Choosing solar is a smart decision. By using the sun’s energy, you can reduce your grid energy usage, contribute to a sustainable future and enjoy peace-of-mind.
However, it would help if you did your homework when selecting your solar provider. Approximately 700 solar companies have gone bust in Australia since 2011, leaving around 650,000 customers without support or warranties. This situation has resulted in customers having a poor experience with solar when it should be the other way around.
So, how do you know if you are dealing with a company you can trust? What questions should you ask? What answers should you get?
In this article, we will guide you with five key questions you should ask a potential solar provider. If they can’t answer any, or all of them convincingly, that would be the first red flag to notice that should make you think twice before doing business with them.
1. Will someone come to my home?
Carrying out a home solar assessment is essential for the potential solar provider to understand your exact needs. There are so many variants to consider when selecting the correct solar solution for you as the performance of your system will depend on a range of factors, including:
- Site conditions, including ceiling space and roof size
- The size of your family and your real energy usage patterns
- Your motivation for going solar, i.e. reduced energy use, reduced carbon emissions
- Plus more, such as large appliances, i.e. TVs, fridges in the home
If a solar provider suggests they can provide a solar solution by simply using a satellite image, or without adequately understanding your needs, then you should reconsider your options.
A company that is in it for the long haul will ensure you get the best solution, tailored to you.
2. Do you test the products you sell?
Pay close attention to the answer to this question. Do they do any testing before they incorporate a product into their range? How confidently do they answer this question and how convinced are you of their processes?
Key things to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Flash Test Data results should be checked on all panels to ensure the system will deliver the power you purchased
- Inspections should also take place on goods received into warehouses to ensure quality is consistent with specifications
3. How long have you been in business?
How long have they been in business? What do their customers say about them? Are they professional in their dealings, and do they work at maintaining a positive brand presence? What do you see when you Google their name?
Be sure to do some research into a company’s track record.
4. Are your installers Clean Energy Council accredited?
Every solar installer needs to be accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC). This means a trouble-free process and a system that will be connected safely and in accordance with industry guidelines.
If a potential provider can’t answer this question convincingly, it is another sign that they are looking for shortcuts.
5. What are your warranties like?
When it comes to buying a solar system, quality, reliability and trusted warranties are three key things to look out for. Specifically, a good warranty can provide you peace-of-mind that if there are any issues, a trusted solar provider will be there to help.
So, pay close attention to what is in the fine print. Less reputable companies will try to take shortcuts regarding warranties as they know they are offering a poor product.
How does Solahart answer these five questions?
Solahart was one of the first companies in the world to recognise the value of the sun’s free energy. We pioneered solar water heating in Australia in 1953. Since then we have installed over one million solar hot water systems in over 70 countries and over half a million solar power panels.
Today, we also offer home battery systems for the complete renewable energy solution.
1. Will someone come to my home?
Solahart Eastern Ranges starts with a free, safer home solar assessment to provide a solution tailored to your needs. We’ll recommend the right system and correct configuration that fits your budget and your energy consumption. Using a Solahart Savings Calculator, we’ll then estimate the savings you could make.
2. Do you test the products you sell?
Solahart Eastern Ranges leaves no stone unturned when it comes to testing our solar power and hot water systems.
All Solahart Eastern Ranges systems are designed and manufactured for the harshest Australian conditions. Quality is ingrained in everything we do and, before we include it in our range, each component is tested to ensure minimal energy losses and maximum energy yields.
All of our solar water heaters are designed and manufactured by Solahart. As a result, they are all built to Australian standards and subjected to our own stringent quality procedures and specifications
We check Solar Panel Flash test results on our panels and systematically check samples of solar panels received using Electroluminescence (EL) imaging to ensure they deliver all the power you purchased
We conduct inwards goods inspections on goods received into our warehouses to ensure the quality is consistent with Solahart’s specifications
3. How long have you been in business?
Solahart has been in solar hot water since 1953 and providing solar power solutions for over 10 years, so you will be dealing with a company you can trust.
4. Are your installers Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited?
All Solahart Solahart Eastern Ranges Solar Power systems are installed by fully qualified, trained and experienced Solahart professionals. In addition, all our installers are CEC accredited and every Solahart Dealer is part of the CEC retailer code of conduct scheme.
This ensures you get a system that is connected safely and in accordance with industry guidelines.
5. What are your warranties like?
With over 65 years experience in solar, we’re here for the long haul. Every Solahart system is backed by a trusted Solahart Warranty. In the unlikely event of a problem, our team of Solahart dealers will be there to fix it!
To find the right solution for you with a company you can trust, organise a Safer Home Assessment with Solahart Eastern Ranges today by completing the form below or contacting Solahart Eastern Ranges on 1300 721 984