7 Things to Check Before Hiring a Solar Installer
17 March 2026
Melbourne has hundreds of solar installers competing for your business. Some are excellent. Some will be out of business before your warranty kicks in. Here are the checks that matter.
1. CEC Accreditation — Both Types
The Clean Energy Council issues two accreditations: CEC Accredited Installer (the person on your roof) and CEC Accredited Retailer (the company designing and selling the system). You want both. An installer without CEC accreditation can't generate Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) — those rebates worth $3,000-$4,000 on a typical 6.6kW system.
2. Electrical Contractor Registration
In Victoria, solar installation is electrical work. The company must hold a current Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) licence with Energy Safe Victoria. Ask for the licence number and check it at esv.vic.gov.au.
3. In-House Team vs Subcontractors
Ask directly: "Will your own employees do the install, or do you subcontract?" Subcontracting isn't automatically bad, but it adds a communication layer and makes warranty claims harder. Companies with in-house teams tend to deliver more consistent quality.
4. Warranty Structure — Read the Fine Print
You should get three separate warranties:
- Panel warranty: 25 years (product + performance guarantee)
- Inverter warranty: 10-15 years depending on brand
- Workmanship warranty: 5-10 years from the installer
If the installer offers only a "system warranty" lumping everything together, ask them to break it down. Vague warranty language is a red flag.
5. Post-Install Monitoring
A good installer sets up monitoring so you can see real-time generation and consumption on your phone. If something drops off — a panel fault, an inverter issue — you'll know immediately instead of discovering it on your next electricity bill.
6. Local Track Record
Google reviews are your best friend. Look for installers with 50+ reviews and a rating above 4.5. Check the negative reviews too — how did the company respond? A company that handles complaints well is more trustworthy than one with 5.0 stars and 8 reviews.
7. Site Assessment Before Quoting
Any installer who gives you a final price without visiting your property is cutting corners. Roof condition, shading analysis, switchboard capacity, and cable runs all affect the real cost. A desktop quote might miss a $1,500 switchboard upgrade you'll need.
We offer free on-site assessments across Melbourne's south-east — Cranbourne, Berwick, Narre Warren, and beyond. Call 1300 334 114 to book yours.