Switching to solar is one of the smartest decisions a business can make in Perth. The combination of lower energy bills, greater independence from the grid, and the chance to reduce your environmental footprint makes commercial solar installation more appealing. Despite the benefits are clear, many businesses stumble when it comes to choosing the right commercial solar installer.
The thing is that many rush into decisions, focus on price alone, or ignore key details that can turn what should be a rewarding investment into a costly problem. To guide you into this, we’ll help you choose a solar installer that doesn’t have these mistakes.
Common Errors When Choosing A Solar Installer
Avoiding these mistakes ensures your investment delivers maximum efficiency, reliability, and peace of mind.
Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Price Alone
It can be tempting to select the cheapest commercial solar installer you find, especially if you’re eager to cut costs quickly. At first glance, a low price may feel like a win for your business. However, price alone rarely tells the full story. Cheaper installers often cut corners with low-quality panels, rushed installations, or limited warranties, leaving your system and investment unprotected.
The Clean Energy Regulator reports that in 2022, 52% of solar installations inspected across Australia didn’t meet industry standards. This highlights how common substandard work can be and shows that cutting costs upfront may result in higher maintenance expenses and potential system failures.
While saving money initially may seem appealing, the long-term costs of solar panel repairs or replacements often outweigh any short-term gain. A high-quality system is an investment designed to serve your business reliably for years to come. When comparing commercial solar installers, prioritise value, experience, and long-term performance rather than simply the lowest price.
Mistake #2: Overlooking Licensing and Accreditation
Another mistake businesses make is assuming all commercial solar installers are the same. In reality, only licensed and accredited professionals are legally permitted to perform commercial solar installations. That’s because hiring a commercial solar installer without the proper qualifications exposes you to serious risks, from unsafe wiring to voided warranties.
This is why you should always check that your installer is accredited with Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA). Accreditation confirms that the installer meets strict industry standards and adheres to best practices. Alternatively, you can also request proof of qualifications before signing any contract to avoid potential problems later.
This is an important step because if you were searching for a “local electrician near me,” you wouldn’t hire someone without a licence, so the same principle applies to solar.
Mistake #3: Skipping a Proper Energy Needs Assessment
Every business has unique energy demands, yet many companies still choose installers that don’t take the time to assess their specific requirements. For example, a retail store has very different consumption patterns compared to a warehouse or office building. Without a detailed energy audit, your system may be either too small to meet your needs or too large, resulting in higher costs than necessary.
That said, a professional commercial solar installer takes the time to analyse your energy habits before designing your system. They review when and how your business uses electricity, how much you consume during peak hours, and whether battery storage could improve efficiency. By skipping this step, you risk investing in a system that fails to deliver the savings you expect.
Mistake #4: Forgetting About Maintenance and Monitoring
Solar panels are low-maintenance, but they’re not maintenance-free. A common mistake is assuming that once the system is installed, you can simply forget about it. However, dirt, weather damage, or faulty wiring can reduce system performance if it’s not regularly monitored and serviced.
Without regular servicing, efficiency declines and breakdowns become more likely. If you ignore maintenance, you might eventually need costly solar repairs that could have been avoided. So, before choosing an installer, ask about the maintenance services they provide and how they monitor performance over time. With trusted commercial solar installers, they offer a clear plan for maintaining your investment.
Mistake #5: Overlooking Battery Storage Options
Another mistake Perth businesses make is assuming solar is just about panels on the roof. In reality, pairing solar with battery storage can significantly increase your savings. With Australia’s electricity tariffs and peak demand charges, batteries give you more control over when and how you use your energy.
By overlooking batteries, you may limit the benefits of your system. For instance, storing excess power generated during the day allows you to use it in the evening when demand and costs are highest.
That said, solar installers who focus only on panels may not fully explain these options. With a reputable provider of solar and battery solutions in Perth, it will help you assess current and future energy needs, ensuring you don’t miss out on long-term benefits.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Warranty and Support Details
Many businesses assume a warranty is just a warranty, but this assumption can be an expensive mistake. The thing is that there are different types of warranties, including product warranties on the panels and workmanship warranties on the installation itself. Some warranties require you to go through the manufacturer, while others are backed directly by the installer.
So, if something goes wrong, you need clear support without the need for months of back-and-forth. That’s why you should always ask who’s responsible for handling warranty claims and how long coverage lasts. A reliable commercial solar installer should be transparent about this from the start. By taking the time to understand warranty details, you ensure that you’re not left to deal with problems on your own.
Power Your Business with the Right Solar Solution
Choosing a commercial solar installer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business’s energy future. By steering clear of these common mistakes, you can enjoy lower bills, greater independence from the grid, and a reputation for sustainability that sets your business apart.
At SolArk Electrical, we specialise in residential and commercial solar solutions. Our team provides professional service, reliable support, and long-lasting results so you can focus on running your business while we power it efficiently. For more information, contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you want to learn more about solar installations, check out this additional information!
What is the difference between residential and commercial solar?
Residential solar systems are designed for homes, focusing on lower energy demands and simpler installations. Commercial solar systems, on the other hand, handle higher energy loads, complex wiring, and often include battery storage for businesses.
How long does it take to install commercial solar panels?
Commercial solar panel installation usually takes one to three weeks, depending on the system size and site complexity. It’s best to consult your installer so you’ll know the timeline of your solar installation.
