Solarquotes.com.au Review

After careful evaluation of solarquotes.com.au, We give it a Trust Score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. SolarQuotes.com.au positions itself as an independent authority providing advice and connecting consumers with qualified solar installers in Australia since 2009. The website appears to be a legitimate and well-established platform within the Australian solar energy sector. It offers a clear value proposition: helping homeowners navigate the often complex process of selecting solar panels, batteries, and EV chargers by providing up to three no-obligation quotes from pre-vetted, highly-rated installers. The emphasis on “independent advice” and the involvement of founder Finn Peacock, an ex-CSIRO engineer and author of a solar bestseller, adds a layer of credibility. The site highlights its extensive track record, stating it has assisted over 850,000 people in getting quotes across nearly 3,000 Australian postcodes and has published over 84,000 uncensored reviews for almost 3,000 installation companies. This transparency around reviews, coupled with a stated “fussiness” about which installers are allowed into their network, suggests a commitment to quality and consumer protection. They explicitly mention turning away hundreds of installers, which reinforces their rigorous vetting process.

The platform’s approach to lead generation, while requiring a more detailed inquiry form, is framed as beneficial for the consumer. They argue that serious buyers who provide comprehensive information will receive more tailored and accurate quotes from “experts, not cowboys.” This implies a filtering mechanism designed to ensure a higher quality match between customer needs and installer capabilities, saving valuable time for both parties. The site also serves as a comprehensive resource hub, offering extensive blog posts, FAQs, and guides on solar, batteries, and EV charging, demonstrating a commitment to educating consumers beyond just facilitating quotes. This educational content is crucial for informed decision-making in a high-investment area like home energy. Furthermore, the emphasis on “real people, not robots” in their customer service, with follow-up emails, SMS, and an Australian-based team, indicates a focus on genuine human interaction and support. The presence of detailed installer reviews and rankings, sortable by various criteria, empowers users to make data-driven choices. The long-standing presence in the media and the sheer volume of users and reviews underpin its significant standing in the Australian renewable energy landscape. From an ethical standpoint, facilitating access to clean energy solutions is highly commendable, aligning with principles of environmental stewardship and sustainable living. There are no apparent elements on the site that raise concerns regarding forbidden categories or unethical practices; instead, it promotes a responsible and well-researched approach to a significant household investment. The business model appears to be commission-based from installers, which is a common and acceptable practice, provided the independence of advice is genuinely maintained, which SolarQuotes.com.au strives to demonstrate through its rigorous vetting and review processes.

Here’s an overall review summary:

• Website Name: Solarquotes.com.au
• Purpose: Connects Australian homeowners with pre-vetted solar, battery, and EV charger installers, provides independent advice, and offers educational resources.
• Founder: Finn Peacock (Engineer, Ex-CSIRO, Author)
• Establishment: Since 2009
• Quotes Offered: Up to 3 no-obligation quotes from qualified, top-rated installers.
• Installer Vetting: Strict vetting process; “fussy” about who joins their network, turning away many.
• Customer Reviews: Over 84,000 uncensored reviews of nearly 3,000 installation companies.
• Geographic Reach: Covers 2,968 postcodes across Australia.
• Users Assisted: Over 853,000 people since 2009.
• Content Resources: Extensive blog, FAQs, guides on solar, batteries, EV charging.
• Customer Support: Australian-based team, human interaction emphasised.
• Transparency: Publicly available review statistics and installer rankings.
• Ethical Considerations: Promotes sustainable energy, appears to operate with transparency and consumer protection in mind. No elements suggest forbidden or unethical practices.

The site’s comprehensive nature, longevity, and clear commitment to consumer education and protection make it a robust resource. The high volume of reviews and mentions in the media further solidify its reputation. While the detailed quote form might seem a bit much at first glance, it’s designed to ensure serious inquiries get serious, tailored responses, which ultimately benefits the consumer. It’s a platform that genuinely seems to empower users with information and choice, rather than just pushing sales. What to Expect from solarquotes.com.au

Best Alternatives for Sustainable Home Solutions

While SolarQuotes.com.au is a robust platform for solar, batteries, and EV chargers, exploring other avenues for sustainable home solutions and related services can also be beneficial. Here are some alternatives focusing on ethical and practical options for Australian households:

• Sustainable Energy Consultation Services:

  • Product Name: Renewable Energy Solutions Australia (RESA)
  • Key Features: RESA focuses on providing comprehensive renewable energy consulting services, including feasibility studies, system design, and project management for solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies. They offer tailored advice for residential and commercial clients, helping them understand their energy needs and the best sustainable options.
  • Price: Consultation fees vary based on the scope and complexity of the project. Typically, an initial assessment might be a flat fee, with detailed design and project management billed hourly or as a percentage of the project.
  • Pros: Independent, expert advice not tied to specific brands; holistic approach to energy solutions; potential for custom, highly optimised systems.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive than just getting quotes; requires active engagement from the homeowner to implement recommendations.

