Most people go into a solar quote without knowing what to ask. The installer talks, you nod, a big number gets written down, and suddenly you're signing a contract for something you don't fully understand.
Here are the 12 questions that actually matter — and what a good answer looks like.
1. Are you CEC-accredited, and is the actual installer on the day also accredited?
Why it matters: CEC accreditation is required by law for STC rebate eligibility. But some companies have one accredited person on paper and use unlicensed workers on the roof.
Good answer: "Yes, and here's the name and accreditation number of the person who'll be on your roof."
2. What specific panels and inverter are you quoting me?
Why it matters: "Tier 1 solar panels" is a marketing term, not a quality standard. You need the actual brand and model number so you can look up the warranty, degradation rate, and efficiency specs.
Good answer: Brand name, model number, wattage, and efficiency percentage for panels. Same detail for the inverter.
3. What's the panel warranty and who honours it if the company closes?
Why it matters: Most panels come with a 25-year performance warranty from the manufacturer, not the installer. Make sure you know who to call if panels underperform in year 10.
Good answer: Clear distinction between manufacturer's product warranty (usually 12–15 years), manufacturer's performance warranty (25 years), and the installer's workmanship warranty (typically 5–10 years).
4. How much energy will this system actually generate for my home?
Why it matters: A good installer uses your actual address, roof orientation, shading, and local solar irradiance data to estimate annual generation in kWh — not just a generic number.
Good answer: "Based on your north-facing roof at your postcode with no significant shading, we estimate X,XXX kWh per year."
5. What's my estimated payback period?
Why it matters: This is the number that tells you if the investment makes sense. It should account for your specific electricity rate, your usage patterns, and the feed-in tariff you'll receive.
Good answer: A specific number (e.g. "4.5 to 6 years") with clear assumptions stated. Not "it pays itself off really fast."
6. Will I need a switchboard upgrade, and is that included?
Why it matters: Older homes often have switchboards that can't safely handle solar. An upgrade can add $800–$2,000 to your cost and is sometimes conveniently left out of the initial quote.
Good answer: Either "yes, we've assessed your switchboard and it's compatible" or "you'll likely need an upgrade — here's the estimated cost, included/not included."
7. Do you handle the grid connection and council approvals?
Why it matters: Connecting to the grid requires your distributor's approval, and some installations need council sign-off. These shouldn't be your problem to manage.
Good answer: "We handle all paperwork — your distributor connection application, metering change, and council notification where required."
8. Who is actually doing the installation — your own team or subcontractors?
Why it matters: Many solar companies sell the system and then outsource the installation to third parties. That's not necessarily bad, but you want to know who's on your roof.
Good answer: Transparency about whether it's in-house staff or subcontractors, with the same CEC accreditation requirement applying either way.
9. What monitoring comes with the system?
Why it matters: A good system comes with an app or web dashboard that shows you real-time and historical generation data. If something fails, you'll know immediately instead of discovering it on your next bill six months later.
Good answer: A specific monitoring platform with app access, plus the installer's willingness to help you set it up.
10. What's your response time if something goes wrong?
Why it matters: Things occasionally go wrong — an inverter fault, a roof penetration that develops a leak, shading you didn't expect. Knowing the company's service commitment upfront tells you a lot about how they'll treat you post-sale.
Good answer: A defined response time and a local service team, not a national call centre.
11. Are there any additional costs that could come up after I sign?
Why it matters: Switchboard upgrades, asbestos removal, extra roof work, and metering costs are the four most common bill-shock sources after signing.
Good answer: A clear list of what could add to the cost and under what conditions.
12. Can I get the quote in writing with all components itemised?
Why it matters: If they're reluctant to put it in writing, that tells you something. A detailed written quote also lets you compare apples-to-apples with other installers.
Good answer: "Of course" — and they send it within 24 hours.
Go in Prepared
The best thing you can do before any installer conversation is know your numbers. Upload your electricity bill to GridBeater first — we'll show you exactly what you're currently paying, what you're paying per kWh, and what a properly-sized solar system would realistically save you. That way, you're not relying on the installer's estimates alone.
Upload your bill free at GridBeater — get your numbers in 60 seconds