Field guide · 2025
Solar quote checklist for Australian homes: what to ask
Solar quote checklist: use it to compare rooftop solar offers on equal terms. A good quote names the equipment, the size, the government discount and the installer. If a quote leaves these out, ask for them in writing before you sign anything.
This publication shares ownership with PeptaraLabs, Lab Ranked Agency, and Dental Link.
1. The size and the equipment
The quote should state the system size in kilowatts (kW). It should also name the make and model of the panels and the inverter, and of the battery if one is included. A line that only says "premium panels" tells you nothing. With a model name you can look up the warranty and read user reviews.
Ask for a site specific design too. This shows where the panels, the inverter and any battery will go on your property. The Australian Government's solar guide suggests asking each company to quote on the system size its own estimate tool suggests, or on the size the installer recommends, so the prices can be compared like with like.
2. The government discount
Most home solar systems in Australia qualify for small-scale technology certificates, or STCs. They come from the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which the Clean Energy Regulator runs. The number of STCs depends on the system size and the climate zone where it is installed. It is based on the power the system is expected to make until the scheme ends.
Most owners hand the right to the STCs to their retailer or installer, and in return the price drops. The quote should show the total cost and the STC discount as separate lines. Adding a battery does not add more STCs. Some state, territory and council programs offer extra help, so ask whether any apply where you live.
3. The installer and the seller
To get the STC discount, your system must be installed by an accredited installer. Accreditation used to sit with the Clean Energy Council. The Clean Energy Regulator named Solar Accreditation Australia as the new operator on 29 February 2024, and installers had until 29 May 2024 to move across. Ask for the installer's accreditation number and check it before you ask for a quote.
Some retailers are also approved sellers under the New Energy Tech Consumer Code. It is a voluntary code that covers sales, quotes, contracts, warranties and support. You do not have to buy from an approved seller. Still, it is one more thing you can check. Also look for the company name, its Australian Business Number and contact details on the quote. In some states, selling or installing solar also needs an electrical licence.
4. Extra work, savings and payback
Many bills grow after the quote because of extra work. An old switchboard may need an upgrade. A long cable run or a hard roof can add cost. The quote should list any extra work and say who will do it. A site visit makes surprises less likely. If nobody visits, send a photo of your switchboard.
The quote should also give the expected output of the system, or the estimated monthly and yearly savings, with the assumptions shown. It should give a payback period as well. Treat these as estimates. If a number looks very high, ask how it was worked out. The quote should also say whether your network limits how much power you can send back to the grid.
5. Warranties, terms and how many quotes
Check that the panels and the inverter appear on the Clean Energy Council's approved product lists. The panels and inverter must be on these lists for the system to be eligible for STCs. The inverter is the part most likely to fail, so read reviews of the model named. Compare the warranties on the equipment and on the installation work. Longer is better, but ask who will honour the warranty if the company closes.
Ask for the full terms of sale, your payment options and how long the quote stays valid. The government guide advises getting at least three quotes. It also advises caution with cold callers, door knockers and very cheap, heavily advertised offers. Do not feel pushed to sign on the day.
A cheaper quote is not always the better one. A higher price may buy better parts, longer warranties or local support. Put the quotes side by side and use this list to spot what is missing from each.