggressive sales tactics, cheap imported products, and installers who disappear after the job is done. South Australia has seen its share of poorly installed systems that underperform, void roofing warranties, or fail within five years. The good news is that a few direct questions will separate professional operators from the rest.

1. Are your installers CEC-accredited?

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) accreditation is the minimum standard for solar installation in Australia. Only CEC-accredited installers are eligible to install systems that qualify for federal government rebates. Ask for the installer’s accreditation number and verify it at the CEC website. Companies that use subcontractors rather than in-house teams often cannot guarantee who will actually be on your roof.

2. Are you an approved solar retailer?

The CEC Approved Retailer program goes beyond basic accreditation. Approved retailers agree to a code of conduct covering sales practices, contract terms, and customer service standards. If a company is not an approved retailer, ask why.

3. What brands of panels and inverters are you installing?

There is enormous variation in panel and inverter quality. Request the specific make, model, and country of manufacture. Ask for the product datasheets and check that panels are on the CEC approved products list. Reputable brands include REC, Jinko, LONGi, Canadian Solar, and Trina. For inverters, Fronius, SMA, SolarEdge, Enphase, and Sungrow are widely regarded. Be cautious if a quote simply says ‘Tier 1 panels’ without naming them.

4. What warranties apply – and who backs them?

Solar equipment comes with two types of warranty: the manufacturer’s product warranty (typically 10 to 25 years on panels, 5 to 10 years on inverters) and the installer’s workmanship warranty (ideally 5 years or more). The critical question is: if this company ceases trading in 3 years, who honours the workmanship warranty? Ask what happens in that scenario.

5. Will you visit my home before quoting?

A professional solar company will inspect your roof, assess shading from trees and structures, check your switchboard, and review your electricity bills before designing a system. A quote provided without a site visit or interval data review is likely generic and may not be the right size for your home.

6. How is the STC rebate applied?

Most quotes advertise a price ‘after government rebate.’ This rebate comes in the form of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which the installer claims on your behalf in exchange for a lower upfront price. Make sure the contract specifies the rebate amount being applied and that you are assigning the STCs to the installer – not signing over any additional rights.

7. What is your after-sales support process?

Ask specifically: who do I call if my system stops working? Is there an after-hours number? What is your average response time? A company with strong after-sales support will answer these questions confidently. Vague responses or referrals to ‘the manufacturer’ for all issues are red flags.

8. Can I speak to a previous customer in my suburb?

Any reputable installer should be able to provide at least one reference from a customer in your area who has had their system for 12 months or more. Google reviews and video testimonials are helpful, but a direct conversation with a real customer is the most valuable assurance you can get.

Choosing the right solar company is not just about getting the lowest quote. It is about getting the right system, installed correctly, backed by a company that will still be answering the phone in five years.

Ready to take the next step? Get your free solar quote from Clean & Green Solutions today — call 1300 810 140 or visit cleanandgreensolutions.com.au