If you’re in search of an accredited solar retailer who installs the best products, including Fronius, Solar Edge and LG and uses Clean Energy Council accredited solar installers, all across Cairns and Townsville, you need to look no further than Greenfield Energy. In this week’s post, we are going to expand on the investigation from A Current Affair, and how you can find a professionally installed solar power system to reduce your electricity bills.
A Current Affair recently investigated and reported on the solar installation industry. They found alarming similarities to the unscrupulous, overnight pop-up businesses in the vocational sector that rorted government subsidies and left students struggling with debt over two years ago. But in A Current Affair’s investigation, the national audit revealed an alarming number of sloppy and dodgy solar installations, led by greed-driven operators in a largely unregulated industry.
Almost 22% of Australian homes have solar panels installed with most Australians installing solar systems in an effort to decrease electricity bills. Our customers have reported electricity bills decreasing by as much as 70% after solar installation. Given the immediate benefit and the government’s generous incentives such as solar loans and rebates, demand for solar installations is only expected to increase.
But as the demand arises, greed and poor regulation have incentivised overnight pop-up businesses to emerge. These businesses are often sales-driven and can offer substantial discounts on a solar installation. While customers may think they have a great deal, the products are often sub-par and the installation is outsourced to unlicensed or unregistered contractors. These contractors, who are often paid poorly, are unable to install safely or correctly. Aside from the lack of responsibility, accountability, and ethical behaviour of these businesses, the alarming trend is the poor quality of the components and construction which can lead to defects, overheating, being caught on fire and safety problems.
The national audit found almost 25% of installations assessed since 2011 could be faulty or not fitted correctly. Electrical distributor Ausgrid published a report based on audits conducted in 2010. In this report, the most common problems associated with dodgy solar installations were incorrect wiring and circuit breakers, incorrect or missing labels and water ingress (where water infiltrates the system.) These faults will pose a safety hazard for your household occupants, for electricians and maintenance workers who rely on the expertise of these contractors, or lack thereof.
About 80% of these installations flagged by the national audit pose a hazard due to risk of water ingress alone. Water ingress can lead to a fire. Unfortunately, ordinary consumers who are offered irresistible up-front installation prices will carry the risk of a poor installation, using poorly manufactured components and dubious workmanship. By the time problems arise, you the customer are left without any recourse as these businesses often fold up and re-appear as a new firm that continues the cycle.
What can you do to avoid dodgy solar vendors?
- Seek accredited Businesses
In spite of a largely unregulated industry, the Clean Energy Council (CEC), our peak industry body has offered a stringent accreditation scheme for responsible retailers and installers. Greenfield Energy is one of five thousand CEC approved solar retailers and we are committed and signatories to the Code of Conduct. Signatories to the Code of Conduct behave ethically. This means that we accurately represent our services, any incentive schemes and provide the relevant information for residents across Cairns and Townsville to make an informed decision.
We rely on sales by delivering great products, relevant knowledge and our commitment to transparency and integrity.
Our products are amongst the best rated components in the industry. For instance, we use Bloomberg Tier 1 monocrystalline PV solar panels. These panels are designed and manufactured by companies that are highly vetted by an impartial adjudicator. We install Fronius and SolarEdge; both of which are leading brands for inverters. These are backed by at least a 10 year inverter warranty and a 25 year panel warranty.
Your solar panel system is installed by CEC accredited installers because we hire the best professionals to safely and correctly install your solar system. This often costs more as they have to engage in professional development and be accredited. Then, we also remotely monitor your solar panels and can tell you which (if any) specific panels are not producing the expected electrical output. That way, you are informed and we can help you resolve the sudden drop in performance, as soon as possible. You also won’t be shocked by sudden rises in your electricity bill.
We may charge more than other vendors in this industry but we deliver unparalleled service, workmanship and products for our price.
- Ask questions
If you’re currently considering a solar installation, it is a large financial investment, even after subsidies from the government. And while it will deliver a return in investment, as early as the next quarter, you should be fully informed before making the decision to purchase. For example, some of the questions you might have are –
- What system size and inverter best suits you, based on your electrical consumption and needs?
- How it should be installed to capture as much solar radiation as possible?
- How long it will take to install a system?
- What impact it will have on your day-to-day life?
- What maintenance is needed and how often it should be conducted?
- What you can expect, in terms of post-installation commitment?
- How will you prevent water ingress?
- Do you have case studies or testimonials?
- Will my solar installation stand up to tropical cyclones?
We’ve committed to the Solar Retailer Code of Conduct and have gone through a lengthy application process to earn the Solar Installer Accreditation since August 2018.
This is a certification that we’re incredibly proud to have (considering only 35 out of 117 applicants were approved in the same period) As a result, if you are considering a solar installation from a safe and trusted retailer and team of professionals, then contact us here for a free no-obligation Energy Audit and quote. We can answer all the above questions are more so you can have peace of mind.
If you are worried about your current installation, contact the Clean Energy Council for advice on what you can do.