Check your rebate eligibility
Let's start with a number that should make every homeowner pause: more than 700 solar installation companies have closed their doors in Australia since 2011. That is not a typo. Seven hundred businesses, gone. And with them, the warranties, the service agreements, and the peace of mind of roughly 650,000 Australian households.
If you browse installer review forums, Reddit's r/AusSolar, or Whirlpool's solar threads, you will find the same story repeated hundreds of times: "My installer went bust. My panels are underperforming. Nobody will return my calls. What do I do?"
These homeowners are called solar orphans - and it is the single biggest pain point in the Australian solar industry.
The good news? You can dramatically reduce your risk with some straightforward due diligence. This guide will show you exactly what to check, what to avoid, and what to do if the worst happens.
Check Your Rebate Eligibility
Enter your postcode to check rebate eligibility in your area.
Over 3.6 million homes already claiming rebates
The scale of the problem: Why so many installers go bust
The Australian solar industry has grown at breakneck speed. That growth attracted legitimate businesses, but it also attracted operators looking to make quick money and disappear. The barriers to entry were low: register a company, hire some subcontractors, buy some solar leads, run some Facebook ads, and you were in business.
When the market gets competitive and margins tighten, these operators cannot sustain their businesses. They take on too many jobs, cut corners to stay profitable, and eventually fold - leaving customers with systems that nobody will service.
Worse still, some engage in a practice called phoenixing: deliberately shutting down the company to avoid warranty obligations and debts, then restarting under a brand new name with the same directors. The homeowners left behind have little recourse. The "new" company has no legal obligation to honour the old company's warranties.
This is not a fringe problem. ASIC data shows that phoenixing is a persistent issue across the trades, and solar is one of the worst-affected sectors.
What phoenixing looks like
A company called "Sunshine Solar Pty Ltd" installs 2,000 systems over three years. Warranty claims start coming in. Instead of honouring them, the directors wind up Sunshine Solar and register "Bright Energy Solutions Pty Ltd" the next week. Same people, same office, same dodgy practices - but zero warranty obligations from the previous business.
Red flags: Warning signs of a dodgy solar installer
Not every red flag means an installer is a scam. But if you spot multiple items from this list, proceed with extreme caution. These are the patterns that homeowners on r/AusSolar and Whirlpool consistently report before things go wrong.
High-pressure door-to-door sales
Legitimate solar companies do not need to knock on your door unannounced. Door-knockers work on commission and are incentivised to close the sale on the spot, not to find you the best system.
"60% off if you sign today" tactics
Fake urgency is the oldest trick in the book. Real solar pricing does not change based on whether you sign in the next hour. If the discount disappears tomorrow, it was never real.
Promises of "$0 power bills"
No solar system can guarantee zero electricity bills. You still have daily supply charges, and your usage patterns, weather, and feed-in tariff rates all affect the outcome. Anyone promising $0 bills is lying.
Requesting more than 10% deposit upfront
A small deposit or booking fee is normal. But if they want 50% or full payment before installation, that money could disappear if the company folds. Reputable installers are comfortable with payment on completion.
Only 1300 numbers, no direct contacts
If you cannot reach a real person with a direct phone number, you are dealing with a call centre, not a local team. When something goes wrong, you need someone who will actually pick up.
No SAA accreditation number provided
If an installer cannot or will not provide their SAA accreditation number, walk away. Without accreditation, your installation is not eligible for STC rebates and may not meet safety standards.
Facebook ads with too-good-to-be-true prices
If a 6.6kW system is advertised at $2,999 "fully installed," something is being cut. Our solar panel cost guide shows what systems actually cost in 2026. Cheap panels, unlicensed subcontractors, or hidden exclusions (meter upgrades, switchboard work) are common traps.
Post-sale: not providing paperwork or not lodging STCs
After installation, you should receive compliance certificates, warranty documents, and confirmation that your STCs have been created. If the installer is slow to provide these, they may be pocketing your STC value or cutting other corners.
Green flags: Signs of a trustworthy installer
Finding a great installer is not just about avoiding the bad ones. Here are the positive signals to look for - the things that separate a business that will be around in 10 years from one that will not.
SAA accredited (since February 2024)
Solar Accreditation Australia replaced the CEC as the official accreditation body. Accredited installers must meet ongoing training and safety requirements.
Local team with direct phone numbers
You should be able to call and speak to the person who will manage your installation. Local presence means accountability.
Willing to explain every line on the quote
A good installer will walk you through panel models, inverter specs, expected output, warranty terms, and what is included. If they get defensive when you ask questions, that tells you something.
Specifies exact panel and inverter models
Your quote should list exact model numbers, not just "tier 1 panels" or "premium inverter." Our guide on how to choose solar panels explains what specs actually matter. Vague descriptions let installers substitute cheaper components on installation day.
Positive Google reviews with installer responses
Look for a pattern of genuine, detailed reviews. Bonus points if the installer responds to both positive and negative feedback professionally.
Operating 5+ years under the same ABN
Longevity under the same business name is one of the strongest indicators of reliability. It means they have survived market cycles and honoured existing warranties.
Provides written workmanship warranty details
The workmanship warranty covers installation quality (roof penetrations, wiring, mounting). Get the terms in writing, including duration, what is covered, and how to make a claim.
Andy's rule of thumb
If an installer ticks at least five of the seven green flags above, they are likely a solid choice. If they tick fewer than three, keep looking. Our installer directory only lists businesses that meet these criteria.
