Top Questions to Ask Your Installer Before Signing

Signing a home battery installation contract is a significant commitment. Before you do, there are specific questions that will tell you quickly whether you're dealing with a professional, experienced installer — or not. Here are the 15 most important ones.

Accreditation and Licences

1. What is your SAA accreditation number?

Non-negotiable for CHBP rebate eligibility. Get the number, then verify it on the Solar Accreditation Australia website before signing anything. A legitimate installer will give you this without hesitation.

2. What is your electrical contractor's licence number for [state]?

Also non-negotiable. Battery installation is licensed electrical work. Get the licence number and check it against your state's electrical licensing register.

Experience and Track Record

3. How many battery systems have you installed in the past 12 months?

You want at least 20–30 for a metro installer. Fewer than 10 in a year for a business marketing itself as a battery specialist is a yellow flag — solar panel experience doesn't fully translate to battery installation competency.

4. Have you installed this specific battery model before?

Each battery has specific commissioning quirks. An installer who's done 50 Powerwall 3 installs will have a smoother process than someone doing their third. Ask for references from customers with the same battery.

5. Can you provide references from battery customers in my area?

References from recent, local customers (not just vague testimonials on a website) are the best indicator of service quality. Call them.

The Quote

6. Is your quote all-inclusive? What could add cost after signing?

Common additions that should be in the quote but sometimes aren't: switchboard upgrades, smart meter costs, DNSP application fees, additional cable runs if your switchboard is further than expected from the battery location. Get these answered in writing.

7. Does the quote include the DNSP grid approval process and any connection fees?

DNSP approval can have fees ($0–$500+ depending on state and DNSP). Who manages the application and who pays any fees should be explicitly stated.

8. What is the CHBP rebate amount you're applying for, and what happens if it's not approved?

Confirm the rebate calculation ($372 × usable kWh). Ask what the process is if the CHBP claim is rejected — does the price go up? What's the resolution pathway?

Warranty and Support

9. What workmanship warranty do you offer on the installation?

Ask for this in writing. The answer you want: minimum 5 years. Less than 2 years is inadequate for a 10-year battery investment.

10. If there's a warranty issue with the battery, who do I contact — you or the manufacturer?

The best answer: the installer handles warranty claims on your behalf. The second-best: clear escalation process to the manufacturer. The worst: "You'll need to contact [manufacturer] directly" without further guidance.

11. Are you a locally based business? Will you be operating in 5 years?

A fair question, not a rude one. Sole traders who plan to retire, interstate companies sending subcontractors, or rapidly scaling businesses with thin margins are all higher-risk for long-term support than an established local electrical business. You can't guarantee the future, but you can assess the signals.

Technical

12. Does my existing solar system need any changes to accommodate the battery?

Compatibility check, potential inverter replacement, coupling type — your installer should assess this during the site visit and have a clear answer before quoting.

13. Does my switchboard need any upgrades, and is that included?

The switchboard question is the most common source of post-contract cost surprises. Get a clear answer.

14. How will the battery be configured for backup during a grid outage?

If backup is important to you, confirm: whole-home or partial backup, automatic or manual switchover, what loads are covered. The installer should be able to walk you through exactly what happens when the grid fails.

Timeline

15. What is your current lead time from contract signing to installation completion?

Critical if you're targeting a June 30 financial year deadline. Get this in writing. Ask what happens if there are delays — particularly relevant for DNSP approval timelines.

Using This List

You don't need to machine-gun these 15 questions at every installer. But pay attention to how installers respond. Confident, specific answers indicate genuine expertise. Vague responses, irritation at being asked, or inability to answer basic questions about their accreditation are red flags.

A great installer will welcome these questions — they're exactly what a serious, informed buyer asks.