Choosing the right solar battery provider is a decision that requires careful consideration. You want to weigh up your budget with the level of service and quality that you expect to receive, but for solar batteries specifically, you may also want to consider the product mix, warranty terms, finance options, customer support levels, scalability, Virtual Power Plant accessibility, and local installation experience.
We've put together a list of questions that you may not have considered to get the very best outcome from your solar battery purchase.
Why Choosing the Right Solar Battery Provider Matters
As more and more people see the light when it comes to solar and demand for solar battery solutions increases, new businesses emerge providing products and services to meet this demand, with some primarily hoping to capitalise on incentives such as the new Federal and state battery rebates. With so much choice available, how do you know which solar battery providers you can trust, and why does it matter? So, how do you know which ones you can trust, and why does it matter? Choosing the right solar battery provider is as important as the solar battery system. You need a team that's focused on your best interests and one that's going to be around long into the future.
Here are 10 essential questions to ask when you start your solar battery journey.
1. What type of solar batteries do you offer?
There are several types of solar batteries, with lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) being two of the most popular. The kind you choose will have implications for your budget and the longevity of the battery. LFP batteries are generally favoured for their longer lifespan and are an affordable option for many homes when you consider the savings you'll make with a solar battery.
Once you know what types of solar battery are on offer, you can look at what brands and models of solar batteries are available. If your primary goal is to save money on your energy bills, you may consider a battery that demonstrates both affordability and reliability. If blackout protection is your main concern, you'll want to consider batteries with this feature.
2. How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?
Having a solid warranty is essential whenever you make an investment. Make sure you know what the warranty covers and for how long, and factor this into your decision-making process. If you’re buying a solar + battery system, there may be different warranties for the different components. A good question to ask is what percentage of the battery’s original capacity is guaranteed at the end of the warranty period. Around 70% is average, with some premium batteries offering up to 85%.
It’s also important to understand your responsibilities once the battery is installed. Just like any other fixed feature in your home, there can be unexpected events like pest invasion that void your battery warranty.
3. Is your battery system scalable or future-proof?
Renewable, cleaner energy is only getting more critical in the energy mix as we move away from traditional fossil fuels and work towards Net Zero targets. If you think that your battery needs will grow over time, consider a battery that is scalable - allowing you to add more capacity over time with additional battery storage. You may want to charge an electric vehicle in the future. If you’re looking to install now, you can also think ahead for any planned home renovations or additional people in your home that could increase your energy needs.
4. What level of customer support do you offer?
Finding a good solar battery provider is not just about the installation process; it’s about the aftercare too. You'll get peace of mind if your battery provider can offer ongoing support with your system, whether that's through online tools or local teams who can monitor remotely to identify faults or performance issues.
You want a supplier with online tools, and local teams who can monitor your system remotely to assist if you have any issues, not vanish as soon as your system is installed. Ask what level of customer support is provided, what the best contact number is and how you can access support available once the sale and installation process is complete.
5. Can the battery work during power outages?
Not all solar battery systems are designed to provide backup power. Depending on the battery inverter, they may be designed to shut down for safety during a blackout. Some will provide a limited amount of backup power while others can provide whole-house backup. You need to clarify if the system you’ve chosen has true off-grid capabilities for backup and to what extent, and ensure the system meets your needs.
6. Are you familiar with local permits, incentives, and regulations?
A solar battery provider who has been around for some time with local knowledge can save you not just time, but money too. Ensure there are local teams to support you on your journey and that they have experience working in your area. Ask what approvals are necessary and what timeframes you would expect to have them processed. Plico is a proudly Western Australian company and we're here to answer any questions you have about local permits, approvals and/or regulations. We also ensure we're across all the financial incentives available, so you always get the best deal.
7. What are the upfront costs and finance options?
Before you move forward with your solar and battery system, make sure that you understand what the upfront costs will be, and if there will be any additional costs, that may come from more challenging installation sites such as multiple stories, tiled roof or difficult access.
If paying upfront isn't for you, ask what finance options are available. There are low interest green loans available that could help reduce the costs of your solar battery. Ask what the payment is, the frequency and how long the payment plan is for.
8. Do you offer a Virtual Power Plant?
Many consumers don't realise that they can earn money with their solar battery. When you join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) you can earn financial rewards for your energy, all without having to lift a finger. You'll also be helping avoid blackouts on the grid and supporting the clean energy transition. Plus, did we mention you get paid for participating??
When you choose a solar battery provider that has an active VPP, you can rest assured that they are as invested in your system's performance as you are. You may even gain access to free monitoring of your system and be notified when any issues arise. And when choosing a VPP, you want one that pays high rewards, has demonstrated VPP experience and is member-focussed.
Plico is the only independent VPP provider approved for the WA Battery Rebate. As the only non-retailer VPP available with proven experience in managing our first-of-its-kind VPP and rewarding members, you can’t go wrong when join the Plico VPP.
9. Can you provide customer references or case studies?
The best way to determine if a company is genuine is through word of mouth. A respectable, trustworthy supplier should be happy to supply glowing references from happy customers or direct you to case studies of their work. Online reviews can also provide valuable insight, however, in some cases, they may be paid for. It's always best to ask for genuine experiences as well as reading online reviews.
10. How long have you been installing batteries and how many have you installed?
It's important that a solar battery provider has plenty of experience installing solar batteries. It's smart to find out how long the company has been operating, particularly in your local area, and how many solar batteries they have installed. With new rebates available* for solar batteries, it's likely that more providers will be calling themselves battery experts. You can decide for yourself when you ask them to demonstrate their level of experience and expertise in the solar battery space.
If you want to discuss your solar needs in a friendly, no-obligation way, you can chat with one of the switched-on Plico team members on 1300 175 426 or by filling out the contact form. As WA's trusted, local solar battery provider we'd love to assist!
* WA and National battery rebates subject to eligibility criteria.
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