7 Red Flags When Selecting a Solar Provider

Solar power is a great way to save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. However, whenever government incentives and subsidies are involved unscrupulous solar sales teams and providers will follow.

We’ve heard dozens of stories from people who have experienced high-pressure sales tactics and overpromises with under deliveries. Sadly, we’ve been called to fix or finish many incomplete installs, and even replace entire systems for customers who have fallen victim to these sales teams. 

The solar industry is notorious for having a few bad eggs; in fact, hundreds of solar businesses have been banned from advertising in newspapers and on Google. Unfortunately, social media isn’t a regulated advertising platform, so many solar companies are making wild claims, like the real ads below. 

Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. These companies will offer a system at a bottom-dollar price and subcontract the work out to inexperienced or untrained installers at a bottom-dollar price. So how do you navigate the world of solar without being deceived? We’ll tell you how. 

1. Huge online presence, but no physical address

All businesses these days have an online presence, but be wary of the solar companies that seem to go overboard in their activity. Have a good read of their content, as it might read as if it was written by AI. A reputable solar provider will have a website, active social media and active Google My Business listing that you can visit to learn more about their company and their services.

When checking their website or Google My Business listing, be sure to check their address. If it’s a PO Box, or they claim to be located in the middle of Brisbane city, check their business history. A solar installer warehouse and office on Queen Street doesn’t quite make sense…

2. Negative reviews or a huge amount of 5-star reviews

If you do a quick online search for the solar provider, you should be able to find some reviews from past customers. If you see a lot of negative reviews, it's a good sign that you should avoid doing business with that company. Additionally, watch out for companies that have 1,000+ 5-star reviews, as it’s possible these have been purchased. 

3. Unrealistic promises

As mentioned earlier, some solar providers make unrealistic guarantees, such as promising that you'll save a certain amount of money on your energy bills, that the system will cost you $0 or that your solar system will be installed in a matter of days. If a solar provider is making promises that seem too good to be true, they probably are.

The above 13kW design was created by a “solar engineer”, who has artificially adjusted the panel dimensions to ensure 3 rows of panels fit on the existing roof. The customer came to us for a second opinion, and we’re glad they did. This design wouldn’t have fit, but the customer wouldn’t have known about it until the subcontractor was installing the system, leaving them at the mercy of the installer, not a designer who can ensure its efficiency.

The above 13kW design was created by our team, who used the correct dimensions of the panels, ensuring the system fit on the existing roof and was as efficient as possible.

4. Predatory high-pressure sales tactics

A reputable solar provider will not use high-pressure scare tactics, like “time is running out”, “one-day offer only” or “only for a limited time”. The government rebates in Queensland stay put until 2030 (unless the legislature changes), so don’t believe the ads that say the incentives and rebates are ending soon. 

Other tactics can include: 

• Utilising door-to-door salespeople 

• Making false or misleading claims about the benefits of solar power

• Threatening to cancel the offer if the homeowner doesn't sign right away

• Using scare tactics to make the homeowner feel like they need to act quickly.

If a solar provider is using these tactics, it's a good sign that they're not legitimate.

5. Businesses going under

A number of disreputable solar companies have gone out of business in recent years. In fact, there were 700 since 2011, leaving 650,000 customers with no recourse if their systems fail. In some cases, these companies have "phoenixed", which refers to when they fold and then re-open in order to avoid paying out warranties or creditors.

If you're considering solar power, it's important to make sure that the company you choose is reputable and has a good track record. You should also ask about the company's warranty policy and make sure that you understand your rights if the company goes out of business.

6. Unaffordable financial plans

Some solar providers have been offering unaffordable credit to homeowners in order to sell them solar systems. This can be a major problem, as it can leave homeowners with high-interest debt that they can't afford to repay. If you're considering solar power, it's important to make sure that you can afford the upfront costs. 

7. Cheap solar systems are… cheap

If this isn’t enough to put you off using a questionable installer, it’s worth considering the fact that all solar sales companies will be paying subcontractors very little to do your installation. This leads to a rushed job and can have major repercussions in the future, including: 

• A sub-standard or unsafe installation. Cheap solar systems are more likely to be installed incorrectly, which can lead to safety hazards.

• Below average output. Cheap solar systems often use lower-quality panels and inverters, which can lead to below-average energy output.

• Broken components. Cheap solar systems are more likely to have broken components that often cannot be replaced under warranty.

If you're considering solar power, it's essential to do your research and choose a reputable provider to ensure your system is efficient, future-proof and importantly, safe.

We’ve created a helpful checklist to help you in the process of selecting a solar installer.

Sources: 

ABC: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-26/solar-customers-victim-predatory-unregulated-industry/10936346 

Consumer Action: https://consumeraction.org.au/20190404-sunny-side-up-report/ 

Brisbane's Best Commercial & Residential Solar | Gardel Electrical & Solar

Gardel Electrical & Solar offers top-quality solar solutions with proven performance, backed by industry-leading warranties and dedicated after-sales support. After more than 11 years of operation in Queensland, Gardel Electrical & Solar is one of the most established and experienced solar companies.

Our expert team of electrical engineers, project managers, designers, and CEC-accredited electricians have extensive experience in designing and installing residential and commercial solar panels, ensuring maximum efficiency and long-term performance. With our cutting-edge technology and reliable service, you can enjoy significant energy savings while contributing to a greener future. Gardel Electrical & Solar offer an industry-leading 10-year workmanship warranty, along with the manufacturer’s 25-year guarantee, offering both value and peace of mind. 

Take the first step towards sustainable living and request a free quote today.