Once you realize the true benefits of installing a solar system at your residence, the next step is actually finding the right people to install it for you. It is with a reliable installer that you will be able to make sure that your investment gives you a good return. Choosing the right solar installer could be one of the most challenging parts of your solar buying process because of the innumerable companies present now in Australia that offer solar installations. It is imperative to evaluate a solar installation company thoroughly, and to make sure that they are qualified for the job of correctly installing the system.

The question now arises of how one should go about choosing from hundreds of solar providers present in Australia. Before you can thoroughly check the qualifications of a solar installer, it is important to research the company who will be organising the installation for you as the customer. There are a number of different companies who do solar installations across Australia and this article helps you narrow down your choices to a reliable company so you are assured a smooth and easy installation.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the right solar company-

• Is the Company a Member of the Clean Energy Council?
• Is the company a Fair Trade Member?
• Does the company use their own installers or do they sub-contract?
• Is the company a CEC Retailer?

Once you are able to research these key points about the company, you can move on to the next step of booking the system. Only when you are sure about the reputation and reliability of the solar company should you go forward with booking the system.

Keeping these points in mine, it is beneficial to note the different type of companies out these in the market currently –

1. Solar Equipment Manufacturers

The Solar Equipment Manufacturers are the ones that produce the components that can be used to install a residential or commercial Solar PV system. They are the ones who make the physical solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and other solar equipment that are crucial for installers to sell to individual solar shoppers.

2. Solar installers

Once you decide to “go green” by installing a Solar PV system, it is the installer who will have the most interaction with you as the customer. Solar installers purchase solar panels and other essential components required for installing your panels from solar equipment manufacturers and have the license to install these components on your roof to ensure proper production. The solar installers have to be CEC Accredited to have the proper expertise in ensuring a smooth, quick and easy installation. The CEC installers’ team of specialized experts make sure that the equipment installed on your roof will provide a good return on your investment.

In some cases when soft wares like Near-map are not able to provide an accurate layout of the customers’ roof, the installers will first need to conduct a site evaluation to examine your roof and take all the necessary measurements. Throughout the site visits, installers will also determine if your installation requires any special considerations like extra cabling, string/floor splits, etc.

3. Solar Financing Companies

Solar financing company strictly focus on giving you the finance needed for solar equipment and installations and are usually partnered with solar dealers and solar installers. There are many financing companies who offer interest free finance to their buyer which has made solar more affordable for a larger population.

4. Solar Lead Generation Companies

Lead generation companies work on helping the solar installers and companies that provide solar installations by generating leads and sales. These companies work for other types of companies within the solar power industry to help bring the interested buyer in contact with the solar installation providers.

5. Solar Dealers

Solar dealers are the ones who have acquired permission to sell specific manufacturer’s solar products. Some of them have an in-house installation team, while others will only outsource installations to third parties or sub-contractors.

6. Full-service Providers

Full-service providers are companies that do everything to get you set up with the solar outside of manufacturing the equipment. They will help you with all parts of the solar installation process from selling you the actual system like the solar panels, inverter and other necessary equipment to providing finance and also performing the installation.

7. Vertically-integrated Companies

Vertically-integrated companies take care of every single aspect of the solar buying and installation process– from manufacturing the panels to installing them on your roof.

It is hard to find solar company reviews with standard metrics. However, there are a lot of solar installer companies presently in Australia with well-trained and experienced staff. If you’re feeling bewildered by your choices or aren’t sure where to start, this helpful step-by-step guide can serve as a guide to help you find the right solar provider for your needs.

At SunMate Solar we aim to provide you with the best service and easy installations. Contact us for a free quote and we will gladly answer all your solar queries.