Australia has more solar installers per capita than almost anywhere else on earth. That's mostly a good thing — but it also means there are a lot of cowboys out there. Getting a bad install can cost you thousands in repairs, void your warranties, and leave you with a system that barely performs.
The good news: separating the good guys from the dodgy ones isn't that hard once you know what to look for.
1. CEC Accreditation Is Non-Negotiable
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is Australia's peak body for the renewable energy industry. Any company installing solar on your home must use a CEC-accredited installer — this isn't optional, it's a legal requirement to access government rebates (STCs).
But accreditation alone isn't enough. Ask: is the person actually turning up on your roof CEC-accredited, or just the company owner? Dodgy operators sometimes have one accredited person on the books and use unlicensed labourers for the actual work.
How to check: The CEC has a public installer search tool at solaraccreditation.com.au. Run the company's name and the installer's name before you sign anything.
2. They're a CEC Approved Solar Retailer (Optional but Excellent)
Beyond basic accreditation, some companies have earned the title of CEC Approved Solar Retailer. This means they've signed a code of conduct covering ethical sales practices, fair contracts, accurate quoting, and quality workmanship standards.
It's not a guarantee of perfection, but it filters out most of the worst operators. When comparing two companies, all else being equal, go with the Approved Retailer.
3. They Have Real, Verifiable Reviews
Google Reviews are your first stop — not their own website, which they control entirely. Look for:
- A high volume of reviews (50+), not just five glowing ones
- Recent reviews (within the last 12 months)
- Responses from the company to negative reviews — how they handle complaints tells you everything
- Specific detail in the reviews ("installed a 10kW system on my tin roof in Geelong") vs. generic praise ("great service!")
Also check ProductReview.com.au, which has a huge database of Australian solar company reviews and is harder to game than Google.
4. They've Been Around Long Enough to Stand Behind Their Work
Solar panels come with 25-year performance warranties. Your installer typically offers 5–10 years on workmanship. If the company folds in year 3, those warranties are worthless.
Ask how long they've been in business. A company that opened last year during a solar boom and is offering rock-bottom prices is a risk. Established companies with 5+ years of local installs have a track record you can check.
5. Their Quote Is Detailed and Transparent
A trustworthy company gives you a quote that specifies:
- The exact panel brand and model number
- The inverter brand and model
- System size in kW
- Estimated annual generation in kWh
- What's included in the install (mounting hardware, cabling, monitoring app, grid connection application)
- What's not included (switchboard upgrades, asbestos removal if applicable)
If a quote is just "$8,500 for a 6.6kW system" with no further detail, that's a red flag. You have no idea what you're actually getting.
6. They Don't Use High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Run a mile from anyone who:
- Says the rebate "expires next week" (it doesn't — the STC scheme runs to 2030)
- Asks you to sign on the spot during a home visit
- Refuses to give you time to compare quotes
- Makes you feel stupid for asking questions
A legitimate solar company wants an informed customer — because an informed customer is a happy customer, and happy customers refer friends.
7. They Actually Survey Your Roof Before Quoting
The best companies do a proper site assessment — either in person or via satellite imagery tools — before they quote. They'll check your roof pitch and orientation, shading from trees and neighbouring buildings, your switchboard, and your network connection point.
A company that quotes you over the phone in five minutes without asking about your roof, your usage patterns, or your electricity bill hasn't done enough homework to give you a meaningful quote.
The Bottom Line
CEC accreditation, real reviews, a detailed quote, and no sales pressure. If a company ticks all four boxes, you're in safe hands. If they fail even one, keep looking — there are plenty of excellent installers across Australia who will do the job right.
Before you even call an installer, it's worth knowing exactly what your bill says and what solar could realistically save you. Upload your electricity bill to GridBeater for a free, instant analysis — it takes 60 seconds and gives you the numbers you need to have an informed conversation with any solar company.
See what solar could save you → Upload your bill free at GridBeater