How we choose the panels, inverters and batteries we install

There are hundreds of solar panels, inverters and batteries on the Australian market, and every brand says its gear is excellent. When you design a system on our site, the products you can pick from have already been through a short list of checks. This article explains what those checks are and why they matter more than the brochure.

1. It has to be on the Clean Energy Council approved list

The Clean Energy Council keeps approved lists of solar panels, inverters and lithium batteries that meet Australian and international standards. This is the first gate, and it is not optional:

• Only systems built from listed products can create small-scale technology certificates, which is where the federal solar discount comes from.
• The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program also requires a battery from the approved list.
• Some electricity networks require approved products before they will let a system connect.

The lists change. Products are added, updated and sometimes removed, and the Council is phasing in newer standards for both batteries and panels. So we check a product's listing when we quote, not just when we first started selling it.

2. The warranty has to be backed by a company in Australia

A 10-year or 25-year warranty is a promise about the future, and a promise is only worth what the company behind it can deliver. We look for manufacturers that have an Australian company named on their Australian warranty, with a local address, a local phone line and a warranty document written for Australian conditions and Australian Consumer Law.

Your rights under Australian Consumer Law apply regardless of the brand. But having a local office makes a real difference when a part needs replacing: shorter waits, a person to speak to, and stock held in the country.

3. Read the warranty, not just the headline number

Two products can both say "10-year warranty" and mean quite different things. When we compare gear, we read the actual warranty document and look at:

• What the years cover. Panels carry a product warranty and a separate power warranty. Batteries carry a product warranty and a separate performance warranty.
• What "performance" means. Battery makers guarantee a percentage of capacity at the end of the term, and that figure differs between brands. Many also set a lifetime energy figure that can end the warranty sooner.
• What the conditions are. Some batteries must stay connected to the internet for the full warranty. Some must be installed within a set time of leaving the factory. Most require faults to be reported quickly.
• Which parts have shorter cover. Communication modules, meters and accessories often carry just a couple of years.

We would rather tell you about a condition at the start than have it surprise you in year six.

4. It has to be monitored

Every system we install includes remote monitoring and fault alerts. That means we only choose products with a reliable app and a monitoring platform the installer can see too. A fault you can see on day one can be fixed on day two. A fault no one notices can quietly cost a whole season of solar.

It also means a working internet connection at the inverter matters, and we will talk to you about that during the design.

5. It has to be serviceable

Good gear still needs looking after. We favour products where:

• Spare parts and replacement units are available in Australia.
• The manufacturer supports installers with technical help and remote diagnosis.
• The warranty claim process is clear, and runs through the installer.

On every system, warranty repairs and claims are handled by us at no cost to you. We deal with the manufacturer, lodge the claim and fit the replacement, so you never have to chase a warranty yourself. That only works if the manufacturer is easy to deal with, which is why service history weighs heavily in what we choose.

6. It has to suit Victorian homes

Some features matter more here than elsewhere. Panels that hold their output well in heat help in summer. Strong wind ratings matter on exposed hills and ridges. Inverters need to suit both single phase homes and the three phase supplies common on farms and larger properties. Batteries need to fit sensibly in garages, on walls and in sheds, and blackout backup matters in areas where storms bring the power down.

How the tiers fit around the checks

Every product in every tier has passed the checks above. The tiers are about how much you want to spend and what you value beyond the basics.

• Essential. Reliable, well supported gear for people who want quality on a budget.
• Balanced. Better technology, with stacked all-in-one batteries and app control.
• Premium. Top tier inverter and battery brands, with longer warranties on select models and strong backup options.

All three include remote monitoring and fault alerts, installation by CEC-accredited installers, an independent inspection by a licensed electrical inspector, and warranty claims handled for you. You can see the brands in each tier on our solar power and home batteries pages.

Why the range changes

Because the approved lists, warranties and support all change over time, so does our range. If a product drops off the approved list, it can no longer be used on a system that claims the federal discounts, and we stop offering it. The checks above are run again whenever a product is added.

The simplest way to compare the tiers side by side is to design a system on your own roof. Pick a tier, see the panels laid out on an aerial photo of your home, and get a real installed price for each option.