How to Read a Solar Quote Without Getting Ripped Off

The components every quote must specify

A legitimate solar quote lists every component by brand, model number, and wattage. Not "quality panels" or "tier one inverter." Specific brands and models.

For solar panels, look for the brand name, the model or series name, the wattage per panel, the number of panels, and the total system size in kilowatts. The efficiency percentage tells you how much of the available sunlight the panel converts to electricity. Higher efficiency matters most if your roof space is limited.

For the inverter, you want brand, model, and output in kilowatts. The inverter converts the DC power from your panels to the AC power your home uses. It's the most likely component to fail first, so the warranty period is important. Good inverters carry 10-year warranties. Some carry 12 or 15.

For batteries, look for the usable capacity in kilowatt-hours (not the total capacity, which is always higher), the chemistry (lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, is the most stable and long-lasting), the warranty period, and the number of guaranteed charge cycles.

What the warranty periods should look like

For solar panels, the product warranty covers manufacturing defects, typically 12 to 25 years depending on tier. The performance warranty guarantees the panel will still produce a minimum percentage of its rated output after 25 years, typically 80 to 87 percent.

For inverters, 5 years is the minimum acceptable warranty. Anything less is a flag. 10 years is standard for quality brands. Some brands offer extendable warranties.

For installation workmanship, reputable installers offer 5 to 10 years. This covers how the system was physically installed, not the equipment itself.

The STC rebate line

Every quote should show the full system price before the STC rebate, and then deduct the rebate to show the net cost to you. If a quote just shows one number with no breakdown, the installer may be absorbing the rebate into their margin rather than passing it on to you. Ask specifically what the STC rebate is and confirm it's deducted from your price.

Hidden costs to ask about

Switchboard upgrade. Older homes, particularly those with ceramic fuse boards rather than circuit breakers, often need their switchboard upgraded before a solar system can be connected. This costs $500 to $1,500 and some installers don't mention it until they arrive to install. Ask before you sign.

Meter reconfiguration. Your electricity meter needs to be capable of measuring both import and export. Some distributors do this for free, others charge. In some cases, a new smart meter is required at a cost of up to $300.

Roof repairs. If your roof has damaged tiles or rusted sheeting, these need to be addressed before panels go on. A responsible installer flags this during the site assessment.

Multi-storey access. Double and triple-storey homes require scaffolding or elevated work platforms, which adds $500 to $1,500 depending on height and roof access complexity.

Red flags in a solar quote

No brand or model specified. Always a problem.

A headline price that's significantly lower than every other quote you've received. At some level, the maths simply don't work. Budget panels, rushed installation, and unstated extras are the usual explanation.

A verbal quote only, nothing in writing. Walk away.

Pressure to sign on the day of the consultation. Quality installers don't do this.

No mention of accreditation. Your installer must be CEC-accredited to legally install solar in Australia. Confirm this.

How to compare quotes properly

Once you have quotes from multiple installers, don't just compare the bottom line. Compare the panels. Compare the inverters. Compare the warranty periods. A system that's $1,000 cheaper because it uses a cheaper inverter with a shorter warranty may cost you more over 10 years.

Sunlytics shows you the specific brand, model, and warranty period for every component before you speak to any installer. That gives you a reference point to hold any real quote against.