Perth Solar Energy Company

1. Research and Preparation

Before contacting any solar companies, lay the groundwork for a successful installation:

• Analyse your energy consumption: Review 12 months of electricity bills to understand your usage patterns and peak demand periods. This helps determine the appropriate system size.
• Assess your roof's suitability: Check your roof's orientation (north-facing is ideal in Australia), pitch (15-30 degrees is optimal), structural condition, and available unshaded space. A 6.6kW system typically requires about 33-40m² of roof space.
• Understand local regulations: Research council requirements, heritage overlays, and strata regulations that might affect installation. According to the Clean Energy Council, approximately 5% of Australian homes face restrictions that impact solar installations.
• Research available incentives: Familiarize yourself with current Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and any state-specific rebates or feed-in tariffs. As of 2023, STCs typically reduce system costs by approximately 30-40%.

2. Finding Potential Installers

Cast a wide net to identify qualified installers:



• Use independent comparison platforms: Services like Solar Choice, SolarQuotes, or the Clean Energy Council's Find an Installer tool provide unbiased installer listings based on your location.
• Seek personal recommendations: Ask neighbors, friends, or community groups about their experiences with local installers. First-hand accounts provide valuable insights into customer service and installation quality.
• Check industry associations: Prioritize companies with Clean Energy Council accreditation, Smart Energy Council membership, or Clean Energy Retailer Code of Conduct signatories.
• Research local specialists: Local companies often better understand regional weather patterns, installation requirements, and provide more responsive after-sales service than national chains.

3. Verifying Business Credentials

Thoroughly vet potential installers to avoid future problems:

• Verify business longevity: Check the Australian Business Register to confirm ABN status and trading history. According to industry data, solar companies with 5+ years in business have significantly lower failure rates.
• Confirm proper accreditation: Ensure the company employs CEC-accredited designers and installers. You can verify accreditation numbers through the Clean Energy Council website.
• Check licensing: Verify electrical contractor licenses through your state's licensing body. All solar installations legally require licensed electricians.
• Investigate insurance coverage: Confirm the company carries adequate public liability insurance (minimum $5 million) and offers workmanship warranties of at least 5 years.
• Review complaint history: Check the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and state consumer protection agencies for any significant complaints or actions against the company.

4. Evaluating Reputation and Experience

Assess the company's track record and customer satisfaction:

• Read multiple review sources: Check Google Reviews, Product Review, Yelp, Yellow pages and social media for consistent feedback patterns. Look for companies with 20+ reviews averaging 4+ stars.
• Request and contact references: Ask for contact information from customers with similar systems installed 1-3 years ago to assess long-term satisfaction and system performance.
• Verify installation experience: Ask how many systems of your size and type they've installed, and request photos of completed projects similar to your requirements.
• Assess communication quality: Evaluate responsiveness, clarity of information, and willingness to answer questions during initial interactions as indicators of future service quality.
• Visit their physical location: If possible, visit the company's office or showroom to verify their permanent presence in your community.

5. Assessing Product Quality

Ensure you're getting reliable, high-performance components:



• Research offered brands: Investigate the manufacturers of proposed panels, inverters, and batteries using resources like Bloomberg New Energy Finance Tier rankings and DNV GL's PV Module Reliability Scorecard.
• Verify product certification: Confirm all components meet Australian standards (look for AS/NZS certification) and are on the Clean Energy Council's approved products list.
• Check warranty details: Compare manufacturer warranties, noting that quality panels typically offer 10-12 year product warranties and 25+ year performance warranties, while premium inverters provide 5-10 year warranties.
• Confirm Australian support: Prioritize brands with established Australian offices for warranty claims and technical support, reducing potential delays if issues arise.
• Ask about performance guarantees: Some installers offer minimum performance guarantees or production estimates backed by compensation if targets aren't met.

6. Getting Comprehensive Quotes

Obtain detailed proposals that allow for accurate comparison:

• Schedule on-site assessments: Avoid companies offering quotes without physically inspecting your property, as these often lead to unexpected issues or costs.
• Request itemised quotes: Ensure quotes break down costs for equipment, installation, additional electrical work, and grid connection fees.
• Compare system designs: Review proposed system size, panel placement, and estimated annual production (in kWh). Quality proposals include shade analysis and production estimates by month.
• Clarify included services: Confirm who handles grid connection applications, meter upgrades, and any required electrical upgrades.
• Understand exclusions: Identify any potential additional costs not covered in the quote, such as switchboard upgrades or asbestos removal.

7. Comparing Financial Options

Evaluate payment terms and financing options:



• Compare total cost of ownership: Look beyond the upfront price to consider warranty coverage, expected system lifespan, and projected energy production.
• Evaluate financing options: If considering payment plans or solar loans, compare interest rates, fees, and total repayment amounts against potential energy savings.
• Understand deposit requirements: Be wary of companies requesting more than 10% deposits. According to consumer protection laws in most Australian states, deposits should be reasonable proportions of the total cost.
• Clarify payment milestones: Ensure final payment is only due after system commissioning and proper operation is verified.
• Calculate payback period: Ask each installer to provide a detailed return-on-investment analysis showing estimated payback period based on your specific energy usage and current electricity rates.

