Questions to ask about the solar company.

QA: 
Question: 
How long have you been in the solar industry?
Relevance: 
The solar industry is still maturing, so their response to this question indicates their experience, business strength and knowledge.
Answer: 
Solargain has been in the solar PV industry since 2008 and in solar hot water since 2002.
Question: 
How many staff and offices do you have?
Relevance: 
This will give you an idea of the scale of the business and how much of their work is done in-house versus how much is outsourced to external contractors.
Answer: 
Solargain has over 100 employees with branches and/or distributors in most states.
Question: 
What is your market position? Are you in the Top 10?
Relevance: 
Market position can indicate the size of the business, although size does not always equal quality. Ask for evidence supporting their claims.
Answer: 
Solargain has consistently ranked in the Top 5 solar retailers in the country over the past five years. Solargain Commercial also ranks in the Top 3 solar providers in the 10-100kW range. Source: Sunwiz Consulting
Question: 
Have you ever been the subject of a prosecution for any misconduct by the ACCC?
Relevance: 
Several notable solar companies have been fined for unscrupulous marketing and fraudulent activities. It is worth asking this question to ensure the solar retailer engages in good, honest corporate practices.
Answer: 
Solargain has never been the subject of any ACCC prosecutions.
Question: 
Are you ISO certified? If so, can you provide a copy of your certificates and/or safety documentation?
Relevance: 
Certifications in quality and safety are a sign of a professional organisation. Working with electricity and at heights can be dangerous and your solar company should have good safety practices in place.
Answer: 

Solargain was among the first solar energy companies to obtain an ISO AS/NZS 9001:2008 Quality Management Systems accreditation. In 2012, Solargain also obtained its AS/ANZ 4801:2001 Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems accreditation.

These ISO accreditations are recognised across a number of industries (not just the solar industry).

Our ISO certifications cover all facets of our business, from installation through to sales and service. We believe external certification backs up everything we say about the quality of our company and provides added confidence for customers seeking a committed, compliant and secure solar energy installer.

Solargain has Installed systems for a number of councils and companies (including mining companies) that require high attention to safety practices.

Question: 
Are you a preferred supplier for any third parties? If so, please name the organisations?
Relevance: 
Relevance: This indicates what other organisations think of this company. If the solar company has very few relationships, ask why? Are their partners small and less significant players in the market or larger, well respected organisations that demand quality and excellence?
Answer: 
Solargain is a preferred supplier for:
  • ABN Group brands such as Webb & Brown-Neaves and Celebration Homes
  • Momentum Energy
  • AUSVEG
  • The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA)
  • The Western Australian Department of Housing
  • Australian Hotels Association (VIC)
Solargain is also an accredited introducer for Macquarie Energy Leasing, a business within Macquarie Bank.