Australia’s rooftop solar boom has turned the industry into fertile ground for everything from outright fraud to simple misunderstandings. Federal solar rebates, federal battery rebates, state rebates, and steep power‑bill savings attract both reputable installers and opportunistic cowboys.
In this guide you’ll learn to
- Spot the difference between a true scam, a merely dodgy practice, a concerning red flag, and an honest misunderstanding.
- Understand the forces that make solar sales uniquely risky tight rebate deadlines, jargon‑heavy quotes, and information gaps.
- Move from awareness to action, using a plain‑English checklist that keeps you in control from first quote to post‑install monitoring.
Armed with that knowledge, you can move forward with confidence securing clean, cheap energy without becoming someone else’s cautionary tale.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Playing Field
Key terms
| Term | Working definition (for this guide) |
|---|---|
|
Scam |
An illegal scheme designed to steal money or identity e.g., fake installers who vanish after a deposit. |
|
Dodgy practice |
Legal‑but‑unethical behaviour that costs you money or peace of mind e.g., inflated “discount” pricing, hidden finance mark‑ups. |
|
Red flag |
A warning sign that could signal bigger trouble e.g., unusually short workmanship warranty but isn’t automatically harmful. |
|
Honest misunderstanding |
A benign error or miscommunication, usually fixable with clarification e.g., mismatched panel model numbers on paperwork. |
Market dynamics that fuel bad behaviour
Several structural quirks make the solar market riskier than most home improvement niches. Think of them as tail winds that carry dodgy operators further than they would otherwise travel.
1. Lucrative but expiring rebates
Where governments hand out money, opportunists follow. Dodgy salespeople are always looking for the easiest sale, and if the government is footing the bill the sale is that much easier.
Furthermore, these same salespeople will use high pressure tactics to manufacture urgency (“Sign today or lose $3,000 in subsidies!”) and push consumers into signing before they’ve digested a 20‑page contract.
2. A still‑young industry
Rooftop solar only exploded in the late 2000s. Compared with plumbing or traditional electrical trades, the sector hasn’t had decades to build layered licensing rules or case law precedents.
Regulators are still catching up while new tech (batteries, EV chargers, VPPs) keeps moving the goal‑posts.
3. Extreme information asymmetry
Every roof is unique pitch, orientation, shading, switchboard capacity so there’s no off‑the‑shelf “standard system” to benchmark. Installers can quietly tweak production assumptions, tariff escalators and shading allowances in ways most homeowners can’t audit.
4. Low barriers to entry
Launching a “solar brand” can be as easy as registering an ABN, spinning up a website, and hiring subcontract crews.
In some states the sales entity doesn’t need an electrical licence provided the installing subcontractor holds one.
5. Fragmented after‑sales responsibility
Panels, inverters, optimisers, finance, monitoring apps and warranty insurers often come from separate firms.
When something fails, each party can point the finger elsewhere, trapping the consumer in an admin maze.
Category 1 — Scams (Illegal)
Full‑blown scams are rarer than they were a decade ago, but they still surface. If any of these warning signs crop up, walk away you’re firmly in criminal‑territory territory.
Stolen identity
Rogue sales reps sometimes ask to photocopy or photograph your driver’s licence “for rebate paperwork.” With a full‑colour copy of that ID they can apply for credit cards, phone plans or short‑term loans in your name, trashing your credit score before you even see the system.
Protect yourself: Never hand physical ID to a salesperson. If finance approval genuinely requires ID, upload it only through the lender’s secure portal and black‑out any fields they don’t need (e.g., licence photo, signature).
Deposit theft
Another classic play: take a $1,000 – $3,000 “equipment deposit,” book an install date weeks out, then quietly shut down the ABN and vanish. The same directors often phoenix under a new name and repeat the game.
Protect yourself: Check the installer’s social proof before committing. E.g. reviews, NETCC accreditation etc. Also check the ABN’s registration date and director history on ASIC.
Trading while insolvent
A company teetering on collapse takes fresh deposits to fund yesterday’s installs, then folds leaving customers with half‑finished systems and no warranty recourse.
Protect yourself: Check your installers status on ASIC Connect. Whilst not foolproof, you can check the documents tab to see if there has been a previous application to wind up or any current external administrations.
Unaccredited or suspended installers
An installer arrives with no valid SAA accreditation, or one that was revoked for safety breaches. Your system may never qualify for STCs and could be electrically unsafe.
Protect yourself: Check the SAA website to see if your installer is accredited.
