Finding the Best Solar Retailer: Why Experience and Reputation Matters

Why Experience and Reputation Matters

While climate change rages and the popularity of solar products continues to increase across the world, it’s no surprise that a wide range of solar retailers are now competing for your attention.

Of course, this kind of competition happens across every industry and sector. Where there’s increasing demand, there’s also likely to be an increasing number of options available to you as a consumer – all of varying levels of quality.

The problem? As options increase, so too do the number of tricks and marketing techniques designed to draw you in, making it much harder to determine both products and retailers of true quality and longevity.

In this article, we’ll cover off three of the main reasons why extensive experience and reputation matters in your journey to find a solar retailer partner, including:

Accessing quality products and warranty
Because short-term savings don’t always equate to a sound, long-term investment
Because great customer service matters

In doing so, we’ll help you get informed regarding the wide range of options available to, offering the tools to make the choice that’s best for you, your home, and your back pocket.

Let’s get going.

1. Choose a solar retailer that offers both quality and great warranties

You might have gathered by now that not all solar retailers are created equal.

So it is that when it comes to investing in solar panels for your home or business, it’s becoming increasingly important to seek out a retailer with proven experience and a solid reputation.

But what exactly does that mean?

Recent reports made public in Australia have noted that over 750 Australian solar installation companies have had a change in trading conditions, gone into liquidation or simply stopped trading since 2011. Whilst many factors can contribute to a retailer shutting down, this becomes less likely if the retailer has an established reputation over many decades, amassed through commitment to longevity and quality.

What’s more, it’s also estimated that more than 6% of solar installations within the last 10 years have experienced performance issues due to substandard products or poor installation. This underscores the importance of choosing a solar retailer with a proven track record of delivering high-quality products.

Put simply, we recommend looking for a trusted retailer with great reviews; one that’s been in the industry for an extensive period. This kind of expertise is built up over a long period, allowing the retailer to maintain not only a handy “birds eye-view” of the industry and its technology evolutions but also amass a selection of tools, advice and tips to help you make the decision that’s best for you.

A long, trusted reputation also equates to extensive networks meaning a retailer like G Store can help you access the best deals and quality products. Access to these offers is established through long-held relationships rather than quick-win, lower-quality products that will cost you more in the long run.

The natural course of a long and trusted reputation also brings with it public acknowledgement. At G Store, we’re proud to be a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer, Enphase Platinum Installer, Enphase Vic Installer of the Year for several years in a row, plus the proud holder of other wide-ranging awards and certifications.

This also means we can provide you with the highest-quality advice and service. Expect nothing less.

2. Choose a solar retailer that strengthens your long-term investments

When it comes to solar energy, it’s essential to look beyond short-term savings and consider the long-term benefits of the products and services you’re choosing to engage with.

While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest solar panels on the market, particularly when the cost of living continues to increase across the world, this approach often leads to disappointment (and lost money) in the long run.

According to a recent study conducted by the Australian Photovoltaic Institute (API), a choice of high-quality solar panels (such as SunPower or REC panels, both supplied and installed by G Store) can generate up to 60% more electricity over their lifetime compared to low-quality alternatives. The benefits here are clear: investing in top-tier solar panels can result in significant savings on your energy bills over the lifespan of your solar PV system.

Furthermore, experienced and trusted solar retailers like G Store have the expertise to design and install solar systems that are specifically designed and tailored to your specific needs. We proudly take into account factors such as your energy consumption patterns, roof orientation, and shading/lighting issues to not only optimise the performance of your solar panels but offer you the best cost-saving alternatives that retain longevity over time.

Which brings us to the following:

3. Choose a solar retailer that offers outstanding, ongoing customer service

When investing in solar panels, it’s not just about the product itself but also the service provided by your chosen retailer and installer.

Why? Because great support shouldn’t stop at the point of sale. As a new product, and one that’s likely to evolve over time along with your needs, a great solar system requires regular maintenance plus a team that can happily answer all of your questions – not only when they sell you the system, but as your questions arise over the lifespan of your panels.

Think about it: if a company is selling you a lower-quality product, what incentive do they have to offer you ongoing, high-quality customer service? To spend time resourcing the admin, replacements and warranties surrounding a low-quality product leads to higher overheads and business costs – something that any sub-quality provider would be vary of.

According to a survey conducted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, customer service is one of the key factors influencing customer satisfaction with solar retailers. Customers who reported a positive experience with their solar retailer were, understandably, more likely to recommend them to others.

At G Store, we understand the importance of providing outstanding customer service. We have a team of knowledgeable and friendly experts who are passionate and proud in guiding you through the entire process, from selecting the right solar system to installation and ongoing maintenance.

What’s more, our proud commitment to customer satisfaction has earned us a stellar reputation in the industry. The proof is in the pudding: our customers and their testimonials, which you can view more of here.

Wrapping up

Experience and reputation should be key factors in your decision-making process surrounding the best solar retailer for your needs. G Store, with our extensive experience, commitment to product quality and warranties, as well as exceptional customer service, stands out as a reliable choice for customers looking to not only harness the power of the sun, but set themselves up for solid long-term investments and cost-savings.

The kicker? Don’t leave your choice to chance!

To learn more about the wide range of solar and battery storage options available to you, feel free to visit our Learning Centre or give our award-winning team a call today on 1300 137 567.

We can’t wait to meet you.