Solar Shop Reviews
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About
Update: Solar Shop are In Receivership as of 9 Sept 2011 Unbelievable!
Solar Shop Australia is a renewable energy solution provider that designs and installs photovoltaic (PV) grid connect and remote power systems. The company operates throughout Australia and claims to be the country's largest provider of grid connect solar power systems. They have been operating for 10 years and now have over 200 staff employed throughout the country. Solar Shop says that it is community oriented and supports community organisations Habitat for Humanity, Sustainable House Day and Planet Ark.
Solar Shop Australia designs and installs solar power systems for both the commercial and home sectors, and says that it covers the whole operation including paperwork. The company also says that it can make payment easy with its Sunworks finance package which can include a no deposit deal. They say that payments can be lower than your current electricity bill.
Customer testimonials for Solar Shop Australia are available on their website, and include the following:
"From the start, your sales contact was courteous, informative, proactive; and for me very positive. Then the representative who came to carry out the pre installation inspection was again knowledgeable and positive. Your installation crew are nothing short of amazing. I work in the construction industry and to have a group of young men complete the entire very neat and very professional installation in the time they did, is very much to your credit. The level of their concern with respect to rubbish and left over material being left behind was something I had not yet experienced".
Here are their reviews as submitted by SolarQuotes users:
Panel brands previously installed
Inverter brands previously installed
The views expressed by reviewers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect those of SolarQuotes Home Electrification Pty Ltd, which makes no representations as to the accuracy of the reviews. For our full disclaimer and further information, see our Terms of Use and our Review Guidelines.
Solar Shop Reviews (122)
Show Most Recent reviews from All time across Australia
Average Scores
Value for money
Quality of System
Installation
Customer Service
- 5 star 14
- 4 star 79
- 3 star 26
- 2 star 2
- 1 star 1
29 July 2018
18 February 2018
22 August 2013
Your web site was a great starting point so I had a better understanding and could talk with knowledge to the sales reps.
20 November 2012
Original Review on 02-06-2011:
The main reason for choosing this product was that I have some shading issues and these panels are meant to be better in these conditions.18 months later we asked Brett: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes, we are happy with the system know we now about the fuses on the roof.26 October 2012
Original Review on 14-06-2010:
I was made a lot of promises about when the system would be up and running which proved to be unrealistic29 months later we asked This person: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
No. I have now been contacted by solar shop and told there is a problem with the panel installation and it will cost me $440 to fix it and this will not be covered by warranty. Until that time I thought the system was working well. Now I'm not so sure.02 October 2012
Original Review on 13-05-2011:
Obtaining an installation date was difficult;The notifying of the electrical authority and arranging power meter change was not done (according to the authority)- fortunately I checked and was able to have this effected.
The panels did not fit the roof space requiring the installers to be delayed, they did find a compromise after a few hours delay.
The installers were good.
17 months later we asked MALCOLM: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
It appears to be fitting the performance graph,on some days exceeding the graph. It appears to drop offslightly in performance on very hot sunny days.The glass gets dirty regularly and requires cleaning.
The installation was not good in that cracked roof tiles were not replaced and a seriously broken tile was not evident causing ceiling damage.
The supplier appears to gone out of business and I have know idea on how I can get service.
My decision to go with Solar Shop was because they had opened a shop in Mandurah and I wished to support a local business, Dumb!
28 September 2012
Original Review on 28-06-2011:
The Solar Shop rep was responsive and very attentive to my needs and visited me personally when I had additional queries. Excellent customer service. Whilst I certainly appreciated this sites (your) assistance and advice, I found that the organisations that you recommended to be very unresponsive and if that is their approach to business and potential clients then I would suggest that their installations / workmanship would have to be closely observed. Thanks for your help tho.15 months later we asked This person: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes, has certainly saved me money and kept me immune from power increases. The first provider went bust (Solar Shop) and were most unhelpful. We lost our deposit. However a local firm installed the exact same system for the same price less our deposit to Solar Shop. Yates Electrical ot of Paringa. Great job, great service, would recommend them to anyone.24 September 2012
Original Review on 21-03-2011:
We had quite a bit of technical information then some suppliers told us to choose from that. It's like choosing a mobile phone plan - far too much complicated information. Warren asked us what we wanted from our system, then gave us choices with prices to match our wants. He then explained the difference between the choices offered. It's difficult to match prices to other suppliers as we didn't get quotes or even anyone to come to our house to help us decide. We had one phone call and some email responses which asked a lot of questions that we didn't really know the answers to, such as roof size and which type and how many panels we preferred. Even though our system is not installed yet, we feel happy with our choice of supplier as do some of our friends and neighbours who used The Solar Shop. Prices compare reasonably with other friends for smaller systems from other companies.18 months later we asked Jill: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
I noticed that you have Solar Shop as the provider - after legal action for failing to install our system without upping the price mid contract - we went to O'Dea Electrical of Crystal Brook and had fabulous service from an efficient and honest company run by a courteous and polite man, Luke O'Dea and his team. Would highly recommend his company to anyone and after 12 months of solar with not one problem and $500 worth of credit on our bill we haven't looked back.We are away on holiday at the moment so unsure of what inverter and panels, but know they are working well.
