Get detailed quotes, and more than one
The ACCC recommends getting several quotes and making sure each is detailed. A vague quote makes comparison impossible. You should be able to see exactly what is being installed and what is not.
What every quote should list
- Panel brand, model, number of panels and total system size
- Inverter brand, model and size
- Battery brand, model, usable capacity and power output
- Whether backup is included, and which circuits
- Switchboard or metering work, and who pays for it
- Any roof, mounting or access extras
- How incentives are applied, shown as a separate line
Compare the design, not just the price
Ask each installer what usage they based the design on. A cheaper quote may simply be a smaller system, or assume no switchboard work that another installer has spotted. Neither is wrong by default; the question is which one fits your home.
Incentives
Federal and NSW incentives can reduce the price of eligible systems. They depend on eligibility, the equipment and timing, and the value can change. Ask each installer to show the incentive as a separate line item and to explain what happens if it turns out to be lower than expected.
Warranties and after-sales care
There are usually several warranties: product warranties for panels, inverter and battery, a performance warranty for panels, and a workmanship warranty from the installer. Ask who you contact for a claim, and whether the manufacturer has a local presence. The ACCC also points to ongoing care and maintenance as part of the decision.
Finance
If finance is offered, compare the total amount payable, not just the repayment. Some finance products come with a higher system price than paying upfront. Read the terms before you sign.
Pressure is a signal
A good installer will give you time to read and compare. Be cautious of offers that expire today, or estimates of savings without any explanation of the assumptions behind them.
Separate savings from incentives
Ask for the import rate, feed-in tariff, direct solar use and battery losses behind any savings estimate. A joining payment from a VPP is not recurring energy savings. Avoid counting the same benefit twice.
For government support, verify the current application sequence and approved provider requirements before signing. An advertised maximum is not your entitlement, and a zero-interest loan is still debt.
Sources
Sources are linked for background reading. They do not endorse Green Home. This is general information, not advice for your home; a site assessment is needed for a recommendation.
