Getting solar quotes is the easy part. Knowing how to read them, and how to tell a fair deal from a dodgy one, is what actually saves you money. This 2026 buyer’s guide explains how to compare solar quotes in Australia properly, so you can line up offers from different installers and choose with confidence rather than guesswork.
A good solar quote should be detailed, transparent and easy to compare against the next one. If a quote is vague or the price looks too good to be true, that is usually a sign to dig deeper.
What a good solar quote must include
Before you compare solar quotes, make sure each one is complete. A proper solar installation quote should clearly list:
- The panel brand, model and number of panels, plus total system size in kW.
- The inverter brand, model and size, and whether it is a string or hybrid inverter.
- Any battery brand, model and usable capacity in kWh.
- Mounting and racking details, and whether your roof type is accounted for.
- The total price in AUD, with the STC rebate shown as a separate line item.
- All warranties: product, performance and workmanship, with year figures.
- Confirmation the installer is accredited (Clean Energy Council or Solar Accreditation Australia).
- An estimated annual generation figure for your location and roof orientation.
If any of these are missing, ask for them in writing before you compare. A quote that hides the detail is hard to trust.
The line items that matter most
When you get solar quotes from several companies, the headline price is rarely the whole story. Compare these elements side by side.
Panels
Look at the brand, the wattage per panel and the product warranty. Cheaper panels can be a fine choice, but you want to know what you are buying. A name brand panel with a long warranty and strong local support is usually worth a little more than an unknown import.
Inverter
The inverter is the workhorse of the system and a common failure point if you buy cheap. Check the brand, the warranty length and whether it is sized correctly for your panels. If a battery is planned for later, a hybrid inverter now can save money down the track.
Battery (if included)
If storage is part of the quote, compare usable capacity in kWh, the warranty, and whether the federal battery rebate has been applied as a discount. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program, running since 1 July 2025, cuts roughly 30 per cent off an eligible battery, so it should appear on the quote.
Mounting and installation
Quality racking suited to your roof matters for longevity and for weather. Make sure the quote reflects your actual roof type rather than a generic assumption.
Warranties
There are usually three: the panel product warranty, the panel performance warranty and the workmanship or installation warranty. Longer is generally better, but only if the company is likely to be around to honour it.
The STC discount
The federal STC rebate, delivered through the Small scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), lowers your upfront cost and should be shown clearly. The value steps down each year and the scheme is legislated to end in 2030, so the discount shrinks over time. Make sure every quote shows the price both before and after the rebate so you are comparing the same thing.
A simple way to compare solar quotes
Lay your offers out in a table so the differences jump out. Here is an example format for a typical 6.6 kW system.
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| System size | 6.6 kW | 6.6 kW | 6.6 kW |
| Panel brand and warranty | Tier 1, 25 yr | Budget, 12 yr | Tier 1, 25 yr |
| Inverter brand and warranty | 10 yr | 5 yr | 10 yr |
| Workmanship warranty | 10 yr | 1 yr | 5 yr |
| Price after STC rebate (AUD) | $6,500 | $4,200 | $7,000 |
| Accredited installer | Yes | Unclear | Yes |
| Estimated annual output | 9,500 kWh | 9,000 kWh | 9,600 kWh |
The cheapest quote is not always the best value. In the example above, Quote B looks tempting on price, but the short warranties and unclear accreditation are warning signs. Indicative installed prices in 2026 for a 6.6 kW system commonly sit around $5,000 to $9,000 after the STC rebate, and a 10 kW system around $9,000 to $14,000. These ranges vary by location, brand and installer, so use them as a sanity check rather than a target.
Red flags and too good to be true pricing
Some warning signs to watch for when you get solar quotes online or over the phone:
- A price well below the typical range for the system size. Quality components cost money, so a rock bottom price usually means corners are being cut.
- High pressure sales tactics or “today only” discounts.
- No mention of accreditation, or a refusal to confirm it in writing.
- Vague component details, such as “premium panels” with no brand or model.
- Very short warranties, especially on the inverter and workmanship.
- A deposit demand before you have a signed, itemised contract.
If a deal feels rushed or the numbers do not add up, walk away. There are plenty of reputable installers, and you can compare solar companies to find ones with a solid track record.
How many quotes to get and what to ask
Aim for at least three quotes so you have a genuine basis for comparison. When you speak to each installer, ask:
- Are you a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer, and are your installers accredited?
- What is the total price after the STC rebate, and is the rebate shown as a line item?
- What exact panel and inverter models will you use?
- What are the product, performance and workmanship warranties?
- Who handles service and warranty claims, and how quickly?
- What annual generation do you estimate for my roof and location?
It helps to use installers who know your local conditions and tariffs. Browse solar companies by state to find businesses familiar with your area, and if you are adding storage, check specialist battery storage installers too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many solar quotes should I get?
Get at least three solar quotes so you can compare components, warranties and prices on a like for like basis. Three quotes give you a realistic sense of fair pricing for your system size and help you spot any offer that is unusually high or suspiciously low.
What should a solar quote include in Australia?
A solar quote should list the panel and inverter brands and models, system size in kW, any battery capacity, mounting details, total price in AUD with the STC rebate shown separately, all warranties, the estimated annual output and confirmation the installer is accredited.
Why is one solar quote so much cheaper than the others?
A much cheaper quote usually means lower quality components, shorter warranties or an installer cutting corners on installation. It can also mean the STC rebate is being presented in a confusing way. Always compare the full detail, not just the headline price, before deciding.
How do I know if a solar installer is legitimate?
Check that the company is a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer and that its installers are accredited through the Clean Energy Council or Solar Accreditation Australia. Accreditation is also required for your STC rebate to be valid, so it protects both your wallet and your system.
Ready to compare quotes the right way?
The best solar deal comes from comparing complete, itemised quotes from accredited installers, not from chasing the lowest number. Browse and compare solar companies to gather quotes from CEC accredited installers and choose the system that genuinely suits your home and budget.