18 September 2012
Original Review on 02-06-2010:
They had everything organized. They did a room inspection prior to installation and discussed best possible location.The system was installed on a Friday and immediately got the new meter on a Monday - FAB! I have a friend who took 6 months to get a meter as the electrician did no file the paperwork.
Face to Face people discussed my needs, what I wanted and gave me the information to make an informed decision.
However, still enjoy reading your website, email updates etc.
28 months later we asked Ashley: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
The solar shop quoted $0 to $40 power bill per quarter based on my usage at that time. With a few adjustments to lifestyle eg dishwasher and washing machine on in the evenings I have ensured a zero electricity bill. With electricity prices on the increase I may eventually have to pay but the cost will be minimal.16 September 2012
Original Review on 11-06-2011:
The property assessor for our area was friendly, knowledgeable, assessing the best type of system we were able to install at the best price. He provided us with much of the information we needed and also the answers to our questions.The recommended inverter and panels were better quality systems than a previous quote.
However, being a reputable larger company meant that there is a time delay before instillation can occur - our system will not be installed until August.
15 months later we asked Diane: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes - once resolved problems with inadequate switch originally installed.15 September 2012
Original Review on 18-06-2011:
I THINK that I got a good value system but it won't be installed until 14 July and not grid connected untill ????? So time will tell, if you send me a survey in a month or three I'll be in a better position to answer.15 months later we asked Chris: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes. I was led to believe by the salesman that I could expect an average of 21kWh per day from the system, I have averaged 24.15kWhr per day in the first year.My system was installed by a sub contractor and there have been a few minor problems that I believe have been resolved following government sponsored inspection - moisture getting into connection box and documentation lapses.
Only disapointment - RECs- I elected to sell my RECs via the government scheme with the expectation of them being sold in 6 - 8 months - they are still unsold and no sign of them selling any time soon, it doesn't look like any have been sold by the scheme since February. I guess I should have taken the $28 each that I was offered as a discount in stead of being greedy and hanging out for the full $40. However, the income of $4000 pa is a good return on the $23000 outlay even without the RECs cash.
12 September 2012
Original Review on 03-05-2011:
We went with Solarshop1. Because they are an established business of some 9 years.
2.Salesman was extremely helpfull, and we did not feel 'pressured' as happened with one of the others.
3. With the problems with Japan being their supplier, they had to change panels to make sure we were in time with our installation, and we ended up with a better deal.
Not sure of the kW, but have 35 - 60w panels coming.
17 months later we asked Judy: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
yes11 September 2012
Original Review on 04-10-2011:
Company is currently in receivership which has made the process quite stressful and harder than necessary. The quality of the installer and the electricity supplier have jaded up for this significantly.11 months later we asked Jane: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes it has been performing to expectations.11 September 2012
Original Review on 07-03-2011:
Let me say from the outset I was very happy with your input and assistance in addition to the information you made available on your web site, it was all very useful. You were let down somewhat by your referrals.I do not intend to criticise the two contractors you made reference to but suffice to say they leave a lot to be desired. Trades people do not necessarily make good sales personnel and vice versa. I went with the SolarShop, not on price but rather on presentation, openness, assistance and documentation.
Thank you sincerely for your help it was /is much appreciated.
18 months later we asked Norm: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Most definitely! I would recommend everyone get a system installed, the tarifs have reduced since we had ours installed so the return is not as good but it is still a worthwhile investment.08 September 2012
Original Review on 22-07-2010:
System hasn't been installed as yet but meter changeover to take place next week.Service levels seem to be right on track with installation to be completed within 3 months from signing up - just in time for summer.
