7 Things to Check Before You Choose a Solar Installer in Sydney

Choosing a solar installer is not like buying a TV. If a TV breaks, you return it. If your solar system is poorly installed, you could be dealing with roof damage, electrical hazards, a voided warranty, and a system that underperforms for 25 years — with no one left to call.

The Australian solar market has grown explosively, and that growth has attracted some operators who cut corners, use cheap equipment, or disappear after the installation. Here's what to check before you sign anything.

1. CEC and SAA Accreditation — Non-Negotiable

An installer must be accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC) or Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) to legally claim the federal STC rebate on your behalf. More importantly, accreditation means the installer has completed formal training, passed competency assessments, and agreed to a code of conduct.

Ask for their accreditation number and verify it directly on the CEC or SAA website. If they can't provide it, or if it doesn't show up on the register — walk away.

2. They Use Tier 1 Equipment on the CEC Approved Products List

The CEC maintains an approved products list for panels and inverters. Products on this list have been independently assessed to meet Australian performance and safety standards. If a panel brand isn't on the list, it's not eligible for STC rebates — and it's likely a quality risk.

Ask your installer exactly which panel and inverter brand they're recommending and why. A quality installer will be able to explain the reasoning. A less reputable one may pressure you with "we have a special deal on these panels this week."

3. They've Been in Business for More Than 5 Years

The manufacturer's warranty on your panels is 25 years. Your inverter warranty is 5–10 years. If your installer goes out of business next year, those warranties are effectively worthless — there's no one to coordinate the claim.

Check the company's ABN registration date on the Australian Business Register. If it was registered recently — especially around the time of a new government rebate announcement — that's worth noting. Established businesses with a real track record are significantly lower risk.

4. They Do a Proper Site Assessment

A trustworthy installer will visit your home (or conduct a detailed remote assessment using satellite data) before providing a final quote. They should assess your roof's orientation, tilt, shading at different times of year, structural capacity, and your electrical setup.

Any installer who gives you a firm quote after a 5-minute phone call and "a quick look at Google Maps" is not designing the system properly. Shading alone can reduce system output by 20–30% if not accounted for.

5. The Quote is Detailed and Itemised

A legitimate quote will specify the exact panel brand and model, the inverter brand and model, the number of panels, system size, estimated annual output, and what's included (permits, grid connection, metering). If you receive a quote that just says "6.6kW solar system — $X," push back and ask for specifics.

6. No High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Be cautious of any installer who cold-calls or door-knocks, insists you sign on the spot, uses "this offer expires today" pressure, or promises unrealistic savings without reviewing your actual electricity bills.

Reputable installers know their systems sell themselves on the merits. They'll encourage you to take your time and compare quotes.

7. They Have Real, Verifiable Reviews

Look for Google reviews with detailed, specific feedback — not generic "great service!" comments. Check how the company responds to the occasional negative review. Look for reviews that mention specific installers, specific suburbs, and specific timeframes. A company with 200 reviews spread over 5 years is very different from one with 200 reviews posted in the last 3 months.