Decoding Solar System Quotes in Perth: What to Look for Beyond the Price Tag

Solar quotes are often the first formal step Perth homeowners encounter when considering a switch to solar power. These proposals outline the costs, components, and expected performance of a solar system. But for someone unfamiliar with how solar works, a quote can quickly become confusing. Technical terms, product variations, and pricing details often make it hard to know whether you are getting good value.

It is important to understand that a solar quote is more than just a price tag. The quality of the components, the experience of the installer, and the support offered after installation all play a role in your system’s long-term success. Without knowing how to evaluate these details, it is easy to make a choice that falls short on performance or reliability.

If you are still getting familiar with solar energy, it may be helpful to start with the basics. Getting Started with Solar: A Beginner’s Guide for Perth Homeowners covers essential information about assessing your home’s suitability, what to expect during installation, and the value of choosing a local solar provider.

Once you have a clear understanding of how solar works, the next step is learning how to read a quote with confidence. This guide will walk you through every part of a solar proposal and help you know what to look for before you decide.

Understanding the Basics of a Solar Quote

Before choosing a solar system, it is important to understand what goes into a quote so you can compare options fairly and spot any hidden details that could affect performance or cost.

Why Do Solar Quotes in Perth Vary So Much?

Not every solar quote in Perth offers the same value or quality. Even for the same size system, pricing can differ by thousands of dollars. This variation is usually due to the following factors:

Panel and inverter brands (quality and warranty)
System size and expected output
Installation complexity
Labor quality and experience
After-sales service
Government rebates and incentives

Before focusing on price alone, it’s essential to understand what each part of the quote means and how it affects the long-term performance of your solar system.

Key Components of a Solar Quote in Perth

A good solar quote should give you a clear picture of the system, its expected output, and the costs involved, so you know exactly what you are paying for.

1. System Size and Energy Output

Every solar quote should mention the system size in kilowatts (kW), such as 6.6kW or 10kW. But more important than just size is the estimated energy output, which is typically measured in kilowatt-hours per day (kWh/day).

Make sure the quote includes:

Estimated daily, monthly, and yearly output (based on Perth’s solar irradiance)
Assumptions used to calculate output (e.g., tilt, orientation, shading)
System performance ratio or losses (usually around 15-20%)

In Perth’s conditions, a north-facing 6.6kW system can generally produce around 25 to 30 kWh of electricity per day when designed and installed with the right configuration.

A reputable solar company in Perth will consider your household’s specific energy patterns and property layout to ensure the quoted system size translates into the expected real-world performance.

2. Government Rebates and STCs

Perth homeowners can benefit from the national STC (Small-scale Technology Certificate) scheme.

Make sure your quote:

Indicates the STC rebate value deducted from the total price
Lists the number of STCs your system will generate
Includes the date of calculation (STC prices fluctuate)
Explains who will claim the STCs (you or the installer)

Some companies may inflate STC discounts to make their quotes appear cheaper, so it is important to double-check the calculations.

3. Total Cost and Payment Structure

The bottom-line figure should not be your only consideration. Look at:

Full system price before and after rebates
GST inclusion
Deposit requirements
Payment milestones (e.g., deposit, progress, final payment)
Finance or solar loan options (including interest rates and hidden fees)

Get a clear breakdown so there are no financial surprises later.

The Crucial Details: Panels, Inverters & Warranties

When reviewing solar quotes, pay close attention to the panels, inverter, and warranties included, as these will determine your system’s quality and long-term value.

1. Solar Panels: Brand, Model, and Warranty

Solar panels are not all equal in performance, durability, or warranty support.

Check for:

Panel brand and model number (avoid vague or generic labels)
Manufacturer reputation and bankability
Efficiency rating (percentage of sunlight converted to electricity)
Product warranty (usually 10–25 years)
Performance warranty (usually 25 years, guarantees degradation rate)

If the quote includes unfamiliar brands with little online presence, research them thoroughly or ask for alternatives.

