The Hidden Cost of Cheap Solar and Battery Installations

In Australia’s rapidly expanding solar and battery market, low prices are often used as an incentive to secure quick sales. However, recent industry findings have highlighted serious concerns behind these low-cost installations, suggesting that the true price may be paid in long-term safety, performance, and system reliability.

How Are Cheap Operators Able to Offer Such Low Prices?

According to one of our experienced installers, some companies are offering accredited electricians up to $1,000 simply to sign off on installations they were not present for. Under this model, systems are physically installed by unqualified personnel, and then later certified by someone who has never seen the job. This practice allows operators to claim government rebates they would otherwise not qualify for.

When installations involve high-voltage DC systems and battery energy storage, signing off on work without inspecting it presents serious safety risks. A poor installation can cause failures, electrical faults, and in worst cases, fire.

Industry Safety Concerns

In 2022, a series of house fires allegedly linked to poor installation practices caused alarm within the industry. Despite the severity of the incidents, very few consumers were made aware.

A common business model in the low-cost segment includes operational practices similar to what is known as “phoenixing”. This involves opening a company, selling systems at minimal margins, avoiding warranty obligations, and closing down before significant liabilities arise—only to reappear under a new entity shortly after. Historical examples of

companies operating in this way include Eurosolar, Arise Solar, True Value Solar and Sunshine State Solar. Eurosolar was fined $144,000 by the ACCC for false online reviews yet were permitted to leave the reviews visible.

Some companies promote their services using celebrity endorsements while trading at prices unsustainably below industry standard. These operators often rely on low-cost materials, minimal compliance, and unqualified labour.

Rebadging Products and Component Concerns

Another cost-reduction strategy used by some operators is the rebadging of panels. It is common for suppliers to purchase panels manufactured overseas for approximately $20, then rebrand and sell them as premium- tier models for over $180. A comparison would be purchasing a counterfeit device from a beach stall overseas and claiming it to be genuine.

Cheap materials extend beyond panels. Many low-cost operators use inferior wiring and low-grade installation components, risking system longevity and safety. An example observed in a Brisbane wholesaler showed a JA Solar panel which was 10 cm taller than the dimensions stated on its manufacturer label.

Battery Accreditation Concerns

As battery rebates have increased in value, a significant number of electricians have rushed to obtain battery accreditation purely to access these government incentives. Training organisations have reportedly tripled their certification fees due to the low volume of legitimately qualified installers.

There is concern within the industry that accreditation obtained quickly does not always reflect experience, and installs may be undertaken by individuals who have recently completed short training courses without appropriate practical background.

How Trusted Solar Bigger Advantage Operates

Trusted Solar Bigger Advantage does not participate in low-cost, minimum-standard installation practices. Our focus is delivering long-term energy solutions built to commercial quality standards.

Key differences include:

• Installations performed to up to three times the industry minimum standard
• All installers hold a minimum of 10 years battery accreditation
• Use of fully qualified electricians only — not apprentices or unaccredited labour
• No rebadged or generic panels
• Installation components selected based on long-term performance and safety

Premium Materials and Components

Component	Low-Cost Operators	Trusted Solar Bigger Advantage
DC isolators and switches	Generic or budget brands	Le Grand (French brand)
Wiring	Standard, often non- resistant	Full copper, possum and rodent resistant
Average panel cost	$70 per panel	$180 per panel
Battery installation team	May include non- electricians	Qualified electricians only
Installer pay rates	Industry low	Up to three times industry average
Accreditation	Minimal or recent	Minimum 10 years battery accredited

How We Remain Competitive While Using Premium Materials

Unlike traditional operators, we do not maintain offices or warehouse facilities. We operate with low fixed overheads and have strong supplier volume agreements, allowing us to purchase premium components at discounted rates. These savings are then passed directly to our customers.

Conclusion

While low-priced solar and battery systems may initially appear attractive, they often come with concealed costs that emerge through lower performance or significant risks over time, including system failure or safety hazards. Consumers should carefully consider installation quality, experience, accreditation, and component specifications before proceeding.

A high-quality solar and battery installation should be performed by experienced, accredited professionals using proven materials. When it comes to energy systems powering your home, long-term safety and performance are more important than the cheapest quote.