All Solar Power Providers Are Not Created Equal: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Are you unsure which solar company is best for your company? Your choice to switch to renewable energy will be seamless and well-informed if you take the time to consider and ask yourself these 5 appropriate questions.

1. Are they CEC Accredited and Fully Licensed ?

Not all solar energy providers are made equal. The difference between installing a safe, dependable system and making an expensive error relies on selecting one that is fully licensed and accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC), one of the leading voices in Australia's renewable energy sector. Choosing an installer with CEC accreditation is your best bet for obtaining government rebates and ensuring requirements for system performance, safety, and craftsmanship are met.

Two main categories of accreditation exist. Licensed electricians with specialised training in solar and batteries are known as CEC-accredited installers. Conversely, CEC-approved retailers provide strong warranties, ensure ethical sales practices, and assist with rebate documentation. Both play a vital role in delivering trusted solar solutions.

Selecting a supplier without accreditation puts you at risk for safety concerns, voided warranties, subpar system performance, and worst of all, potentially losing out on thousands of dollars in rebates such as the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). A reputable supplier will be pleased to provide you with their CEC accreditation number, which you can verify on the Solar Accreditation Australia website.

2. What kind of equipment are they using? 

Once you've ticked the licensing box, it's time to talk about equipment. The panels and inverters your provider installs might make or break your solar savings. Tier one solar panels are the best; they are produced by reputable companies with a track record of reliability, performance, and support. You'll get more power, fewer problems, and a longer lifespan if you pair them with a good inverter.

Examine warranties closely as well. Premium solar panels are guaranteed to still produce between 80 and 90 percent of their total energy capacity after 20 years, thanks to a 25-year performance warranty. Defect coverage under product warranties typically lasts 10–25 years. (Australian Government, 2024) With the option to extend, inverters normally have a 5–10 year lifespan. Remember the workmanship warranty as well; it's your safety net in case something goes wrong during installation.

How do premium and budget components differ from one another? Higher-end systems are more effective, deteriorate more slowly, and frequently include better technology, such as smart home integration and monitoring apps. Budget options are less expensive up front, but they might not be sufficient over time, particularly if you have a small roof or high energy requirements. Considering getting a battery at some stage? Now is the time to make sure your system is battery-ready. While some inverters can be upgraded without additional hardware, others may require a complete replacement.

3. What’s included in the quote - and what’s not?

Let's face it, solar quotes are frequently confusing. A reliable solar power supplier like Smart will provide you with an itemised quote that clearly outlines the costs. The brands of panels and inverters, labour and installation expenses, the system's total capacity in kilowatts (kW), and whether a monitoring app or portal will be available should all be displayed. Along with information about after-sales support, warranties should also be detailed. 

Look out for hidden extras, such as export control devices (which your energy distributor may require), scaffolding or lifting equipment hire, or switchboard upgrades (often needed for older buildings). Certain quotes omit these expenses, which may result in unforeseen charges later on.

Want to compare quotes fairly? Look at the cost per watt; that’s the total price divided by the system size in watts. But make sure you're comparing apples with apples. A cheaper system using low-quality panels and no monitoring might cost more in the long run than a slightly pricier setup with Tier 1 components and battery-ready features. Also beware of “cookie-cutter” packages. Every home is different, and a good installer will assess your roof, sun exposure, energy habits, and local rules before designing your system.

4. What Happens after Installation ? 

Installation day isn’t the end of the story. A trusted solar power provider will offer ongoing support to ensure your systems run efficiently and deliver maximum return. That’s why at Smart Commercial Solar, our asset management services are designed to monitor, maintain and optimise your system for the long-term. 

This includes assistance with system monitoring, guidance on upkeep and cleaning, and a contact to contact in the event that you discover any problems. If a panel or inverter malfunctions, you should find out who your first point of contact is and whether the warranty claim is handled by the manufacturer or the installer.

Your provider should ideally oversee the entire procedure on your behalf. Choose one that is easily accessible, has a good reputation, and is still operating years after the installation. Additionally, you should find out if they provide cleaning services, performance evaluations, or future system upgrades like batteries or Virtual Power Plant (VPP) participation.

5. Do they offer flexible finance or rebate assistance ? 

Flexible financing can make all the difference because solar systems are expensive purchases. Excellent solar power suppliers provide a variety of choices.  Some commercial buildings choose Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or solar leases, in which you pay for the electricity produced by the system but do not own it. Make sure you understand the terms, but these can be useful, particularly for commercial or rental properties. Certain contracts can be difficult to break and last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.

The initial cost of your solar system can be considerably decreased with rebates and incentives. Smart keeps up with the most recent state-based battery rebates and support programs, and makes sure federal STCs or LGCs are included in your quote. We actively assist you with the application process rather than merely informing you of the opportunities.

If you’re considering becoming a member of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), we partner with programs that allow our clients to share stored battery energy back to the grid, earning bill credits or payments. With our Smart Stack solution, your battery generates income, maximises ROI, and supports grid stability during peak demand. With Smart Stack, your solar and battery system becomes a powerful, income-generating asset, working harder for you both financially and environmentally.

That said, not all finance offers are created equal. Be wary of “0% interest” deals that hide inflated system prices or tack on sneaky admin fees. Before signing anything, make sure you know:

• Who owns the system, you or the provider?
• What are the early exit fees?
• What’s the real interest rate?
  
  

We always recommend reading the fine print, or better yet, talk to us first. We’ll make sure you get a solar solution that’s transparent, cost-effective, and tailored to your goals.