A solar quote can look simple on the surface, but two quotes that seem similar can include very different equipment, warranties and service. Comparing them well comes down to knowing what to ask and where the differences hide. This guide covers the things worth checking before you say yes, in the order we would check them.
The short version
- Compare the equipment by model, not just by brand name.
- Look at who stands behind each warranty, and whether they are likely to still be around.
- Check exactly what is included: approvals, metering, monitoring and any extra electrical work.
- Make sure rebates and certificates are shown as separate lines, and that they apply to your property today.
- Confirm who installs the system and what accreditations they hold.
1. System Size and What Is in It
Start with the size in kilowatts (kW), the number of panels and the layout on your roof. Then look at the equipment. Ask for the model names of both the panels and the inverter, not only the brand. Two quotes can both say “tier one panels” and still be quite different products.
Pay particular attention to the inverter. A basic inverter may do the job today, but if you might add a battery later it is worth knowing whether the inverter is battery-ready. Our guide to hybrid solar inverters explains the difference, and our inverters page shows the options we work with.
2. The Warranties
There are usually three different warranties, and they are easy to confuse:
- Product warranty on the panels and inverter, covering manufacturing faults.
- Performance warranty on how much power the panels should still produce after a number of years.
- Workmanship warranty from the installer, covering the quality of the installation and the roof work.
A long warranty is only useful if the company is still there to honour it. Ask who you call if something goes wrong in year five, how claims are handled in Australia, and whether the manufacturer has a local presence.
3. What Is Included
Differences between quotes often sit in what is left out. Ask whether each of these is included, and ask for it in writing:
- Installation and commissioning of the full system.
- Any switchboard upgrade or extra electrical work needed to connect safely.
- The grid connection application and approvals with your electricity network.
- The meter change, if one is needed.
- Monitoring app setup and a walkthrough.
- Removal of packaging and a tidy site at the end.
Also ask what could change the quote after you sign, for example a roof that needs extra work or a switchboard that is not compliant. A good installer identifies those issues at the assessment, not on installation day.
4. How Rebates and Certificates Are Shown
The federal Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) discount should appear as its own line on the quote, so you can see exactly what has been applied. State programs add their own conditions: for example, the Victorian Solar Homes rebate must be approved before installation, as explained in our Victorian rebate guide. Rebate rules change over time, so ask the installer to confirm what applies to your property today, and be cautious about any quote that relies on a program you cannot find on an official website.
5. Who Does the Installation
Ask who will actually be on your roof. Is the work done by the company’s own team or by a subcontractor? Are the installers accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia, and is a licensed electrician doing the electrical work? These questions are not about suspicion: they are about knowing who is accountable for the work and for any follow-up.
6. The Network and Timeline
Every network has its own approval steps and timeframes. A good quote explains who lodges the connection application, what export limits might apply at your address, and a realistic timeline from signing to switch-on. Our installation process guide walks through each stage, including approvals and metering.
7. After-Sales Support and Monitoring
- Is there a monitoring app, and does the installer help you read it?
- Who responds if a fault alert appears?
- How are warranty claims lodged, and how long do replacements usually take?
- Will you receive all the paperwork: certificates, manuals and warranty documents?
8. Look Beyond a Single Number
It is tempting to reduce a quote to one figure and compare it to another. That ignores panel quality, inverter quality, warranties, the scope of the installation and the company behind it. A more useful comparison is a side-by-side table of what you are actually getting. If you would like help putting your quotes side by side, send them through and we will explain what each one includes.
A Simple Checklist
- Panel and inverter model names are listed.
- Warranty terms are written down for all three types.
- Inclusions and exclusions are clear.
- Rebates and certificates are separate lines, and each is confirmed for your address.
- The installer’s accreditation is stated.
- The approvals, timeline and meter change are explained.
- There is a clear support path after installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three is enough to see how equipment and service compare. More than that usually adds confusion rather than clarity.
What matters most when comparing solar quotes?
The equipment by model, the warranties, what is included in the installation, how rebates are shown, and who actually installs the system.
Can Sunflare Solar look at a quote I already have?
Yes. Send it through and we will explain what it includes and how it compares to ours.
Should the rebate be on the quote?
The federal STC discount should appear as its own line. Ask the installer to confirm any state program that applies to your property today.
Does a longer warranty always mean a better product?
Not on its own. A warranty is only as useful as the company that stands behind it, so ask about local support and how claims are handled.
Does my quote need to mention network approval?
Yes. It should say who lodges the connection application and what limits or timelines to expect.
Ready for a clear answer for your property? Book a free assessment with Sunflare Solar or call 1300 385 880. We install across Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and Western Australia. See the areas we serve.
