How to choose the right solar installer

Installing solar is a smart investment — but not all solar installers are created equal. Here’s what to ask before signing on the dotted line.

1. What’s actually included in the price?

The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. Lower prices can mean:

• Shorter product lifespans
• Limited or no warranties
• Poor installation practices
• Inexperienced or uninsured contractors

Some solar companies use fixed-rate contractors — meaning the installer gets paid the same whether the job is complex or simple. If the pay doesn’t cover their time or costs, those contractors may walk away mid-job.

Always ask what the price covers so you can make an informed decision.

2. Is the installer certified for quality?

Quality isn’t just about premium gear — it’s also about how the work is done.

Ask if your installer has achieved ISO 9001 certification for quality management systems. It’s the same international standard required by government clients — and a good sign they’ll get it right the first time.

At RLE, we built a practical workplace manual during our certification process to help every installer deliver consistent, high-quality work.

3. Are they genuinely sustainable?

Solar is about reducing impact — but that doesn’t mean much if panels end up in landfill after 10 years.

Look for installers with ISO 14001 environmental certification. At RLE, sustainability is part of every job. We recycle waste and old panels — and donate working panels to bushfire-affected communities wherever we can.

4. Do they take safety seriously?

Solar installation is construction work — and safety matters. Ask if their safety practices are externally audited.

RLE is certified under ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety. Our processes have been audited to ensure the safety of our team — and your home or business.

5. Will they protect your most valuable asset?

Your home or commercial building is likely your biggest investment. Saving a few thousand dollars on a rushed install isn’t worth the risk to a property worth hundreds of thousands — or more.

Choose a solar provider who understands this — and who has the systems, experience and certifications to back it up.

Why RLE?

Roland Lawrence Electrical is a fully licensed, insured and accredited solar installer based in Sydney. 

With over two decades of experience, we’re proud to offer energy solutions that are tailored, proven, and built to last.