Solar Guide, your trusted, independent solar experts here.
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Previously we explained why it’s important to wisely choose your solar provider.
Today, we’ll show you how to choose the right solar company.
Now, every customer has different preferences about the type of companies they like to purchase from:
Size of company:
- Some customers like to purchase from the largest solar companies, thinking that these companies are most likely to still be there in five years. Our experience is that this isn’t always true.
- Some customers prefer small companies, as they get to deal directly with the business owner.
- There’s plenty of reasons to choose a medium-sized business too!
- It can be hard to know how large a company is, but most companies that operate in multiple states are probably large in size.
- Our Advice: avoid the largest solar businesses where you’re just a number. Instead choose a medium-sized business. Or if you find a small operator you trust and love, then choose them.
Age of company:
- The solar industry is pretty dynamic, and many businesses fail due to inexperience.
- Our Advice: choose a company that has been established longer than 5 years.
- You can check how old a company truly is using the government’s Australian Business Register
Workmanship warranty:
- Most solar equipment carries similar warranties, which cover you for manufacturing defects if equipment fails. But workmanship warranties cover you if anything goes wrong, and workmanship is essential for system longevity.
- NOTE: don’t be fooled by gimmicks. Some companies offer really long workmanship warranties up to 20 years. If they have only been in business for 3 years, that warranty doesn’t really mean anything as there is no proof they’ll be around to honour it.
- Our Advice: choose a company that offers a 5-year workmanship warranty.
Great reviews
- Whenever we’re buying a product we’re not experts with (e.g. white-goods), we first look at customer reviews. The same goes for solar companies.
- Just be aware that the typical review is 4.2 stars. 50% of solar companies have reviews that average less than this. A pretty poor company will average 3.5 stars
- Our Advice: Choose a company with reviews that average above 4.2 stars. If you can’t find any reviews, then don’t use the company.
- Also: reading 1-star and 2-star company reviews can reveal how a company responds when things don’t go perfectly. Everyone makes mistakes, it’s how they’re dealt with that matters, in our opinion
Independent endorsement
- The Clean Energy Council’s Approved Solar Retailer program assesses whether a solar retailer meets a set of elevated standards that protect consumers. It’s been endorsed by the ACCC and it’s been mandated by the Victorian state government.
- Our Advice: Outside of Victoria, it’s not imperative you choose an Approved Solar Retailer, though we highly recommend you do. A Master Electrician is a good alternative for small businesses.
Some red flags to help you avoid suspect solar companies
You should walk away quickly from a company that does any of the following:
- The company’s business address is a serviced office in the CBD.
- Make exaggerated claims (i.e. eliminating bills, over performing equipment, they have partnered with the Clean Energy Council or other Associations)
- Use aggressive sales techniques
- Quote with a one-size-fits-all system – the “cookie cutter” approach.
We’re not the only independent experts to suggest you look for those things. Check out Choice Magazine’s guide to finding a solar company.
If you’re ready to take the next steps now to go solar and receive the benefits of solar energy as soon as possible, then get in touch today with on . They’ll fast track you as your details are already on file!
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