26 months later we asked Tammy: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Most definately! Instead of paying AGL every quarter, they've been sending me a cheque for the credit on our account.06 September 2012
Original Review on 29-09-2010:
Adelaide Solar Systems were quite good as long as I knew what I wanted. However, of the many companies I spoke too the Solarshop was the only company interested in answering the many technical and system physical questions I had. The others were only interested in installing a system that in their words "will do the job;. I want to be electrically neutral not have a system that; should; or will;probably; reduce electricity bills for most of the year. My system will be installed mid December 2010.Am I confident that I have chosen the right system??? all my investigations of the many systems on the market say I should be.
But of course I won't know that until about this time next year.
24 months later we asked David: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
The Solar Shop company no longer exists which is rather unfortunate. However all aspects of our system their engineers explained to us have proven over the past two years to be understated. We are producing many more kwatts than the system was originally intended to produce. In part this was because the Frontier panels were under rated by the manufacturer. Originally our system was rated at 4.08 kwatts but in fact operates at around 4.9 kwatts. We believe the only limitation of our system is the 5 kwatt inverter. Even in low light and at low sun angles the system is functioning. If Solar Shop company still existed we would strongly recommend them to our family and friends.05 September 2012
Original Review on 31-01-2011:
Good follow-up from the Company to date. Keep us informed on the steps involved & progress of our application.19 months later we asked Brian: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
When the Solar Shop installed these panels, the fuses utilised were not to standard - needed to replace them before 12 mnths.Lost 8 weeks of generation whilst the Company that bought Solar Shop decided on whether they would honour warranty - after this time, they refused.
05 September 2012
Original Review on 20-09-2010:
Although I got some quotes from Todae Solar and Nichol's, I've decided to go with Solarshop as they have the product that is more suitable for my roof and also they have Japanese brand which I believe better looking (cosmetically) than the Chinese brands. Apart from that the quote's I've got from your supplier were quiet competitive but if I had to choose between Todae Solar and Nichol's I'd go for Todae as they took the time to come over and explain the options. Whereas Nichol's just sent me email for the quotes based on the picture they've got from Google map which is very old.24 months later we asked Tomi: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
very glad with the choice of panels even though they take up so much space on the roof (because of the low wattage per panel) and even though they're not north facing but they have perform very well and hopefully still do so for the next decades or so04 September 2012
Original Review on 19-10-2010:
Solar Shop insisted on an onsite visit before quoting which gave me some assurance the system would be suitable and adjusted preformance accordingly. Their final price was as good as the internet only company prices.23 months later we asked Philip: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
The yearly figures have exceeded the the estimates of the salesman but that could be seasonal.04 September 2012
Original Review on 06-08-2010:
The price differences were quite large but I preferred to go with a supplier with local presence. I did not like their xantrex inverters so have asked them to organise a German one without a transformer.25 months later we asked Dirk: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Alsolutely. It has been in for two years this October and is halfway to recovering the $8500 paid in the first place.04 September 2012
Original Review on 04-11-2010:
Barbara Hutton was particularly good & amp; was helpful & amp; detached in a remarkable fashion22 months later we asked Terry: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
yes04 September 2012
Original Review on 07-01-2011:
THE INSTALLERS : The installers were excellent and did a high quality job, leaving me with a very professional finished product. They answered all my questions and their knowledge of the system was of expert level.THE SUPPLIERS : I found myself putting pressure on the suppliers to keep the installation on track with the date promised at the time of sale. In the end the system was installed and commissioned about a week after initially stated.
20 months later we asked This person: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes - above expectations.04 September 2012
Original Review on 19-10-2010:
23 months later we asked David: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes04 September 2012
Original Review on 21-10-2010:
The reality is the quality of the product and the choice of panel, because I live on a corner in a high visiblity area, looks was the major factor, thats why I went for the black panel as they looked smart. I can't wait to see them on the roof23 months later we asked Bob: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Actually they were as I expected, my estimates on output where spot on, so no unexpected surprises.People comment about how great my panels look being all black and they dont look like the normal panels.
