A bad solar installer cost my mate $3,000 in repairs—I’ve seen the scams up close. In 2025, with 3.5M solar homes in Australia (Clean Energy Council, 2024), spotting a quality installer is critical. Here’s how to avoid the dodgy ones and save big.
1. Verify CEC Accreditation
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) sets standards—non-accredited installers cost $2,000 in fixes, per X users. Visit cec.org.au to check. Example: A Sydney homeowner lost $1,000 to a non-CEC installer using faulty wiring—CEC ensures safety. In 2024, ~15% of installers weren’t accredited, risking system failures (Clean Energy Council, 2024). Ask for their CEC number and verify online—it takes 2 minutes but saves thousands. Compare: How to Compare Solar Quotes in Australia in 2025.
2. Check Reviews and Experience
Quality installers have 5+ years and 4+ star reviews—r/solarau users avoid newbies with <3 stars. Example: A Melbourne installer with 4.5 stars on Google (200 reviews) saved a user $1,500 vs. a 2-star newbie who overcharged $2,000. Check Google Reviews or SolarQuotes for feedback—look for complaints about delays or poor installs. Example: A QLD installer with 10 years’ experience fixed a prior botched job for $500, saving $1,200 long-term. See: How to Go Solar on a Budget in Australia in 2025.
3. Ask About Warranties and Support
Good installers offer 5-10 year workmanship warranties—r/solarau users report $800 in repairs without one. Example: A Perth installer with a 5-year warranty fixed a $600 panel issue for free; another user paid $1,000 with no coverage. Local support matters—remote installers charge $200/callout in rural WA (SolarQuotes, 2024). Ask for written warranty docs and confirm CEC coverage. Example: A VIC user saved $500 with a 10-year warranty covering storm damage. Verify: How to Choose the Right Solar System Size for Your Australian Home in 2025.
4. Inspect Their Equipment Quality
Quality installers use Tier 1 panels (e.g., Jinko, 90% efficiency) and reliable inverters (e.g., Fronius, 10-year lifespan, SolarQuotes, 2024). Example: A Brisbane user paid $7,000 for Jinko panels, saving $500/year vs. generics at $5,500 (80% efficiency). Avoid installers pushing no-name brands—X users report $1,200 in early failures. Ask for spec sheets: panels should be ~400W, inverters ~98% efficient. Check: How to Choose the Best Solar Battery for Your Australian Home in 2025.
5. Confirm Rebate Handling
Quality installers manage STC rebates (~$2,000 for a 6.6kW system in NSW, Clean Energy Council, 2024). Example: A Perth installer claimed $2,500 for a user, but a dodgy one didn’t—costing $2,000. In VIC, battery rebates add $1,400—good installers ensure eligibility (SolarQuotes, 2024). Example: A VIC user missed $1,400 because their installer skipped paperwork—always confirm they handle rebates. Maximize: How to Maximize Your Solar Rebates in Australia in 2025.
6. Watch for Red Flags
Pushy sales, “free solar” offers, or no contract details signal scams—r/solarau users lost $2,500 to fakes. Example: A QLD user paid $3,000 upfront for “free solar,” then got hit with $2,000 in hidden fees. Quality installers provide clear contracts and don’t rush you—SolarQuotes (2024) notes ~10% of installers use pressure tactics. Ask for a 7-day cooling-off period (legal in NSW, VIC). Learn: Solar Energy Myths vs. Facts for Australian Homeowners in 2025.
Choose Quality in 2025
Pick a quality installer to save thousands—don’t risk a scam. Contact a CEC-accredited installer for a reliable quote.