Australia's solar industry is one of the most active in the world — and that attracts a disproportionate number of operators who cut corners, misrepresent rebates, or vanish after a bad install. Here's how to protect yourself.
The Most Common Solar Scams in 2026
The "Government Rebate" Cold Call
You receive a call, text, or door knock from someone claiming you're entitled to a "government rebate" or "free panels" under a new program. They need your personal details to process it.
This is a scam. The Australian Government runs the STC rebate scheme, which reduces the upfront cost of solar at point of purchase — it's not distributed as a cash payment to consumers, and government departments will never cold-call you about it. Report these contacts to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au).
The Inflated Rebate Quote
A legitimate solar scam from within the industry: a quote that inflates the STC rebate value to make the system appear cheaper. The real STC rebate for a 6.6kW system in 2026 is roughly $1,500–$2,500 depending on your location. If an installer is claiming $4,000+ in government rebates for a residential system, the numbers are fabricated.
The "Today Only" Pressure Close
Any installer who says the deal expires today, this week, or that the rebate is about to be cut (with no factual basis) is using a high-pressure sales tactic. Take your time. STCs are a legislated scheme and the rate changes on January 1 each year — not randomly mid-year.
The Phantom Company
A company that popped up recently (check ABN registration date at abr.business.gov.au), has no verifiable address, no meaningful Google presence, no ProductReview history, and offers dramatically lower prices than everyone else. These operators often install and disappear — leaving you with no warranty support when something goes wrong in year 3.
Red Flags from Legitimate (But Bad) Installers
Not all bad installs are scams — some are just poor-quality work from inexperienced operators. Watch for:
- No site visit before quoting: A reputable installer needs to assess your roof, switchboard, and shading before giving a final quote. Remote quoting based only on satellite imagery is acceptable for a ballpark, but the final quote should follow an actual site assessment.
- Vague equipment details: "Solar panels and inverter" is not a quote. You should know the exact manufacturer, model, and wattage of every component before you sign.
- No written workmanship warranty: It should be in the contract, not just a verbal assurance.
- Subcontracted installs: Ask directly: "Will the person who does my install be employed by your company or a subcontractor?" Dodgy operators sometimes use unlicensed subcontractors while maintaining one CEC-accredited person on their books for legal compliance.
- No Certificate of Electrical Compliance offered: This is a legal requirement. If an installer doesn't mention it, ask. If they say it's extra, walk away.
How to Verify an Installer
- Check CEC accreditation at solaraccreditation.com.au — verify both the company and the individual installer's name
- Check ABN registration date at abr.business.gov.au — companies less than 3 years old warrant extra scrutiny
- Check Google Reviews and ProductReview.com.au — look for volume, recency, and company responses to complaints
- Ask for two or three customer references from jobs completed in the last 12 months — real installers are happy to provide them
If Something Goes Wrong
If you've paid a deposit and the company has gone dark: contact your bank immediately to request a chargeback on any card payment, and contact your state Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs office. For dodgy installs on a system that's already been completed, contact the Clean Energy Council, which can investigate CEC-accredited members.
The best protection is doing your research before signing. Three quotes, verified CEC accreditation, real reviews. It takes a few extra days and is worth every minute.
Get an independent savings estimate before you talk to any installer → Free at GridBeater