Australian Homeowner Solar Quote Checklist

Start with your electricity usage

Before comparing solar quotes, understand your current electricity use.

• What is my average quarterly electricity bill?
• Do I use more power during the day or at night?
• Do I work from home regularly?
• Do I have high-usage appliances such as pool pumps, air conditioning, electric hot water, or EV charging?
• Am I planning future upgrades such as a battery, EV charger, heat pump, or broader home electrification?

Why this matters: a solar system should suit your usage pattern, tariff, export limits, and future energy plans, not only your roof size.

Check your roof and site conditions

Before accepting a quote, ask whether your roof and site conditions have been properly considered.

• What roof areas will the panels be installed on?
• Is there shading from trees, nearby buildings, antennas, chimneys, or roof features?
• What direction, pitch, and material does my roof have?
• Is my roof in suitable condition for solar installation?
• Will roof repairs, switchboard upgrades, meter changes, or structural checks be required?
• Are there access issues that may affect installation?

Red flag: be cautious if a quote is provided without enough information about your roof, shading, meter, switchboard, or installation conditions.

Understand the system size

Do not compare solar quotes by price alone. Compare what is actually included.

• What system size is being quoted?
• How many panels are included, and what is the panel wattage?
• What inverter size is included?
• Is the system designed for current usage only, or future battery and EV needs as well?
• Are there export limits in my area?
• Has the provider explained why this system size was recommended?

A larger system is not automatically better. The right size depends on usage, roof space, tariffs, export settings, budget, and future plans.

Compare panel and inverter details

Make sure you know exactly what products are being quoted.

• What panel brand and model are included?
• What inverter brand and model are included?
• Are the panels and inverter suitable for Australian conditions?
• What warranties apply to the panels and inverter?
• Who handles warranty claims if something goes wrong?
• Are monitoring apps or portals included?
• What happens if the quoted product is unavailable before installation?

Red flag: be cautious if a quote only says “premium panels” or “high-quality inverter” without naming the specific brand and model.

Ask about installer qualifications and workmanship

The installer matters as much as the product.

• Who will perform the installation?
• Are they licensed and appropriately accredited?
• Will the company use employees or subcontractors?
• Who is responsible if there is a workmanship issue?
• What workmanship warranty is included?
• Who should I contact after installation if I have questions or issues?

Avoid relying only on sales promises. Make sure responsibility, workmanship warranty, and after-sales support are clear in writing.

Check what is included in the quote

A cheaper quote may exclude important work.

If a quote looks much cheaper than others, ask what is excluded before making a decision.

Understand tariffs, export limits, and feed-in assumptions

Solar value depends partly on how your energy is used and how your electricity plan works.

• What assumptions are being made about my electricity tariff?
• What assumptions are being made about feed-in tariffs?
• Are export limits likely to apply?
• How much solar power am I expected to use during the day?
• Has the quote assumed future tariff or rebate settings?
• What happens if feed-in tariffs change?
• Should I review my electricity plan after installation?

Do not rely on simple payback claims unless the assumptions are clearly explained and current.

Consider battery readiness

Even if you are not buying a battery now, ask whether the solar design keeps future battery options open.

• Is the proposed system battery-ready?
• Would a battery require a different inverter or extra equipment later?
• Is there suitable space for a battery?
• Are there backup power requirements I should consider?
• Would a battery suit my evening usage?
• What extra costs may apply if I add a battery later?

Battery suitability depends on usage, tariffs, system size, backup needs, budget, installation location, and product choice.

Ask about future EV charger or heat-pump planning

If you may install an EV charger or heat pump later, mention this before accepting a solar quote.

• Am I planning to buy an EV in the next few years?
• Will I need daytime charging, overnight charging, or both?
• Could a future EV charger affect my electricity usage?
• Am I considering replacing gas hot water or heating with electric alternatives?
• Should the solar system be sized with future electrification in mind?
• Will future upgrades require switchboard or electrical capacity checks?

Solar, battery, EV charging, and heat pumps can work together as a staged plan, but they should be planned carefully.

Review finance and payment terms carefully

Before signing, make sure you understand the payment structure.

• What is the total upfront cost?
• Is a deposit required, and when is final payment due?
• Is finance being offered?
• What interest rate, fees, or charges apply?
• Is the quote based on cash price or financed price?
• What happens if installation is delayed?
• What are the cancellation terms?
• Are there ongoing fees or monitoring charges?

Be cautious if “no upfront cost” is emphasised without clear total cost, fees, finance terms, or obligations.

Check rebates, incentives, and claims

Rebates and incentives can change and may depend on eligibility.

• What rebate or incentive is included in the quote?
• Who confirms eligibility?
• Is the rebate applied upfront or claimed separately?
• What happens if I am not eligible?
• Are there deadlines or conditions?
• Can the provider show current source information?
• Is the quote still valid if rebate or incentive settings change?

Do not assume you qualify for a rebate or incentive until your eligibility is properly confirmed.

Compare at least two or three quotes

Try not to rely on one quote only.

The cheapest quote is not always the best value. The most expensive quote is not automatically the best either.

Watch for common red flags

Final questions before signing

• Do I understand exactly what I am buying?
• Are the product brands and models listed clearly?
• Are installation responsibilities, warranties, and workmanship support clear?
• Are assumptions about savings, tariffs, exports, and rebates explained?
• Have I compared more than one option?
• Do I feel comfortable with the provider’s answers?
• Have I checked whether this system suits my current and future needs?
• Am I being given enough time to make a considered decision?