• Energy Efficiency Audit Services:

  • Product Name: Ecologic Energy Advisors
  • Key Features: Specialises in comprehensive home energy audits to identify areas of energy waste and recommend practical solutions for efficiency improvements, such as insulation, draught sealing, and appliance upgrades. They provide detailed reports and projected savings.
  • Price: Typically ranges from AUD $300 to $800 for a detailed residential energy audit, depending on the property size and complexity.
  • Pros: Identifies cost-saving opportunities beyond just solar; improves overall home comfort; reduces environmental footprint.
  • Cons: Doesn’t directly lead to solar installation quotes; initial cost for the audit before savings are realised.

• Smart Home Energy Management Systems: Swaggle.com.au Review

  • Product Name: Sungrow SBR Battery System (as an example of an integrated system)
  • Key Features: While not a service, an integrated smart home energy management system allows homeowners to monitor and control their energy consumption, optimise solar usage, and manage battery storage. Systems often include an inverter, battery, and a monitoring app. Sungrow offers highly scalable and efficient battery solutions for residential applications.
  • Price: Varies widely, but a typical residential system (inverter + battery) could range from AUD $8,000 to $20,000+.
  • Pros: Maximises self-consumption of solar power; provides energy independence; offers detailed insights into energy usage.
  • Cons: Significant upfront investment; requires professional installation; ongoing maintenance for optimal performance.
• Rainwater Harvesting Systems:

  • Product Name: Bushman Tanks
  • Key Features: Bushman Tanks are a well-known Australian manufacturer of high-quality rainwater tanks in various sizes and styles. Rainwater harvesting reduces reliance on mains water, conserving resources and lowering utility bills. They offer a range of tanks from slimline to large rural models.
  • Price: Tanks can range from AUD $500 for small slimline models to over $5,000 for large capacity tanks, plus installation costs.
  • Pros: Reduces water bills; provides a reliable backup water supply; environmentally friendly; can be eligible for government rebates in some areas.
  • Cons: Requires space for the tank; installation can be complex; water quality for potable use requires filtration.

• Composting Solutions:

  • Product Name: Worm Farm (e.g., Tumbleweed Worm Cafe)
  • Key Features: A worm farm is an excellent way to ethically manage organic waste, turning food scraps into nutrient-rich compost and liquid fertiliser. The Tumbleweed Worm Cafe is a popular multi-tiered system designed for easy use in urban settings.
  • Price: Around AUD $100-$250 for a complete starter kit.
  • Pros: Reduces landfill waste; produces free, high-quality fertiliser for gardens; teaches sustainable living practices.
  • Cons: Requires ongoing management (feeding worms, harvesting compost); can attract pests if not managed properly; not suitable for all types of food waste.

• Home Insulation Services:

  

  • Product Name: Knauf Earthwool Insulation (as a material example) or Local Insulation Installers (for services)
  • Key Features: Investing in proper home insulation (ceiling, wall, floor) dramatically improves energy efficiency by regulating indoor temperatures, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Knauf Earthwool is a popular, environmentally friendly option.
  • Price: Varies significantly based on house size, type of insulation, and labour. Materials can range from AUD $5-$20 per square metre, with installation adding a similar or higher cost.
  • Pros: Significant reduction in energy bills; increased home comfort year-round; improved soundproofing.
  • Cons: Can be a large upfront cost; installation can be disruptive; effectiveness depends on proper installation.

• Water-Saving Fixtures: My Experience Browsing swaggle.com.au

  • Product Name: WELS Rated Shower Heads
  • Key Features: Replacing old, inefficient shower heads and taps with WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) rated fixtures can substantially reduce household water consumption. Look for high WELS ratings (e.g., 3-star or higher for shower heads).
  • Price: Shower heads can range from AUD $30 to $200+, depending on features and brand.
  • Pros: Immediate reduction in water bills; conserves a vital resource; easy to install for many DIYers.
  • Cons: Perceived lower water pressure by some users; initial purchase cost.

These alternatives offer various pathways to a more sustainable and resource-efficient home, complementing or extending the benefits of solar energy.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on our research and information provided by the company. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Read more about solarquotes.com.au:
What to Expect from solarquotes.com.au swaggle.com.au Features