2. Inverter Specifications

The inverter is the heart of your solar system, converting DC electricity from panels into AC electricity used in your home.

Look for:

Brand and model (Fronius, SMA, SolarEdge, GoodWe, Sungrow are common in Perth)
Inverter capacity in kW (should match or slightly undersize system size)
Type: String inverter, microinverter, or hybrid inverter
Warranty (typically 5 to 10 years, extendable in some cases)
Monitoring options (Wi-Fi or 4G access, mobile app support)

A high-quality inverter plays a major role in long-term performance and ease of system monitoring.

3. Solar Battery Options (If Included)

If the quote includes a battery, assess:

Battery brand, model, and chemistry (e.g., lithium-ion)
Usable capacity in kWh
Cycle life and round-trip efficiency
Warranty period and throughput limits
Integration with solar system and monitoring tools

While adoption of solar batteries in Perth is growing, ensure your ROI expectations align with actual savings before deciding to install one.

4. Warranties, After-Sales Service, and Support

Even the best system can experience faults. Your quote should detail:

Workmanship warranty (typically 5–10 years)
Manufacturer warranties (panels, inverter, battery)
Response time for service issues
Ongoing support or monitoring fees

Choose a Perth solar company with a local office or service team. This ensures faster service and better accountability.

The Installer’s Role and Reputation

The quality of your solar system depends not only on the equipment but also on the professionalism and credibility of the installer. A reputable installer ensures your system performs efficiently, meets safety standards, and delivers long-term reliability.

When reviewing a quote, check what is included in the installation and the quality of labor. A lower price may be tempting but could involve compromises that affect performance and safety. Make sure the quote outlines:

Installer accreditation such as Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer and designer status
Team details including number of installers and expected installation time
Who will perform the install — in-house team or subcontractors
Electrical and safety compliance with Australian standards (AS/NZS 5033, AS/NZS 4777)
Handling of permits and grid connection applications
System commissioning and testing to confirm performance

Check the installer’s track record in Perth by reviewing past projects, customer feedback, and references. A good installer will maintain clear communication, explain how to use and monitor your system, and provide ongoing support for warranties, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

Don’t Get Caught Out: Common Red Flags

When comparing solar quotes, it is important to be aware of potential warning signs that could indicate poor quality or hidden costs. Watch out for:

Vague descriptions
No mention of warranties or CEC accreditation
Overpromised savings estimates
Sales pressure tactics or limited-time offers
Companies without a Perth presence or poor reviews

Always get at least two to three quotes and read reviews on platforms like SolarQuotes, ProductReview, or Google Maps.

If you want to explore more useful solar insights, practical tips, and expert advice tailored for Perth homeowners, visit our blog for detailed guides and resources to help you make confident solar decisions.

Feel Confident in Your Solar Quote

Before committing, make sure you have all the details you need to feel fully assured about your investment. Ask clear, practical questions to understand exactly what you’re getting:

Who will be installing the system, and are they CEC-accredited?
Can I see the exact model numbers of all components?
How will you calculate expected energy output?
What happens if the system underperforms?
What is your warranty process?
How long have you been installing in Perth?

Getting direct, transparent answers to these points can give you the clarity and peace of mind that your solar quote is fair, accurate, and tailored to your needs.

To explore more about choosing the right system, understanding installation, and getting the most from solar in Perth, read our detailed solar guide for homeowners.

Wrapping Up

Decoding a solar quote in Perth is more than just comparing price tags. It’s about understanding what you are paying for, how your system will perform over the years, and whether the company will be there to support you long after installation.

Take your time to evaluate every detail in the proposal. Look beyond marketing language and demand transparency. A well-informed decision not only ensures better returns on your investment but also helps you contribute effectively to a more sustainable future for Western Australia.

Thinking about switching to solar in Perth? Get in touch with us to explore the right system for your needs, understand your options clearly, and enjoy reliable support from installation to long-term maintenance.