10 questions to ask your solar installer in Perth before committing

Getting solar quotes from multiple Perth installers is a good start. Knowing which questions to ask before you sign separates a genuinely good installation from one that looks fine on paper. These 10 questions should be answered satisfactorily before you commit.

1. Can I see your CEC accreditation number?

Every installer who designs, supplies, and installs a grid-connected solar system in WA must hold a current Clean Energy Council (CEC) accreditation. Without it, they cannot:

• Lodge the Network Connection Notice (NCN) with Western Power
• Issue the Electrical Safety Certificate
• Have STCs assigned (which provides your point-of-sale discount)

What to look for: Ask for their accreditation number and verify it at cleanenergycouncil.org.au/installer-search before signing. Accreditations expire — verify the current status, not just that a number exists.

2. Will a CEC-accredited installer physically install my system?

Some companies quote under their CEC accreditation but subcontract the actual installation to unlicensed labour. The CEC accreditation covers the licensed person, not an unnamed subcontractor.

What to ask: "Will the person who installs my panels hold their own CEC accreditation, or is the work being subcontracted?" Reputable companies either use directly employed CEC-accredited installers or work with named, accredited subcontractors.

3. What panel model and inverter model are you quoting?

"Quality panels" and "tier-1 inverter" are marketing language, not specifications. Get the exact model names:

• Panel: brand + model + wattage (e.g. "Longi Hi-MO 7 445W")
• Inverter: brand + model (e.g. "Fronius Primo GEN24 5kW")

These model names let you look up actual specifications — temperature coefficients, degradation rates, warranty terms, and whether the inverter has monitoring included.

Red flag: Refusing to name the specific models before signing.

4. What are the warranty terms for each component, and who do I contact?

Three warranties cover a solar installation:

| Warranty | Who provides it | What it covers | |---|---|---| | Panel product | Panel manufacturer | Physical defects for 10–15 years | | Panel performance | Panel manufacturer | Minimum output (≥80% at year 25) | | Workmanship | Installer | Installation quality, leaks, wiring |

Critical question: "If I have a problem in year 6, do I contact you or the manufacturer?" The workmanship warranty is the installer's responsibility. If they say "contact the manufacturer for everything," the workmanship warranty is being misrepresented.

Minimum acceptable: Workmanship warranty of 5 years (CEC Code minimum); better installers offer 10 years.

5. Do you handle the NCN lodgement with Western Power, and is that included?

The Network Connection Notice (NCN) is the mandatory notification to Western Power before your solar system can be connected to the grid. Without it, your installation is not grid-legal and STCs cannot be claimed.

NCN lodgement must be done by a CEC-accredited person. It's not automatic — someone has to submit it. Some installers include this; others charge separately or leave it to the homeowner.

Confirm in writing: NCN lodgement included at no extra cost.

6. Does the price include a smart meter upgrade if needed?

DEBS (the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme) requires a bi-directional smart meter. Western Power may need to upgrade your meter after installation. The meter itself is typically supplied by Western Power at no cost, but:

• Coordination with Western Power takes 4–8 weeks in some Perth areas
• Some installers charge a coordination fee or leave this to you

Ask: "Does your quote include coordinating the smart meter upgrade with Western Power?"

7. Where will the inverter be installed, and will it have adequate ventilation?

Inverter placement affects performance and longevity. A Fronius inverter installed in a closed, unventilated utility room in summer will run hotter — and hot inverters have shorter lifespans.

Good answers:

• Shaded, ventilated wall in the garage or on the side of the house
• Under the eaves on the shaded (south) side of the house

Red flags: "Wherever is convenient" or a plan to install in a roof void or un-ventilated enclosure.

8. How long have you been operating in Perth, and can you provide local references?

Solar companies come and go. An installer who has been operating in Perth for 5+ years has:

• A track record of honouring warranties
• Established relationships with Western Power
• Existing customers you can speak to

Ask for: Two or three references from Perth customers installed at least 2–3 years ago (not just recent customers).

Verify business registration: Search ABN Lookup (abr.gov.au) to confirm the company's ABN and registration date. A company registered 3 months ago with no history is higher risk.

9. What happens if there's a problem with the installation after you've been paid?

This is the question many homeowners don't ask — and regret. A strong answer covers:

• Named contact person for post-installation issues
• Service call process (how to book, typical response time)
• Whether they charge for warranty call-outs (they shouldn't for genuine defects)

A good installer has a clear answer. Vague responses ("we'll sort it out") are a yellow flag.

10. What is your payment schedule, and how much deposit do you require?

Solar is a high-value purchase. A common deposit structure is 10–20% on signing, with the remainder on completion and commissioning. Be cautious of:

• Full payment upfront before installation begins
• Large deposits (>30%) before any work starts
• No cooling-off period — Consumer Protection WA requires a cooling-off period for unsolicited sales; for solicited purchases signed in your home, the standard 3-day cooling-off period may not apply

Ask: "What is the payment schedule, and what happens if I need to cancel after signing?"

Checking a company's history

Before committing, 10 minutes of research:

1. Google reviews: Look at reviews from 2+ years ago, not just recent ones
2. Consumer Protection WA: Search for complaints at commerce.wa.gov.au (Trader Look Up)
3. CEC installer search: Verify accreditation is current
4. ABN Lookup: Confirm business registration date

Getting three quotes and asking these questions at each should give you enough information to distinguish professional installers from those taking shortcuts. The goal isn't the cheapest quote — it's the best installation at a fair price from a company that will still be operating when your warranty matters.