How to compare solar quotes in Brisbane — without getting burnt
Three quotes, three radically different numbers, and no obvious way to tell which is real. This is the same 12-point checklist our team uses internally to audit a quote — now yours, free.
The 12-point quote audit
Run every quote through these 12 checks. If it's missing more than two, request the information in writing or walk away. A real quote will have all 12 without asking.
Exact panel model & wattage
Not just a brand. Look for full model number (e.g. Trina TSM-440NEG9R.28) and panel count. 'Tier-1 440W panels' isn't enough.
Inverter make, model & size
Single inverter vs micro-inverters changes the price by $1,500+. Three-phase inverters are different products to single-phase.
Two separate warranty figures
Panel product warranty (years), panel performance warranty (years + % retained), AND inverter warranty. Three numbers, not one.
Installer workmanship warranty
Reputable Brisbane installers offer 5–10 years on their install (waterproofing, racking, cabling). This is separate from product warranties.
Itemised scope of work
DC isolators, monitoring, Energex paperwork, tile/Colorbond mounting hardware, switchboard upgrades — all itemised, not bundled.
Energex pre-approval included
Any system above 10kW (single-phase) or 15kW (three-phase) needs Energex Connection Application. Quote should state this is included.
Battery-ready (or not) statement
Even if you're not adding a battery today, the inverter and switchboard layout determines if you can add one in 5 years without a full rewire.
CEC-accredited designer & installer names
Both the designer (who signs the design) and the installer (who's on the roof) must be CEC-accredited. Names and accreditation numbers on the quote.
STC rebate clearly itemised
The Small-scale Technology Certificate rebate should be shown as a separate line item — gross price minus STC value equals net price you pay.
Design diagram or roof layout
A real quote includes a satellite or CAD layout showing where each panel sits. This proves they've actually designed your roof, not just totalled kilowatts.
Performance estimate (kWh/year)
Quote should state expected annual generation in kWh, based on your roof orientation and shading. Brisbane 6.6kW north-facing = ~9,800 kWh/yr.
Payment schedule & finance terms
Deposit %, balance due (on the day vs after Energex sign-off), finance partner if applicable, and clear cooling-off period in writing.
What a fair Brisbane price actually looks like
Fully installed, all rebates applied, tier-1 components, 10-year workmanship warranty. Current as of June 2026. Outliers below the low end usually mean grey-import gear or sub-contracted install crews.
| System size | Standard tier-1 | Premium package | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.6 kW | $5,490 – $7,990 | $8,500 – $10,500 | Single-phase, single-storey, tile roof |
| 10 kW | $8,490 – $11,490 | $12,500 – $14,500 | Single-phase max export, popular family size |
| 13.2 kW | $10,990 – $13,990 | $15,500 – $18,000 | Three-phase only, battery-ready common spec |
| 15 kW | $13,490 – $16,490 | $17,500 – $20,500 | Three-phase, max Energex export 15kW |
| 20 kW | $17,990 – $22,990 | $24,000 – $28,000 | Three-phase, often paired with EV charger |
6 instant red flags
Any one of these means walk away — even if the price looks great.
'Free' panels or 'no money down'
Hides a 6–9% finance markup or a sale-leaseback structure. You'll pay 30–50% more over 7 years than buying outright.
Pressure to sign 'today only'
Real installers will hold pricing for 14–30 days. Same-day urgency = commission-driven door-knockers.
Quotes 30%+ below market
Margin doesn't exist — they're cutting workmanship warranty, using grey-import panels, or planning to upsell on the day.
No physical Brisbane office
Mobile-only outfits are a refund nightmare 5 years in when a warranty claim hits. Verify the office address on Google Street View.
Asks for full payment up front
Reputable Brisbane installers take 10–20% deposit, balance on completion + Energex sign-off. No exceptions.
Cold-calls or door-knocks
Government rebates have never been promoted via door-knocking. 100% of the time, this is a high-commission lead-funnel sale.
10 questions to ask every installer
Copy and paste these into an email. How they answer (and how fast) tells you almost everything you need to know.
- 1Can you send me the full installer + designer CEC accreditation numbers?
- 2What's the workmanship warranty in years, and who honours it if you close down?
- 3Is the STC rebate calculated at Zone 3 (Brisbane) and shown as a separate line?
- 4What is the panel product warranty AND performance warranty separately?
- 5What's the inverter warranty length AND who handles a warranty claim in Brisbane?
- 6Will you submit Energex CA, EWR and NoFI on my behalf — at no extra cost?
- 7Is my switchboard rated for this system, or do I need an upgrade? How much?
- 8Can you provide 3 customer references in my suburb installed in the last 12 months?
- 9What happens if the panels arrive on the day and the model has changed?
- 10Show me a satellite or CAD layout of my roof with the panels marked — before I sign.
Comparing solar quotes — FAQ
Send us your other quotes — we'll mark them up free
No sales follow-up unless you ask. We'll run your competitor quotes through this 12-point checklist and email back what's missing, what's red-flagged, and what's fair.