ZEN Energy Reviews
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About
ZEN stands for Zero Emissions Now, our call to action to drive change into everything that we do. We believe that by turning towards low cost, renewable energy, our communities will become more prosperous. Our purpose is to lead communities into a zero-carbon world.
Founded in South Australia in 2004, we have installed more than 30,000 energy systems across Australia and count renewable energy leaders like the CSIRO and the South Australian Government as our retail clients. We are immensely proud that two ZEN systems are currently in the top ten largest rooftop solar installations in Australia.
Our renewable energy solutions help people make a positive impact in their homes, at their work and with large commercial and industrial businesses. We bring new ideas such as advanced demand management and energy storage services – always focused on helping our customers to reduce their impact on the environment.
Through our retail agreements with our diverse customer base and participation in the wholesale electricity market, ZEN has partnered with many large-scale renewable energy projects and is continually seeking new opportunities as our renewable energy requirements increase.
Across our business, our team shares a core belief Australia has the potential to be a superpower of the post carbon, global economy.
ZEN has invested in the quality of systems and team members to provide technical depth in engineering and customer service, along with a wealth of experience delivering commercial energy projects. As a business, ZEN maintains ISO 9001 certification together with 14001 and 18001. We are fully licensed and insured to deliver major projects and provide retail energy to customers within the National Energy Market.
Panel brands currently installed
Panel brands previously installed
Inverter brands currently 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.
ZEN Energy Reviews (104)
Show Most Recent reviews from All time across Australia
Average Scores
Value for money
Quality of System
Installation
Customer Service
- 5 star 9
- 4 star 66
- 3 star 20
- 2 star 6
- 1 star 3
30 September 2021
27 November 2020
Expectations met
Sales and quoting process was very handled, all questions answered promptly. Installation was prompt and done well. Customer service was very good.Inverter rating: 5/5
12 November 2019
whats happened ? can't give them any stars if nothings happening !!!
What has happened to Zen service ? we have accepted their quote, now cant get hold of someone who will tell us accurately when and if its accepted and when installation will happen,, we have installed Zen panels 7 years previously and the service advise etc was exceptional then, but now they have become a mega company the residential installs dont seem to matter,,,Panel rating: 2/5
Inverter rating: 2/5
Battery rating: 1/5
Supplier Reply:
Hi Micky,Sorry for the delay in responding to this review. We're sorry you had this experience with a previous member of our team. I'm glad that Peter was able to pick it all back up and you're now enjoying the benefits of your solar system. If there is anything else you need, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your business.
30 May 2019
Very professional from start to finish!
From the very beginning contact with Zen Energy through to quoting and then to installation. The whole process was smooth, and happened pretty quickly too. The team at Zen Energy were very informative, answered my many, many questions, and were very helpful. We nutted down to what I was happy with design wise, and product selection too. Got our approval in no time and installation was done within 2 weeks. Very happy with that. The installation team were awesome with their professionalism and safety. The whole day went smoothly and they did a fantastic job. Cleaning up after themselves too. I was informed throughout the day what steps they were up to. And then had the ins and outs of the inverter explained to me as well as wifi connection setup. A great job, and very happy. Thanks Zen Energy.Supplier Reply:
Hello Priscilla,Sorry for the delay in responding to this. Thank you so much for taking the time to post this review, it means a lot to the whole team to hear about your experience and I hope you're now experiencing the financial and sustainable benefits that our ZEN solar systems provide. Great last name as well. ;)
01 March 2019
Supplier Reply:
Hello Pauline,Sorry for the delay in responding to this. Thank you so much for taking the time to post this review after 7 years of enjoying your ZEN system. We're glad that you trusted your gut. If there is anything else we can help you with, please do not hesitate in reaching out.
25 January 2019
Supplier Reply:
Hello Frank,Sorry for the delay in responding to this. Thank you so much for taking the time to post this review. If there is anything else we can help you with, please do not hesitate to contact our team.
18 September 2018
15 September 2018
Original Review on 08-01-2018:
System is installed but not yet operational. We are awaiting advice on how best to integrate the new system with our old one (TRACE 3.5Kw inverter with 20x75w panels and gelcel battery (330AH @ 24v backup). Once the system is operational, our ratings may well change!8 months later we asked John: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
No. Largely due to the fact that Zen oversold what they could do. They initially promised 24 x 250w panels, 12 east and 12 west facing, but when it came to the crunch, they only installed 6 each side. I don't think they tried very hard, and claimed clearance issues from gutter and apex as the reason. However, I have since seen many systems installed with much tighter packing density than we have, hence my claim that they did not try very hard.26 July 2018
03 April 2018
13 February 2018
05 December 2017
08 November 2017
Additional Feedback received on 5/3/18:
Got an AC system and have had re occurring faults. Now I have one panel malfunctioning and have had to go to the ACCC. Their final solution is to replace the faulty black framed panel with a silver framed one. Their option to minimise the visual clash with the other panels is to mount the silver panel on another aspect of the roof. They were told this is not a option as i will be utilising this eastern aspect roof with additional panels before a battery install. They have now been given 21 days notice to refund the system due to their un willingness to honour the warranty. I am under the impression that the only thing they design is a web page and stickers to place onto other manufacturers products.
