How to Compare Solar Battery Quotes in Victoria: An Installer's Checklist

Solar Victoria recommends getting at least three quotes for a similar-sized system from New Energy Tech Approved Sellers (Solar Victoria). We agree. But three quotes only help if you can compare them properly. Quotes for very similar systems can be thousands of dollars apart, and the cheapest one isn't always the best value. Here's how we'd compare them if we were in your shoes.

Step 1: Make sure you're comparing like with like

Before you look at the price, line up the system being offered.

Battery

• Brand and exact model
• Usable capacity (kWh), not total capacity. The rebate is based on usable capacity (CER).
• Power output (kW): how many appliances it can run at once
• Expandable? Can you add modules later?

Inverter

• A hybrid inverter, a battery with a built-in inverter (such as the Powerwall 3), or a separate battery inverter?
• Does your existing solar inverter stay, or is it replaced?

Solar (if included)

• Panel brand and model, number of panels, total kW
• Shading solutions (optimisers or microinverters) where needed

Step 2: Check what the installation includes

A lot of price differences come from the installation scope:

• Switchboard upgrade: included, quoted separately, or "to be confirmed"?
• Backup: none, essential circuits only, or whole-home? Which circuits?
• Cabling and trenching, especially if the battery is a long way from the switchboard
• Mounting, bollards or weather protection where needed
• Monitoring setup and app connection
• Removal of old equipment
• Network application and paperwork

If anything is listed as "subject to site inspection", ask what it's likely to cost.

Step 3: Check the rebates are shown clearly

A good quote shows:

• The full price before rebates
• The federal battery STC discount, as its own line
• Any solar panel STCs
• Any Solar Victoria solar panel rebate and interest-free loan, if eligible (Solar Victoria)
• The final amount you pay

Make sure the discount has been calculated for your expected install date, because the STC factor drops on 31 December 2026 (CER).

Step 4: Compare warranties properly

• Battery warranty: years, plus any energy throughput or cycle limits
• Inverter and panel warranties
• Workmanship warranty from the installer
• Who you call if something goes wrong. Does the company have a local office? Will it still be around?

Step 5: Check who will actually do the work

• Is the retailer a New Energy Tech Approved Seller and a Solar Victoria authorised retailer? You can check both on public lists.
• Are the installers accredited for batteries? Solar Victoria also recommends an A-grade electrician (Solar Victoria).
• Is the work done by their own team or by subcontractors?

Step 6: Look at value over the life of the system

Ask each installer: - What's this sizing based on? My actual usage data? - What savings estimate do you expect, and what assumptions sit behind it? - Can it join a VPP?

Red flags

• A quote with no model numbers
• Pressure to sign on the spot, or "today only" pricing
• Rebate claims that don't match government websites
• Very vague installation scope
• No physical business address

Quote comparison table (copy this)

Frequently asked questions

Is the cheapest quote a bad sign? Not necessarily. Just check that it includes everything the others do.

Should quotes be based on a site visit? For batteries, a site inspection (or detailed photos of your switchboard) avoids surprises later.

How long should a quote be valid? Ask. With STC factor changes, your price may depend on the install date.

We're happy to be one of your three

Sapphire Solar is a family-owned Victorian business. We're a Solar Victoria authorised retailer and New Energy Tech Approved Seller, and SunWiz ranked us #3 in Victoria for battery volume in 2025. Our quotes are itemised, so they're easy to compare.

Request your quote or call 1300 308 751.