Category 2 — Dodgy Practices (Legal but unethical)
These tactics stay just inside the law but can gut your ROI or create endless admin headaches.
Pushy sales & “Last day of rebate!” tactics
High‑pressure door knocks and call‑centre blitzes trade on FOMO, pushing you past cooling‑off periods and fine print.
Quick defence: give yourself at least 24 hours to review every quote; genuine government rebates are announced months in advance and won’t disappear overnight.
Suspended or expelled from NETCC
Being kicked out of the New Energy Tech Consumer Code signals repeated breaches of consumer‑protection standards. Reasons are usually around finance disclosure, misleading marketing, or unresolved complaints.
Whilst it’s not compulsory to be part of the NETCC, it is an unwritten rule that if you are serious about being in solar, you want to be accredited.
Quick defence: Search the NETCC public expulsion list and strike any offender from your shortlist.
Fake savings figures
Once you realise you aren’t saving as much, it’s too late. Tactics include: assuming 100% self‑consumption, unreal tariff escalation, or zero shading.
Quick defence: Cross check your quote through SunSPOT. This is a free tool built by researchers at UNSW. It is arguably better than most of the quoting tools the solar companies use anyway.
Crap installations
I pondered if I should put this in a lower category. Quality is subjective, but messy cable runs, unsealed roof penetrations, or missing isolator covers can slash generation, void manufacturer warranties, and even pose fire risks.
Quick defence: Don’t sign the STC Assignment Form until you are happy with the installation quality. The installer can’t claim your rebate until you do.
Category 3 — Red Flags (Potentially Concerning)
Red flags are signals that something might be amiss. They’re not deal‑breakers on their own, but each one justifies a deeper look before you sign.
Sub‑contracted installers
Using a third‑party crew isn’t automatically bad many excellent installers operate as subcontractors, but a dodgy solar practice will almost certainly be using sub contractors. Confirm who carries the workmanship warranty and get that promise in writing.
Free solar design tools
A popular proposal tool in the industry is Open Solar. Whilst it is an excellent piece of software, since it is free, it has the tendency to attracts solar companies who want to cut corners at every turn.
At Solaris Finance, in the past, we’ve lost money due to fraudulent installers. More often than not, the common denominator is a free quoting software.
If you already have doubts about your installer, and you notice they don’t even want to pay for their most important software, be concerned.
Not NETCC‑accredited
NETCC membership is optional, so absence alone isn’t damning. However, accredited retailers must follow stricter rules on quote transparency, finance disclosure and after‑sales support.
As an example, we at Solaris Finance will not accredit most retailers if they are not NETCC accredited. If a company hasn’t joined, quiz them on what alternative safeguards they offer.
Hidden finance mark‑ups & “0 % interest” deals
Nothing is free. “Interest‑free” loans mean the the system price has been inflated by 15–25 %, so you still pay via higher sale price rather than interest.
Interest free loans aren’t bad in and of itself. They are just a healthy part of the solar finance market. If you remove the price inflation, and pay a via a regular loan, often the total costs are comparable.
However, if an installer offers you interest free and you decide to pay cash, you should be receiving a chunky discount. If not, you are getting ripped off!
Category 4 — Common Misunderstandings (Usually Fixable)
These issues often look alarming at first glance but generally resolve with clear communication and realistic expectations. Clear communication and reading the contract turns most of these into non‑issues.
Desperate‑sounding salespeople
A desperate salesperson is similar but very different from a pushy salesperson. Solar is a competitive landscape and everyone is struggling to make ends meet.
End‑of‑month commission pressure can make reps overly pushy without any underlying scam. Politely ask for breathing space, genuine discounts will still be available tomorrow.
Broken roof tiles after install
Tile breakage happens even with the best crews. Professional installers carry spare tiles and silicone to repair damage on the spot. Confirm replacement protocol in advance and inspect the roof post‑install.
Grid‑connection delays
This is the most common complaint we receive about installers from our customers. Sometimes the delays are due to negligence on the installer’s part, however more often than not it’s not their fault.
Your installer submits a “Permission to Connect” application, but final approval rests with the local distribution network. Timelines vary (from days in SA to weeks in regional NSW). Track progress and keep written records to nudge the process along.
Buyer‑Safe Habits (Best Practice)
- Verify NETCC status and CEC accreditation two free look‑ups that screen out the worst offenders.
- Ask for the exact panel and inverter model numbers in the quote, then check they appear on the CEC approved lists.
