Last updated: June 12, 2026
Yes — always get at least 3 solar quotes. It’s the simplest way to avoid overpaying or buying a poorly-matched system. But a quote is only useful if you know what you’re comparing: in 2026 that means modern panels, the right inverter, and whether to add a battery or EV charger now or later. This guide gets you quote-ready.
Should you get 3 solar quotes?
Yes — comparing offers is good practice for any big purchase, and solar is no exception. Three quotes give you a feel for fair pricing, the brands installers favour, and how each company treats you before you’ve paid a cent. But it’s not always straightforward: comparing panels, inverters, batteries and warranties can be a maze even for tech-savvy buyers.
Our form connects you with up to four quality, accredited installers in your area for an even more balanced view — but spend ten minutes getting quote-ready first, and you’ll compare far more confidently.
Get quote-ready: 5 steps before you ask
- Commit to solar. Know that a well-chosen system is one of the best returns available — typically a few years’ payback, then decades of savings.
- Learn the basics. Skim modern panels, inverters and batteries (below) so the jargon doesn’t trip you up.
- Picture your ideal installer. Accredited, well-reviewed, local, clear warranties — so you recognise a good one when you see it.
- Set a budget & tier. Most companies quote a value range and a premium range. Decide roughly where you sit so you compare like-for-like.
- Think ahead. Adding a battery or EV charger soon? Say so up front — it changes the inverter and system size you should be quoted.
What’s in a modern solar system (2026)
Solar has moved on a lot. Here’s what to expect — and compare — across your quotes.
☀️ Solar panels
Nearly all panels today are monocrystalline N-type (TOPCon) — they’ve replaced the older PERC and poly panels. They’re more efficient, perform better in heat and low light, and degrade more slowly.
Power
440W is the 2026 standard residential panel; premium modules reach 600W+. Higher wattage = fewer panels and more kW on the same roof.
Efficiency
Good panels now hit 22–23%, with degradation around 0.4%/year — so you keep ~87% of output even at year 25–30.
Warranty
Look for a 25-year product and 25–30-year performance warranty from a brand with an Australian presence.
🔌 Inverters
The inverter converts your panels’ DC into usable AC — and it’s the component most likely to need attention over the system’s life, so the brand and warranty matter.
String
The cost-effective default for simple, unshaded roofs. Single-phase for most homes; three-phase for larger or 3-phase properties.
Micro / optimisers
Panel-level output and monitoring — worth it on roofs with shading or multiple orientations.
Hybrid
Built to add a battery now or later without replacing the inverter. Smart if storage is on your roadmap.
Tip: check the inverter is sized sensibly for the panel array and carries at least a 5–10 year warranty.
🔋 Batteries
With feed-in tariffs now low across Australia, storing your daytime solar to use at night is worth far more than exporting it. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program cuts roughly 30% off an eligible battery (about $252 per usable kWh, full value up to 14kWh then tapering).
A 10–13kWh battery suits most homes. To qualify for the rebate the battery must be VPP-ready, 5–100kWh, and installed by an SAA-accredited installer with CEC-approved gear. Ask whether the quote includes blackout backup — not every battery setup does.
Quick battery checklist
- Usable kWh (not just nominal)
- Backup during blackouts?
- VPP-ready for the rebate
- Warranty (cycles / years)
- Rebate applied upfront
🚗 EV chargers
If you have an EV (or might soon), charging from your own solar is dramatically cheaper than the grid — and cheaper than exporting that solar for a few cents. A smart solar-diverting charger tops up the car only from surplus solar, saving roughly 28–35c per kWh versus buying power, or 18–22c versus off-peak.
7kW single-phase
Fully installed about $1,500–$3,000. Adds ~40km of range per hour — plenty for overnight or daytime solar charging. Choose a solar-aware model (e.g. Zappi, Wallbox, Fronius Wattpilot, Tesla) to match surplus solar automatically.
22kW three-phase
About $2,500–$4,500 installed, and needs three-phase power (only ~15% of homes). Worth it for very high daily km or big-battery EVs; otherwise 7kW is plenty.
Questions to ask every installer
- Exactly which panel and inverter (brand and model) are you quoting — and why?
- What are the product and performance warranties, and who honours them in Australia?
- Are you (and your sub-contractors) CEC / SAA accredited? Can I see recent reviews?
- Is the system battery- and EV-ready, or will I need to replace the inverter later?
- What’s the estimated annual output and savings for my roof and usage?
- Is the rebate applied upfront, and is the price fully installed (no surprise extras)?
- What happens if a panel fails or the system underperforms — what’s the support process?
A good installer answers these clearly and in writing. Vague or pushy answers are a signal in themselves.
Sales red flags to watch for
- “Today only” pricing or high-pressure, sign-now tactics.
- Quotes that won’t name the exact panel/inverter model.
- Unrealistic savings claims or “free solar” framing.
- No mention of accreditation, or sub-contracted installers they won’t name.
- A price that’s far below the rest — usually cheap gear or a cheap install.
Compare like for like: same system size, comparable panel/inverter tier, and the same inclusions (battery, backup, EV-readiness). The cheapest quote rarely wins once you account for quality and warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get 3 solar quotes?
Yes — comparing at least three quotes helps you gauge fair pricing and quality. Our form connects you with up to four accredited local installers for a balanced view.
What should I compare across solar quotes?
Same system size, the exact panel and inverter models, warranties, whether it’s battery/EV-ready, estimated output and savings, and that the price is fully installed with the rebate applied. Compare like for like.
What are the best solar panels in 2026?
Monocrystalline N-type (TOPCon) panels are the standard — typically 440W (up to 600W+), 22–23% efficiency, ~0.4%/yr degradation, with 25–30 year warranties. Quality brands include Trina, Jinko, LONGi, JA Solar, Aiko, REC and Q CELLS.
Do I need a battery?
Not essential, but increasingly worthwhile: feed-in tariffs are low, so storing solar for the evening beats exporting it. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate takes ~30% off an eligible battery; 10–13kWh suits most homes.
Should I add an EV charger with my solar?
If you have or plan an EV, yes — a 7kW solar-diverting charger ($1,500–$3,000 installed) lets you charge from surplus solar, saving 28–35c/kWh versus the grid. Even if you wait, ask your installer to make the system EV-ready.
Ready to compare?
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Last updated: June 2026. Pricing, rebates and specs are indicative 2026 guides and change over time — confirm details when you request quotes.