How to choose a solar and battery installer: a homeowner's checklist

1. Is the installer accredited?

Solar installers and designers are accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA), which took over from the Clean Energy Council in 2024: check it yourself. A system must be installed by an accredited installer to get the federal rebates, and batteries need an installer with a battery endorsement. Ask for the accreditation number and check it on SAA's accreditation status check. Also ask whether the person who installs your system is the accredited one, or a subcontractor.

2. Does the business hold an electrical licence in your state?

Each state licenses electrical contractors, and in some states a licence is also needed to sell solar. Check the business, not just the salesperson:

• NSW: NSW Government licence check
• VIC: Energy Safe Victoria public register
• QLD: Electrical Safety Office licence search
• SA: Consumer and Business Services licence search
• Other states and territories: your state's building, energy or electrical safety regulator publishes a licence search.

3. Are the products on the approved lists?

Panels, inverters and batteries must be on the Clean Energy Council's approved lists to qualify for the rebates and to connect to the grid. Your quote should name the exact brands and models, not “tier 1 panels” or “premium battery”. See how to choose a home battery.

4. Has the seller signed the New Energy Tech Consumer Code?

Sellers who sign up to the New Energy Tech Consumer Code, a voluntary, ACCC-authorised code (they're called Approved Sellers), commit to rules that protect you. Among other things, they must not claim to be part of a government scheme, must not use high-pressure tactics, and their quotes must include the total price, the deposit, an itemised list, expected performance, warranties, and your cooling-off rights on the front page, and stay valid for at least 10 business days. You can find an Approved Seller. An updated version of the code applies from 1 December 2026. It's a good sign, not a guarantee: you still need to check the rest of this list.

5. What should a good solar quote include?

A good solar quote includes:

• Exact products (brand and model) and quantities, and the system size in kW and battery size in usable kWh
• The total price including GST, the rebates taken off (with the number of certificates), the deposit, and when payments are due
• A site-specific design, or a clear step where the design is confirmed, and what happens to your money if it changes
• Expected yearly production and savings, and the assumptions behind them
• Warranties for each part, plus the installer's own workmanship warranty
• Whether blackout backup is included, and any extras such as a switchboard upgrade
• An installation timeframe the installer can actually control, and your cooling-off and cancellation rights

6. What warranties should you expect?

Expect a separate warranty for the panels, the inverter, the battery and the workmanship:

• Panels: a product warranty (often 10 to 25 years), which matters most, and a performance warranty (typically 25 years).
• Inverters: usually 5 to 10 years for string and hybrid inverters, longer for microinverters.
• Batteries: usually 10 years, with a retained-capacity figure and often a throughput limit.
• Workmanship: usually at least 5 years. Approved Sellers under the consumer code must give at least 5 years on the whole solar system.

Warranties are on top of your rights under Australian Consumer Law, not instead of them.

7. Red flags

• Claims to be from, or working with, a “government program”. Governments don't sell solar door to door or by phone.
• Pressure to sign today, or a rebate “deadline” used to rush you. The rebate is set by the installation date, and regulators have warned sellers about promising install dates they can't meet.
• Discounts in exchange for a testimonial, a referral or a “display home” spot.
• A price far below everyone else's, vague product descriptions, or no site assessment at all.
• A large deposit before the design is confirmed, or finance pushed as the only option.

8. Do you have a cooling-off period?

If you sign after an unsolicited visit or phone call, Australian Consumer Law gives you a 10 business day cooling-off period, starting the business day after you sign or receive the agreement. During it the seller can't take payment or start work, and must leave if you ask. Door-to-door sellers can only visit 9am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays, never on Sundays or public holidays.

9. What should you receive after installation?

After installation, make sure you receive the electrical compliance certificate for your state, the warranty documents, the rebate (certificate) paperwork you signed, and confirmation that your network has approved the connection. The installer should also show you how to use the system and its monitoring app. If something goes wrong, contact the installer first, then your state's fair trading office or electrical safety regulator; for rebate concerns, the Clean Energy Regulator.

Should you talk to more than one installer?

The government recommends talking to more than one installer. At Homerise you see one installer at a time, and you can ask for another introduction whenever you like (up to 3), with your answers kept. Every installer we work with meets our standard: 4.5★ or higher across 25+ reviews on Google or another public review site, 3+ years trading, licensed, accredited and insured, re-checked every 90 days. You're also free to get quotes elsewhere and compare.