- Collect at least three written quotes and line them up spec‑for‑spec (system size, panel count, warranty, inclusions).
- Demand a realistic savings projection – one that uses your tariff, your daytime usage profile and a shading allowance.
- Separate system price from finance – A legitimate 0% interest deal means you can get a discount if you pay cash.
- Photograph every serial number on install day – Proof for warranty claims and STC assignment.
- Track performance – Use the inverter app or an independent service (e.g., Solar Analytics) and raise issues within 30 days.
Regulatory & Industry Safety Nets
Ideally you don’t want to end up in a dispute, however if you do there are avenues designed to help when direct negotiations fail.
Use them as an escalation ladder: start with voluntary industry schemes, move to your state’s Fair Trading body, and, if necessary, take the matter to a civil and administrative tribunal for a binding order.
New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC)
A voluntary code that sets sales, finance and after‑sales standards. The website lists current members and retailers who have been suspended or expelled.
Clean Energy Council (CEC)
Administers installer accreditation and the approved‑products lists. You can report safety breaches or non‑compliant installs.
State / Territory Fair Trading & Consumer Affairs
If the retailer won’t fix the problem, escalate. Each state is different, however the usual pathway is:
- Raise the issue in writing with the retailer.
- Give them a reasonable deadline (e.g., 10 business days).
- Lodge a formal complaint with your state body.
Navigating the consumer affairs websites can be confusing. Whenever I have used them in the past it feels like you need to solve a riddle before it lets’ you complain. To make it easier for you, below are the direct links to complain.
New South Wales (NSW) — NSW Fair Trading
How to lodge: Click ‘Make a Complaint’ on the Products & Services form (https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/fair-trading/complaints-and-enquiries/products-and-services/safety)
What happens next: Persistent disputes can then be escalated to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a legally binding order (small‑claims division covers matters up to $25 000).
Queensland (QLD) — Office of Fair Trading
How to lodge: Go to https://www.qld.gov.au/law/your-rights/consumer-rights-complaints-and-scams/consumer-complaints and click Make a Complaint.
What happens next: The Office attempts telephone conciliation. Unresolved cases can be referred to QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal) for an enforceable order.
Victoria (VIC) — Consumer Affairs Victoria
How to lodge: Lodge a complaint via https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/contact-us/resolve-your-problem/general-complaint. Choose “product or service” as the option.
Major vs minor problems: A major failure (e.g., dangerous wiring, system not fit for purpose) entitles you to reject the service and seek a refund or replacement. A minor failure must be rectified within a reasonable time.
What happens next: CAV may contact the trader for conciliation. Persistent breaches can be escalated to VCAT.
Western Australia (WA) — Consumer Protection WA
How to lodge: Lodge a complaint via https://onlineforms.dmirs.wa.gov.au/#/form/64f008b0895bd80e6819bbbe
What happens next: The agency will mediate; if unresolved you may be guided to the Magistrates Court for a minor‑case claim (< $10 000).
South Australia (SA) — Consumer and Business Services
How to lodge: Lodge a complaint via: https://forms.sa.gov.au/#/form/66330855300c3669ad5b10ed
What happens next: CBS contacts the trader; unresolved matters can proceed to SACAT (SA Civil and Administrative Tribunal).
Tasmania (TAS) — Consumer, Building & Occupational Services
How to lodge: CBOS do not have an online form. Instead you will need to email the Consumer Affairs team via https://cbos.tas.gov.au/contact-us
What happens next: CBOS offers voluntary conciliation; if that fails you can lodge a claim in the Magistrates Court (minor civil division).
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) — Access Canberra
How to lodge: Lodge a complaint via: https://services.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/s/forms/consumer-complaint
What happens next: Access Canberra will contact the business; unresolved cases may move to ACAT for a binding decision.
Northern Territory (NT) — NT Consumer Affairs
How to lodge: Consumer Affairs NT do not have a portal to make a complaint. Instead you will need to email [email protected].
What happens next: NT Consumer Affairs mediates; if unsuccessful you may be referred to the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT).
Conclusion
Solar is still one of the smartest upgrades an Australian homeowner can make provided you stay alert. By learning to distinguish scams from dodgy practices, red flags from honest misunderstandings, you tilt the playing field back in your favour. Use the buyer‑safe habits above, lean on the regulatory safety nets when needed, and you’ll join the millions of households already enjoying lower bills and cleaner energy without becoming someone else’s cautionary tale.
