Solar panels and batteries can help you use and store electricity generated from the sun at home. The right system for you will depend on your electricity use, property and budget.
Make sure the system suits your home
You may save more with solar if you use your electricity during the day. Check your energy usage on a recent bill to try to work out how much you will save.
When deciding on solar, think about:
- when your household uses electricity
- how much electricity you use
- the direction and angle of your roof
- shade from trees or buildings
- whether you want battery storage
- how much electricity you are likely to use yourself or export to the grid.
Before buying a battery check the WA residential battery scheme before buying. Eligibility rules apply to household, products and installers.
Don't rely only on estimated savings
Be careful about claims that a system will pay for itself or dramatically reduce your electricity bill.
How much you save depends on how much electricity you use, generate and send to the grid.
A bigger solar system will not always give you better value.
Research your options
Take your time and do your research:
- find businesses approved by the Clean Energy Council of Australia
- get more than one quote and compare the total cost
- check what equipment is included in the quote
- check the contract terms, conditions and warranties of equipment and installation
- get important promises or claims from the salesperson in writing
- check whether there will be extra costs, such as changes to your meter, switchboard, cabling or roof
- check whether you need approval from your local government or strata company
- check if you need to update your home insurance to cover the system.
Choose your retailer and installer carefully
Don't choose a business based on price alone. Read independent reviews before you sign up. Check how long the business has been operating and whether you can contact them if something goes wrong.
Check who is installing the system. The business selling your system may use another business to install it. Solar installers must be licensed electricians.
Ask about the installer’s accreditation. Check whether the installer is accredited at Solar Accreditation Australia. Ask about the approval/accreditation of the system components. Check accreditation with the Clean Energy Regulator (CER)
Look into the business, check:
- they have an ABN
- if they trade under other names
- how long they been in business under their current name
- their advertising claims about experience match how long they have been operating
- check where the business is based. A post office box or residential address can be a sign another contractor is doing the installation.
Understand the quote and contract
Ask for a detailed quote. It should clearly show equipment and labour costs. Any business discount should be shown separately from government rebates.
Make sure you know:
- the total price and what is included
- what discounts are applied
- what equipment is being supplied
- who will install it and check they are licensed electricians
- expected installation dates
- what warranties apply
- whether there are extra fees or charges
- whether any rebate or subsidy has been included in the price.
Deposits
Contracts covered by Home Building Contracts Act 1991 and valued between $7,500 and $500,000
- must be in writing
- cannot have a deposit of more than 6.5 per cent.
For these contracts, progress payments can only be for work already done or materials already supplied.
Keep receipts for any deposits or payments you make.
Your rights when buying solar or batteries
Solar panels, batteries and installation services must meet consumer guarantees. This includes being of acceptable quality and fit for purpose. Installation services must be provided with due care and skill and within a reasonable time.
If you rely on the retailer's advice when choosing a system, explain what you need the system to do and get important promises in writing.
Unsolicited sales
You have extra rights when a salesperson contacts you without being invited, including at your home or by phone. You have cooling off period of 10 business days if you enter into an unsolicited consumer agreements. The business cannot take payment or start installation during this period.
Rebates and finance for solar and batteries
WA Government
WA Residential Battery Scheme helps eligible households with the cost of buying and installing a home battery. It offers a rebate and no-interest loan. Eligibility rules apply, including joining a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
Energy Concession Extension Scheme helps eligible WA households with electricity costs.
Australian Government
Household Energy Upgrades Fund offers discounted finance for eligible home energy upgrades. This can include insulation, solar panels and battery systems. Finance is provided through participating lenders.
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme helps reduce the cost of eligible renewable energy systems. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program runs through this scheme and provides a discount on eligible batteries.
Watch out for scams and high-pressure sales
Be careful if a solar or battery salesperson pressures you to make a quick decision.
Warning signs can include:
- pressure to sign up or pay immediately
- requests for personal information after an unsolicited approach
- advertisements asking for a deposit to secure a government rebate
- claims about a business's history or experience that you cannot verify
- government logos appearing on non-government websites or forms.
Check the business yourself. Don't rely only on contact details supplied in an advertisement or message you did not ask for.
After installation
After installation, the electrical contractor must provide you with an Electrical Safety Certificate.
Keep your:
- contract
- quote and invoices
- Electrical Safety Certificate
- product and installation warranties
- information about the make and model of the equipment
- emails or other written promises made by the retailer.
If something goes wrong
Contact the retailer first if there is a problem. They are responsible for the consumer guarantees. They should not tell you to go to the manufacturer.
Consumer Protection can give advice about warranties, contract terms and quality of work.
Contact Building and Energy if you are concerned about electrical safety or technical compliance.
The Clean Energy Council has guides and information about buying solar panels and battery storage systems.