The difference between premium and standard solar panels can be wide, but how do you know who to trust?

The solar industry has internationally adopted a tiered system in relation to quality, where tier 1 is the best, followed by tiers 2 and 3. This is not a Government ratified system, and certification can seem subjective to those outside the industry. Our experience is that solar equipment installers unclear about the tier system tend to be the ones installing or reselling the generally lower quality (but often still quite good) tier 2 and 3 rated products.

At This is Solar, we only use verified Tier 1 solar panels, inverters and other related equipment. This ensures that the products we install and maintain are the most advanced and trustworthy on the market. Whilst any company can make this claim, feel free to discuss it with your consultant, who will be more than happy to supply all the details you need.

What criteria is the tier system judged on?

There are many variables when it comes to assessing the quality of solar equipment, and not all of these may relate directly to the equipment itself. Some of the metrics on which companies and their products are judged include:

  • Technical performance of the equipment
  • Years of experience of the company
  • Financial position of the company
  • The scale of the company’s manufacturing
  • The geographic coverage of the company
  • Insurance and backing of the company
  • Sustainability of the business
  • The quality of service and support
  • Commercial competitiveness
  • Whether the company is innovative and publishes research

Companies such as https://review.solar/ provide regular updates to these lists.

Who can install solar equipment?

Installation of solar equipment must be done by qualified electricians. At the time of publication, Fair Trading NSW states that while “the holder of a building or electrical contractors licence can contract in NSW to install solar panels on the roof of a residential property or other premises,” the actual work itself must be carried out by:

  • an electrical license holder (i.e. a qualified electrician), who has
  • certification from the Clean Energy Council.

Who are the Clean Energy Council (CEC)?

The Clean Energy Council is the peak body for companies that service the renewable energy industry in Australia. There are over 900 companies listed as members on their website. The CEC works to raise the standard of service quality in the solar industry through an accreditation program. This accreditation recognises people and companies who have taken the necessary training to design and install solar systems.

You can check the CEC website to ensure that your solar service company has the accreditation  needed.

Contact This Is Solar

This Is Solar primarily supplies and installs high quality, tier 1 solar equipment using suitably qualified electrical license holders with a CEC certification.  Our efficient, high quality solar panels and inverters offer great investment value and are built to last. We offer $0 upfront cost for all our solar installations and interest free repayments.