Red flags in Perth solar quotes: what to watch for before signing

Perth's solar industry is largely reputable, but the growth in demand has attracted some installers and salespeople who use misleading claims or pressure tactics. Here are the specific warning signs to watch for — and what legitimate installers do instead.

Red flag 1: vague equipment specifications

A legitimate quote specifies exactly:

• Panel brand, model, and wattage (e.g. "Canadian Solar HiHero 440W × 15 panels")
• Inverter brand and model (e.g. "Fronius Primo 5.0kW")
• Battery brand and model if included (e.g. "BYD Battery-Box HVM 10.2kWh")
• Number of panels and total system kW

Red flag: "premium tier-1 panels" or "quality inverter" without specific model numbers. This allows substitution of lower-quality equipment after signing.

What to do: request specific models before signing. Then check that those specific models are on the CEC's approved product list (available at cleanenergycouncil.org.au).

Red flag 2: inflated savings projections

Some quotes project savings that assume:

• 100% self-consumption of all solar generation (unrealistic — a household isn't home all day)
• Zero grid import (your system is never fully covering all consumption)
• Feed-in revenue calculated at REBS rates (7.135c flat) when DEBS (2c off-peak / 10c peak) is actually what you'll receive

Realistic Perth savings benchmark (6.6kW system, A1 tariff): $1,400–$2,000/year bill reduction for a typical 4-person Perth household

Red flag: a quote projecting $3,000+/year savings for a standard 6.6kW system on A1 tariff, without showing specific assumptions.

What to do: ask the installer to show you their savings calculation inputs (daily consumption, tariff, self-consumption ratio, export rate, generation estimate). A reputable installer will walk through these numbers.

Red flag 3: payback period calculated without interest costs

If you're financing the system, the real payback period must include financing costs. A quote showing a 4-year payback on a $9,000 system with a $1,000/year saving sounds good — but if you're paying 9% interest on a 7-year loan, the actual cash-positive break-even is later.

Red flag: quotes that show payback only on the cash purchase price when you've told the installer you're financing.

What to do: ask for the payback calculation using your actual financing cost.

Red flag 4: "limited time offer" pressure

High-pressure sales tactics include:

• "This price is only available until the end of the month"
• "STC rebates are about to change — sign today to lock in the current rate"
• Calling back multiple times within 24 hours after a site visit

The reality: STC rebates do reduce annually (by law, they step down each year from 2017 to 2030), but the step-down in any single year is modest (approximately 1/year × ~$30 per STC = ~$300 reduction over the course of a year at most). There's no "sign this week or miss the boat" legitimate urgency.

What to do: take as much time as you need. Get at least 2–3 quotes from different CEC-accredited installers. A reputable company doesn't need to pressure you.

Red flag 5: the installer is not CEC accredited

All solar systems installed in Australia must be installed by a CEC-accredited installer for the system to be eligible for STC rebates and for the installation to meet Australian Standards.

How to check: Go to the CEC's Find a Retailer/Installer tool at cleanenergycouncil.org.au and search for the company name or installer's CEC member ID.

Red flag: a salesperson who cannot provide their CEC accreditation number when asked, or whose company does not appear on the CEC search.

Red flag 6: rebate claims for non-eligible products

WA Battery Rebate ($130/kWh, max $1,300, Synergy SSL only):

• Applies only to batteries on the Synergy Sustainable Smart Living product list
• Does NOT apply to batteries not on the SSL (e.g. Tesla Powerwall 3, as of the current SSL)
• Applies only to new installations in the SWIS network area

Red flag: a quote showing WA Battery Rebate for a battery that is not on the Synergy SSL. Check the Synergy website's current SSL before accepting a quote that includes a battery rebate.

Red flag 7: roof condition not assessed

Solar panels are warranted for 25 years and inverters for 10+ years. Installing them on a roof that needs replacing in 5 years means expensive removal and reinstallation.

Red flag: an installer who doesn't ask about the age or condition of your roof before quoting.

What to do: if your roof is over 15 years old or has known condition issues, get a roof inspection before solar installation. Many solar installers will flag obvious issues (cracked tiles, rust on iron) during their site visit.

Red flag 8: no written workmanship warranty

Australian Consumer Law requires goods to be of acceptable quality and services to be provided with care and skill. A written workmanship warranty spells out the installer's specific obligations.

Red flag: a quote with no explicit workmanship warranty period mentioned, or a verbal assurance only.

What to look for: minimum 5-year workmanship warranty is standard. 10-year is better. Check the CEC Solar Retailer Code of Conduct for minimum commitments from code signatories.

Getting the process right

1. 3 quotes minimum — from 3 different CEC-accredited installers
2. Request specific equipment models in writing on each quote
3. Check CEC accreditation for the person who will actually do the installation (not just the company)
4. Verify battery rebate eligibility on the current Synergy SSL before accepting rebate claims
5. Compare total cost including financing if applicable
6. Take your time — no legitimate offer disappears because you took a week to think

The Clean Energy Council's Solar Retailer Code of Conduct lists accredited retailers who have signed up to minimum standards for sales conduct, product selection, and warranty obligations. Ask if your installer is a CEC approved retailer.