Finding a reputed solar panel installer can be tricky. If you are in Australia or to be specific, if you are in Ballarat, then we can help you to choose a reputed solar installer.
This article will guide you to find a reputed solar panel installer in Ballarat and to check their credibility in the industry.
How to find a solar panel installer in Ballarat
There are many solar panel installers in the Ballarat area. Selecting a local company benefits you and the local economy itself. They can be relatively low in cost, easy to contact for repairs and maintenance, etc.
There are a couple of methods you could use to find solar installers in your area.
Google search
The easiest way to find them is to do a Google search. Enter the keywords “Solar panel installers in Ballarat” or “Solar panel installers near me” into the Google search engine.
The results page will indicate the solar companies in Ballarat or even those who are close to your residence.
Search through government websites
The solar panel installers must be accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC). If you access the CEC website, you can find accredited solar panel installers in the Ballarat area.
Search through other websites
There are various websites that include the directories of businesses in various categories. You can search for solar panel installers from such websites. These websites are hipages, i4tradies and yellow pages etc.
Tips for finding a reputable solar panel installer in Ballarat
Just because a list of installers appears in your Google search results, it doesn’t mean that all of them are credible. It would be best to consider the following factors before handing over your projects.
1. The installers must have accreditations and licenses.
The solar panel installers in Victoria need a specific license and accreditations to operate. You must check whether the installer holds all the required licenses and accreditations.
The general requirements are:
- The solar installers must hold an “Unrestricted Class A” Electrical License registered with Energy Safe Victoria [1].
- The installers must be accredited by the Clean Energy Council of Australia. Check the CEC website from here to find the accredited installers in Ballarat.
2. Check the accreditations of the panels and instruments
The CEC must also accredit the solar panel retailers. You must check whether your installer purchases the equipment from accredited retailers in the market.
Visit the CEC website from here to find out whether the retailer is accredited by the CEC and adheres to the CEC Code of Conduct. Adherence to the code of conduct ensures high-quality equipment.
If your installer doesn’t have accredited equipment, it is in your best interest to request the accredited instruments or disregard the installer completely.
Solar Victoria has released a list that includes the retailers eligible to participate in the Solar Homes Program and Solar for Business Program. Check the Solar Victoria website from here to find whether a retailer is eligible.
You must use an authorized retailer from the above list to be eligible for a rebate.
3. Check the warranties and after-sales services.
Installing solar panels is expensive, and it is a long-term investment. Therefore make sure that your installer gives a workmanship warranty and equipment warranty. Don’t accept warranties less than five years.
The workmanship warranty covers any damages that occur due to faulty installation, and the equipment warranty should cover the malfunctions of the equipment.
A good installer would guide you to apply for the rebate and provide continuing after-sales services.
Be careful about the extended warranties offered by the newly established companies. Although they give a long-term warranty, they might not stick around for long.
4. Check the Google reviews.
If you find a company, search it in Google and read the reviews. Google reviews are a good source to check what the previous customers had to say about the company.
Management cannot remove the negative reviews to show the company’s positive image.
However, be mindful that the competitors can do negative reviews to defame a particular company. Therefore check as many reviews as possible before judging a company.
5. The years of operations
Due to the growing popularity of renewable energy sources, the solar panel industry is growing at a higher pace. Many businesses take this as an opportunity to enter the industry.
As an established solar company in Ballarat, we always welcome competition positively. But we believe that reputation and years of experience are essential to survive in the industry.
Customers will trust a company that has stayed in the industry for a long time. They will also trust these businesses to survive in the future.
Therefore potential customers can trust companies with a long history to provide extended warranties and after-sales services.
6. Get competitive price quotes.
Do not rely on a single company. You should get quotations from at least three companies to compare them together. Make sure the quotations include the brand and models of the instruments, system size, energy output, warranty period and extra charges of the installer, etc.
The rates can differ in various companies due to the quality of racking equipment, solar instruments, and workmanship, etc.
When you get the quotations, make sure that they have competitive offers. Don’t just select the company with the lowest solar installation cost. Lower costs can be an indication of low quality service and instruments.
We understand that your investment should match your budget. But keep in mind that you are investing in a long-term project.
Why should you choose Ballarat Solar Company
Ballarat Solar Company has been in the industry for more than ten successful years, and we have a client base ranging from residential to large-scale commercial projects.
We are accredited as an installer and a retailer by the CEC. This means our operations and equipment are of a higher standard.
We offer a generous warranty. Our team will help you through the entire process, from quoting the best solar system to applying for the rebate and then providing continuing after-sales services.
We value your investment, and our expert team will never let your hard-earned money go to waste. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to get your quote today.