04 September 2012
Original Review on 16-06-2010:
Not installed yet so would like to review answers when it gets done27 months later we asked Terry: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Absolutely03 September 2012
Original Review on 01-06-2010:
27 months later we asked Peter: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes, except that in winter the output has been much less than expected - presumably shading from trees31 August 2012
Original Review on 05-07-2010:
The system is great. Installation was delayed because supply could not keep up with demand. The only negative was that we were not told that we had to organise getting the Gross Feed Meter connected through our own electrician. Had we been told this we would have booked him to come the day after installation. We had to wait a month for meters to become available.26 months later we asked Paul: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes, the system has performed very well but the service has not been great. I require some panels to be moved because they have been placed around an exhaust chimney but because Solar Shop are not located in my area they will not come unless they have other work in the area.30 August 2012
Original Review on 17-06-2010:
My install was scheduled for 22/12/9 but ended up on 22/4/2010, 4 months late. was at first due to shortage of inverers then they arrived and they had no panels then panels available but no inverters, then eventually they got them both.By this time I was very worried about how my install would go, but turned out they all seemed to be good at their job and all works well. Whew!!
Solar Shop did it and they reduced the quote by $750 to allow for lost power production over the 4 months. Found it a bit difficult to deal with a company 450km from me but got there in the end
27 months later we asked Chris: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes it has performed to the graph, even a bit better producing 5.5MWh per year at our location.IF our system keeps up this performance for anothe 3 years I would update it too GOOD all round
30 August 2012
Original Review on 17-06-2010:
I should have waited six months and got better value for my dollar.27 months later we asked Trevor: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
System as a whole is performing without fault30 August 2012
Original Review on 17-06-2010:
There was some lack of communication and some issues which has meant it's been 5 months from my initial consultation to installation (still waiting on gross feed-in meter to be installed - hopefully in the next week or so).Main issue is that I have a steel frame roof and even though I made this clear many times the original attempt to install couldn't go ahead as bracket fixing method was not suitable.
Had to wait a further month, but am satisified with method now used.
BUT the electrician didn't complete the install for a further month after that. Each time I had to chase them for information and then not all the information was complete.
The workmanship seems excellent, but the delay and some aspects of the service were/are dissappointing.
27 months later we asked Gene: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes. I haven't had to call back my installer for any reason. The "poor" rating was due to poor communication with the head office. The installation of the system was fine. Have had no issues.30 August 2012
Original Review on 17-06-2010:
I had two quotes, one from Solar Shop, who I went with and one from Zen.Both were good but I ended up going for the thin film panel due to better performance in shade.
27 months later we asked Rod: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Was not getting the results promised. Finally got someone in to see what was happening and found that a third of my panels were not working due to blown fuses. The results I am now getting is fantastic.29 August 2012
Original Review on 16-06-2010:
Amorphous Crystalline System - 42 panels 4.65 kWBest operation in higher temperatures as seen on the Desert Solar Centre website
Also can get 10 Fly Buys points for every dollar spent
27 months later we asked JIm: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes! They are great11 July 2012
16 June 2012
Solar Shop was excellent to deal with. Very happy with the entire experience.
19 April 2012
24 February 2012
03 October 2011
22 August 2011
22 August 2011
They knew and understood the entire process from me signing to the actual commissioning of the system. Unfortunately, the sales person did not make it clear to me that in Victoria there was a likely wait of two months from installation time to commissioning.
I challenged Solar Shop on this as for the two month period there was to be a no return on investment and this was to be my financial problem, to which I said that this was not acceptable. I challenged Solar Shop on this and now we will both share the financial burden of a waiting period between installation and commissioning.
I will make a part payment at installation and then pay the balance at the time of commissioning.
14 August 2011
01 August 2011
18 July 2011
13 July 2011
21 June 2011
17 June 2011
Also, the Solarshop came recommended from a friend who was happy with them.
15 June 2011
14 June 2011
The salesman lacked technical knowledge (he wanted to use a single tracking inverter for panels on both the north and west facing roofs, wanted to use 60 watt panels and suggested a 1kW.
I told him he didn't understand the physics of photovoltaics and embarrassed him into the same size system using 180 watt panels for the same price as the 60 watt panels they have been programmed to flog.
Thanks for the seven energy saving tips.
Regards
Mark
11 June 2011
03 June 2011
26 May 2011
Other than that, you have provided us with tons of information and follow up in a timely fashion.
Not that all the suppliers/installers we contacted have done the same :-(
Thank you for a great service.
With ground mount, and a short run to the meter box, we maximised FiT while it was available on gross metering. Downside was that, with the requirement to changeover to Net metering, we lose a bit in the generation run (as the panels are around 200m from house).
Install was 3 strings of 10, 60W panels = 1.8kW, mounted on ground frames.
Inverter rating: 5/5