10 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Solar System in QLD

Introduction: Make an Informed Solar Investment

Queensland is one of the sunniest places in the world, making solar energy a smart investment for rural and regional homeowners. But not all solar systems are created equal—and choosing the wrong setup could lead to lower savings, performance issues, or expensive mistakes.

Before you sign a contract, make sure you ask these 10 essential questions. This guide is designed especially for Queenslanders—whether you're in Roma, Dalby, Warwick, Toowoomba, or anywhere in between.

🔎 1. Is the Installer CEC Accredited?

Only Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers can:

• Legally install solar systems eligible for government rebates

• Ensure your system meets Australian standards

• Provide access to warranties and STC certificates

✅ Ask to see their CEC installer number. If they don’t have it, move on.

☀️ 2. What Size System Do I Actually Need?

Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all system. Your solar system should be based on:

• Your average daily energy usage

• Your roof size and orientation

• Whether you plan to add a battery

• Whether your property uses single-phase or three-phase power

✅ A good installer will ask for recent power bills and recommend a system tailored to your needs—not just sell you a package.

🔌 3. Should I Install a Hybrid Inverter for Future Battery Use?

If you’re not ready for a battery yet, but plan to add one later, ask about installing a hybrid inverter now. This can:

• Save on future upgrade costs

• Make your system battery-ready from day one

✅ Hybrid inverters (like the Sungrow SH5.0RS or GoodWe ES Series) support both solar and battery connections.

🔋 4. Is a Battery Worth It for My Property?

Batteries provide blackout protection and maximise your self-consumption, but they’re not for everyone. Ask:

• How much extra would a battery cost?

• Will it reduce my power bills enough to justify the investment?

• Are there Queensland battery rebates I can claim?

✅ In many rural areas with unreliable grids, a battery can pay off faster than expected—especially if you’re on a time-of-use tariff.

💰 5. What Rebates and Incentives Am I Eligible For?

Most solar buyers in QLD can claim:

• The federal STC rebate (reduces system cost by $2,500–$4,000 depending on size)

• Battery rebates (available through state schemes and virtual power plant offers)

✅ A reputable installer will apply the STC rebate as a discount at the time of quote and help you understand all available incentives.

📱 6. Can I Monitor My System’s Performance?

Many solar systems now come with a real-time monitoring app or portal that shows:

• Solar generation

• Energy usage

• Exported energy

• Battery charge (if installed)

✅ Ask to see a demo of the monitoring platform during your quote.

🛠️ 7. What Warranties Are Offered on Panels, Inverters & Workmanship?

There are usually three warranties to consider:

• Panel warranty: 20–25 years (e.g. Trina, Jinko, REC)

• Inverter warranty: 5–10 years (extendable in some cases)

• Workmanship warranty: 5–10 years (from the installer)

✅ Don’t just compare prices—compare warranties and reputation too.

⚙️ 8. What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

Ask about after-sales support:

• Who do I contact for service?

• Do they offer system performance guarantees?

• Will someone local come and fix it if something breaks?

✅ Choose a provider that installs and services their own systems—not one that outsources everything to third parties.

🏡 9. Is My Roof Suitable for Solar?

Roof factors that impact your system’s performance include:

• Orientation (north is ideal, east/west can also work)

• Shade from trees, chimneys or other buildings

• Roof pitch and material

✅ A site inspection (virtual or physical) should be included in your quote to ensure the system is suitable and safe.

🚫 10. Are There Any Hidden Costs?

Your solar quote should clearly show:

• System size (kW)

• Total cost (before and after rebates)

• Inverter and panel brands

• Installation inclusions (is switchboard upgrade included?)

✅ Be cautious of ultra-cheap deals—some leave out vital components or add surprise charges later.

✅ Final Thoughts: Ask Before You Install

Buying solar is one of the smartest decisions a Queensland homeowner can make—but only if it's done right. By asking these 10 questions, you’ll protect yourself from dodgy deals, and ensure your system is built for maximum performance, savings, and reliability.

☀️ Need a Trusted Solar Partner?

At QLD Outback Solar, we specialise in quality solar systems for rural and regional Queenslanders. Our team will guide you through every step—from sizing and design to installation and rebates.

📞 Contact us today for a free quote and honest advice.