Why you need to watch out for solar cowboys : Going solar can be a big deal for Australian home or business owners. There are so many things to consider. However, one thing that might come as a shock is those illegitimate solar companies who offer the cheapest panels possible, often without any accreditations or warranties, and are unfortunately only interested in making a quick buck.
These solar cowboys will often cut corners during the installation process, which can lead to sub-par performance from your solar system and, in some cases, can even be dangerous.
So, how do you know if you’re dealing with a solar cowboy? Well, there are a few things to look out for:
CHECK ACCREDITATIONS
Ensure the solar company has been accredited by a solar industry body such as the Clean Energy Council.
ENSURE PANELS AND INVERTERS ARE QUALITY PRODUCTS
Check that the solar panels they’re offering have a good warranty from a reputable manufacturer. The Clean Energy Council website will allow you to search for product information and be assured that it is information you can trust.
READ THE REVIEWS
Ask for references from previous customers. We recommend reading Google and Facebook reviews instead of reviews on their website. Anyone can add a fraudulent review to a website, making Google and Facebook reviews less likely to be created by a member of the company in question.
ASK QUESTIONS
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions! A legitimate solar company will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
REQUEST A SOLAR ASSESSMENT BEFORE ANY PAYMENTS
A solar company should be able to give you a solar assessment without asking for any money upfront. A site assessment will help determine what size solar system is right for your home or business and how much it will cost. Remember that a solar power system can only be designed correctly with a professional site assessment.
The draw for most people to go solar is their return on investment. According to studies, you can expect a payback period of fewer than five years when you go solar. First, however, you need to make sure you invest in a company that will take care of you from start to finish and even into aftercare.
So to summarise, do your research, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and make sure you read the solar companies’ reviews. You want to invest in a high-quality solar system and a reputable company that offers both workmanship and inverter warranties when it comes to solar.
EFS Solar is an Australian solar company with over 20 years of experience in solar power. The Clean Energy Council accredited us, and all of our solar panels come with a 25-year performance warranty. Contact us today to chat about all things giong solar!