8. Reviewing Installation Processes

Understand how the installation will be conducted:



• Request a detailed timeline: From contract signing to grid connection, understand each step and approximate timeframes.
• Clarify who performs the work: Confirm whether the company uses in-house installers or subcontractors, and verify the qualifications of the specific team assigned to your project.
• Understand safety protocols: Ask about roof safety measures, electrical safety procedures, and COVID-safe practices.
• Review the installation warranty: Ensure the workmanship warranty covers potential issues like roof leaks or improper mounting for at least 5 years.
• Discuss post-installation support: Confirm what training you'll receive on system operation and monitoring, and the process for reporting any issues.

9. Understanding After-Sales Support

Evaluate ongoing service and support offerings:



• Clarify monitoring options: Understand what system monitoring is provided, whether it's accessible via smartphone apps, and if it includes consumption monitoring.
• Review maintenance requirements: Ask about recommended maintenance schedules and whether the company offers maintenance service packages.
• Understand the warranty claim process: Clarify the procedure for reporting issues, typical response times, and who handles manufacturer warranty claims.
• Check service call costs: Understand charges for post-installation service visits that aren't covered under warranty.
• Verify company stability: Research the company's financial stability and succession planning to ensure warranty support will remain available throughout your system's lifespan.

10. Making Your Final Decision

Balance multiple factors to select the best installer:



• Evaluate value, not just price: The cheapest quote rarely represents the best value when considering component quality, installation expertise, and long-term support.
• Trust your interactions: Choose a company that communicates clearly, responds promptly, and demonstrates technical expertise during your evaluation process.
• Review contract details thoroughly: Before signing, ensure all promised specifications, timelines, and warranties are explicitly stated in the contract.
• Confirm cancellation rights: Understand your cooling-off period rights under Australian Consumer Law (typically 10 business days for unsolicited sales).
• Prepare for installation day: Clear access to your electrical panel, remove valuable or fragile items from areas where work will occur, and ensure someone can be present during installation.

By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to select a reputable solar energy company that delivers a high-quality, efficient system tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Remember that choosing the right installer is just as important as selecting quality components for ensuring decades of reliable clean energy production.

Perth, Western Australia's capital city, boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years. The Whadjuk Noongar people have called this region home for over 35,000 years, maintaining a deep connection to the land long before European settlement. The city's colonial history began in 1829 when Captain James Stirling established the Swan River Colony, naming it after the Scottish birthplace of Sir George Murray, the British Secretary of State for the Colonies at that time. On August 12, 1829, the colony's foundation was marked when Mrs. Helen Dance cut down a tree near the current Perth Town Hall site.

The early years of the colony were financially challenging, leading to the introduction of convict labor in 1850. Nearly 10,000 convicts were transported from Britain between 1850 and 1868, contributing significantly to the development of public infrastructure. Perth was officially declared a city in 1856 when Queen Victoria designated it a Bishop's See. The discovery of gold in Western Australia in 1892 triggered a population boom, transforming Perth from a small colonial outpost into a thriving city. Throughout the 20th century, Perth continued to evolve, with the establishment of the University of Western Australia in 1911 and significant development in the latter half of the century.

Today, Perth is a sun-soaked metropolis of 2 million residents, blending urban sophistication with stunning natural beauty. The city offers numerous attractions for visitors and locals alike. Kings Park and Botanic Garden stands as one of the world's largest inner-city parks, providing panoramic views of the Swan River and showcasing diverse native flora. The Perth Cultural Centre houses the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the WA Museum Boola Bardip, offering insights into the region's art and history. Elizabeth Quay represents the modern face of Perth, featuring the iconic Bell Tower with its historic Swan Bells dating back to the 14th century. The Perth Mint, established in 1899, offers fascinating gold pour demonstrations and exhibits highlighting Western Australia's gold rush heritage.

Perth's appeal extends beyond its cultural landmarks to its natural surroundings. The Swan River winds through the city, providing opportunities for cruises, kayaking, and cycling along its banks. The city is blessed with 19 pale, sandy beaches, making it perfect for swimming, surfing, and watching the spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets.

Just a short ferry ride away lies Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), famous for its smiling quokkas and pristine beaches. The nearby Swan Valley offers wineries and artisan food producers within easy reach of the city center. Fremantle (Walyalup), known for spearheading Australia's craft beer scene, preserves much of its colonial-era architecture, including the historic Fremantle Prison. With its vibrant neighborhoods like Northbridge, Leederville, and Mt Lawley offering eclectic dining, shopping, and entertainment options, Perth combines relaxation and adventure in Australia's sunniest capital city.