Submitted by Andrew on Thu, 16/04/2020 - 12:11
5 questions to ask a solar company [Guide]

5 Questions to Ask a Solar Company [Guide]

There’s no question about it solar is an investment. However, this investment can be justified when it lowers your electricity bills and reduces your home’s carbon footprint.

Before you choose to go solar, it pays (literally) to research the right installer and products to safeguard your investment from costing you more than it should. To help you get the best value for money from your solar company (and system) we’ve listed 5 preliminary questions to get you started.

1. Does the product manufacturer/supplier have a presence in Australia?

The longevity of your solar products is just as important as the solar installer. If your solar installer goes out of business and the manufacturer doesn’t have a presence in Australia, you can expect an expensive and long turn-around time to process a warranty claim. Even if your solar manufacturer ceases operation, a reputable solar company will still do their upmost to assist their customers.

We source our solar products from leading manufacturers, all of which have a presence in Australia. In fact, we are so confident with our choice of suppliers that we will honour our customers’ warranty claims in the unlikely and unforeseeable retraction of a manufacturer.

2. Proof of a commitment to quality?

If an installer holds an ISO 9001 certification this is a good indication of quality. This is the highest standard of accreditation and is given to organisations who deliver products and services which consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements. Another great resource is independent review sites like Google My Business, TrustPilot and Product Review which provide insight into a retailer’s customer service and product quality.

Solargain was one of the first Australian solar companies to be ISO 9001 and AS/NZS 4801 (safety) accredited. Many years on we maintain this commitment to quality in all our independent audits. This is proven with our 4.4- and 4.5-star rating from over 1000+ reviews across Product Review and Trustpilot respectively.

3. Are they a well-established solar company?

An ABN search will show whether they are a long-standing solar company. The longer a solar company has been installing solar PV systems, the greater their knowledge on product performance over time and how a manufacturer/supplier responds to warranty claims.

Solargain has been in the solar industry for over 20 years. We’ve witnessed every rebate, tariff, boom and slump that comes with the industry “solar-coaster.” This is why we’re one of Australia’s most trusted names in the industry.

4. Do they consider the best option for your current and future needs?

A reputable solar company will visit your home and take the time to go through your current household energy usage, roof layout and potential options for future expansion or accessories, such as batteries.

Our aim is to offer helpful, relevant and transparent information so our customer’s feel empowered to make an informed decision.

5. What after-sales service does the solar company offer?

Ensuring your solar company  has the resources to support you throughout the lifetime of your system is crucial. Ask your prospective solar company  what after-sales services they provide, what their warranty claim process is and if they have a dedicated in-house service department. Their answer should give you peace of mind knowing they’ll be able to service your needs should you encounter issues in the future.

Solargain has the largest in-house service department in Australia and the means to offer our customers prompt servicing and maintenance.