Solar Quote Comparison Sites in Australia: How They Work (Installer Perspective)

If you are a solar installer in Australia, you have almost certainly used at least one comparison site: SolarQuotes, Solar Choice, Energy Matters, or Solar Calculator. These platforms connect homeowners with installers and form a significant part of the lead pipeline for many businesses.

But there is surprisingly little independent information about how these sites compare from the installer's perspective. What does each one charge? How do the leads convert? Which one gives you the best return on investment?

This guide fills that gap. We have pulled together publicly available pricing data, installer forum feedback, and our own industry knowledge to give you an honest comparison. None of these companies are paying us for this review.

The model is the same across all major comparison sites. A homeowner fills in a form with their details and solar preferences. The site sends those details to 2 to 3 local installers from their network. Each installer pays a fee per lead received (regardless of whether the lead converts to a sale). The site earns revenue from the combined fees.

For a homeowner, the service is free. For you as the installer, the cost ranges from $30 to $150 per lead depending on the site and the lead type (residential vs commercial). With 2 to 3 installers paying per lead, each form submission generates $90 to $450 for the comparison site.

For a detailed look at how this model affects homeowners, see our article on what happens when you request a solar quote online. For full lead pricing data across all sources, see our solar leads cost guide.

Based on feedback from installer forums, industry discussions, and our own network, here is the consensus view on each platform.

SolarQuotes consistently receives the most positive feedback. Installers praise the lead quality, noting that the multi-page form filters out casual browsers. One installer described it as "the only lead generator in the market that goes the extra mile to qualify leads rather than just collect and send a phone number." The 7-day rejection policy is also popular, letting installers return leads that do not work out without being charged.

The Origin Energy acquisition in recent years has raised some eyebrows. Some installers are watching to see whether lead quality or business practices change under corporate ownership. So far, the feedback suggests the platform continues to operate as before.

Solar Choice also receives solid reviews. Installers appreciate the free CRM portal and the fact that the network is pre-vetted, which means the homeowners reaching you tend to be higher quality. The company's engineering background gives it credibility in the commercial space.

Solar Calculator and Energy Matters receive more mixed feedback. The lower price point on Solar Calculator is attractive, but some installers report lower conversion rates, which can offset the per-lead savings. Energy Matters has a large brand presence but installer opinions on lead quality vary widely.

Do not choose a comparison site based on cost per lead alone. The only number that matters is your cost per acquisition (CPA): the total amount you spend on leads from that site to win one signed job.

A $45 lead that converts at 25% gives you a CPA of $180. A $30 lead that converts at 12% gives you a CPA of $250. The cheaper lead is actually more expensive per job won. You cannot calculate this without tracking your conversion rate for each source separately.

Here is the minimum you should be tracking for each comparison site:

Every comparison site sends each lead to 2 to 3 installers. That is fundamental to their business model, and it means you are always competing for every lead. If you want leads where you are the only installer calling, you need an exclusive lead provider.

Exclusive leads convert at 25 to 35% compared to 15 to 25% for comparison site leads, because the homeowner only hears from you. No race to call first. No competing on price against two other quotes the homeowner received simultaneously. Just a one-on-one conversation about their solar needs.

Our solar leads program delivers exclusive, pre-qualified leads to one installer per area. No lock-in contracts, pay per lead. If you are finding that comparison site leads are getting more competitive and harder to convert, exclusive leads may be worth testing alongside your existing sources.

Solar comparison sites are a legitimate part of the lead generation ecosystem. SolarQuotes leads the pack on quality, Solar Choice offers a strong alternative with good tools, and Solar Calculator provides a low-cost entry point. Energy Matters is worth testing but results vary.

The most important thing is to track your numbers. Do not assume that the cheapest lead is the best value. Measure your cost per acquisition from each source, and be willing to shift budget toward whatever is producing the best return. For most installers, the ideal mix includes some comparison site leads for volume, paired with exclusive leads and organic channels for higher-quality, lower-cost pipeline.

For a complete overview of all lead generation options, see our solar lead generation guide.