How to check an installer: A step-by-step guide
Before you sign any contract, run through these checks. They take about 15 minutes and could save you thousands of dollars and years of headaches.
Check the SAA installer register
Visit the Solar Accreditation Australia website and search for the installer by name or accreditation number. Since February 2024, SAA replaced the CEC as the official accreditation body. No SAA accreditation means no rebate eligibility and potentially non-compliant work.
ABN Lookup
Go to abr.business.gov.au and search the company's ABN. Check when the ABN was registered, whether the entity is active, and what the registered business name is. A company operating under an ABN less than two years old warrants extra scrutiny. Ideally, you want to see five or more years of continuous operation.
ASIC business name search (detecting phoenixing)
Search the company and its directors on ASIC Connect. If the directors have been involved in multiple solar companies that have been deregistered or gone into liquidation, that is a textbook phoenixing pattern. This single check can save you from the most predatory operators in the industry.
Check Google Reviews and ProductReview
Look for at least 20-30 Google reviews with a 4.0+ star rating. Read the negative reviews carefully - they often reveal more than the positive ones. Also check ProductReview.com.au for a broader picture. Be wary of companies with only five-star reviews and no detailed comments, as these can be fabricated.
See How Much You'd Save
Enter your postcode to see your estimated rebate amount.
Over 3.6 million homes already claiming rebates
Understanding your warranties: Product vs performance vs workmanship
One of the reasons solar orphans get so badly stung is that most homeowners do not realise they have three separate warranties covering different things. Knowing the difference is essential.
Product Warranty
Covers manufacturing defects in panels and inverters. If a panel cracks, delaminates, or fails due to a defect, the manufacturer replaces it.
Performance Warranty
Guarantees your panels will still produce a minimum percentage of their rated output after a set period. If they degrade faster than guaranteed, the manufacturer compensates you.
Workmanship Warranty
Covers the quality of the installation itself: roof penetrations, wiring, mounting, and electrical work. This comes from your installer, not the manufacturer.
The critical point
When your installer goes bust, you lose the workmanship warranty. Product and performance warranties come from the manufacturer and should still be valid - but you will need to deal with the manufacturer directly, and labour costs for replacements typically come out of your pocket. This is why choosing a stable installer matters so much. Read the complete buying guide for more on what to expect.
What to do if your installer goes bust
If the worst happens and your installer closes down, do not panic. You have more options than you might think, thanks to Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
Contact the manufacturers directly
Your panel and inverter manufacturers are legally obligated to honour their product warranties under ACL, regardless of whether the installer still exists. Find the manufacturer's Australian contact details and lodge a warranty claim. Under energy.gov.au guidance, manufacturers cannot refuse a valid warranty claim just because the installer has closed.
Lodge a complaint with your state fair trading body
Each state has a fair trading or consumer affairs office. They can advise you on your rights and may be able to pursue the company or its directors on your behalf. The ACCC also provides guidance specifically about solar panel warranties.
Check if the company is in administration
If the company has gone into administration or liquidation, you can register as a creditor. While the chances of full recovery are low, it is worth registering your claim. Check ASIC's insolvency notices for details.
Find a new installer for ongoing maintenance
Many reputable installers are happy to take on "orphaned" systems for maintenance and warranty support. Use our installer directory to find an SAA-accredited installer in your area who can assess your system and provide ongoing care.
The bottom line
Solar is still one of the best investments an Australian homeowner can make. The technology is proven, the rebates are generous (though STCs reduce each year), and the savings are real. If you are still getting your head around how solar systems work, our guide to understanding solar is a good starting point. The risk is not in the technology - it is in choosing the wrong installer.
Spending 15 minutes checking accreditation, ABN history, and reviews before you sign can save you from years of frustration and thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket repairs. If something feels off, trust your gut and keep looking. There are plenty of excellent solar installers in Australia. Use our rebate quiz to get matched with vetted local installers, and check current solar panel pricing so you know what a fair quote looks like.
Your pre-signing checklist
- check
Verify SAA accreditation on the official register
- check
Check ABN age and status on abr.business.gov.au
- check
Search directors on ASIC for previous dissolved companies
- check
Read Google Reviews and ProductReview.com.au
- check
Confirm exact panel and inverter models on the quote
- check
Get workmanship warranty terms in writing
- check
Never pay more than 10% deposit upfront
- check
Ensure they will lodge STCs and provide all compliance paperwork
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a solar orphan?expand_more
How do I check if my solar installer is SAA accredited?expand_more
What should I do if my solar installer has gone bust?expand_more
How much deposit should I pay for a solar installation?expand_more
What is phoenixing and how do I spot it?expand_more
Sourcesexpand_more
- Clean Energy Council / Solar Accreditation Australia - installer accreditation data and register
- Reddit r/AusSolar - community reports on dodgy installers and solar orphan experiences
- Whirlpool Forums - solar installer complaint threads and consumer experiences
- Energy.gov.au - warranty guidance for solar panel systems
- ACCC - solar panel warranty guidance and Australian Consumer Law rights
- ASIC - business name register and insolvency notices
The next step
If you have any questions about the information in this guide, feel free to get in touch:
Email: andy@whysolar.com.au
Tel: +61 455 221 921
If you're considering solar panels or batteries for your home, Andy and the team can help you get quotes from trusted, pre-vetted local installers:
Written by
Andy McMasterSolar Installer Partner Relations
Connects homeowners with trusted, vetted solar installers across Australia. Andy works directly with installation companies to ensure quality standards and helps homeowners navigate the quoting process.
Learn more about Andy McMaster