Supplier Reply:
Hi MarkWe appreciate the issues you have faced and have been working with both you and the original panel manufacturer to find a resolution to your issues.
Whilst we have tried to source a like-for-like replacement of your solar panel, the manufacturer has advised us that replacements of that particular type are no longer available, and so we have needed to suggest an alternative panel or a monetary reimbursement in line with the manufacturer’s warranty terms if the alternative panel is unsuitable to you. This approach has also been reviewed and accepted by Consumer and Business Affairs. We do however continue to act as your advocate for the warranty issue with the manufacturer as part of the extra service and after sales support ZEN provides for all our customers.
Thank you,
ZEN Energy
02 November 2017
01 November 2017
Not happy ZEN, I have recommended to other friends that they buy from ZEN which they did. So in reality I have been responsible for about 6 systems being sold by ZEN.
Their apparent lack of care lately is very disappointing. Again today, three Emails sent and still waiting for a reply..!!
05 October 2017
27 August 2017
Original Review on 14-12-2016:
Several years ago we installed ZENs 3kW system (and solar hot water system) and we were very happy with what we have got then. ZEN was more expensive than others but - and though it was not necessary offering better/the best quality system components, we liked how ZEN looked at that time. Its installations were aesthetically superior (tidy, all black, with hidden brackets and black capped rail ends), and their business/company was well presented too... We now wanted "extension". But did not ask necessary questions. We trusted the BRAND. We have got an ordinary 1.5kW "industrial" and separated system/"extension". And extraordinary extended delays. Job first delayed and at the present time still not completed (several weeks later)... If somebody would ask me I think that ZEN doesn't exists anymore. Somebody just uses ZEN brand name to sell what any other "solar business" could sell to you - ET Solar panels, Enphase Micro Inverters, and "standard" mounting system. As in our example... If you are still tempted get quote from ZEN (or so called) Energy and then talk to you "local installers". Unless you cannot get a better price from ZEN (for the same product), in my opinion you have no reason to go with them...9 months later we asked Nikola: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
ZEN never provided to us any means of monitoring and we (while still waiting/hopping) actually do not know it...04 April 2017
Original Review on 03-08-2016:
Zen supplied our original system in 2010 and we were very happy with the service and quality of the system so we decided to try them again.One disadvantage of this company now is they do not have a shop front locally only a representative who is sometime difficult to contact.
We are promised a free net meter from Origin Energy sometime soon but I can see problems ahead coordinating Zen and Origin Energy so we can have the system working by late Oct 2016.
8 months later we asked Graham: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Everything is now working as expected03 May 2016
Original Review on 02-09-2015:
Just being installed today!8 months later we asked Chris: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
YesWell thought out placement of panels and advice on size of installation.
11 April 2016
13 October 2015
21 August 2015
29 December 2014
07 December 2014
10 November 2014
06 November 2014
28 May 2014
Original Review on 22-04-2012:
Will get back to you when it has been installed. Have been wondering why the solar energy has gone down quite a bit since having signed on to this "deal".26 months later we asked Ursula: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
I need to find out what the reasons are as to why I am getting the bills, whether I am using more power, the price increase, dirty panels or just mother nature. Are you able to help me understand the reason behind this.02 October 2013
05 June 2013
28 April 2013
04 February 2013
09 January 2013
04 December 2012
Original Review on 03-03-2011:
21 months later we asked Josie: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
yes, I expected to at least half my bill in the winter months and at least almost in the summer months and it has performed to my expectations.24 November 2012
16 September 2012
Original Review on 16-08-2010:
Due to be installed 16 September. Communication from Zen has been very good to date.Post Install Update:
I thought you might like some more up-to-date feedback on my solar installation.
Our solar panels etc were installed on 16 September by Zen Home Energy Systems. We are expecting ETSA Utilities to change over our 3 phase analogue meter on 1 November. It seems that Zen did not reqest ETSA to do this until they had installed the panels, even though we ordered the system about 3 months earlier. Fortunately, our meter runs backwards when the sun is generating enough power, but clearly ETSA has no motivation to rush the meter changeover!
Our portable meter, which monitors the power generated by the panels, rarely matches the reading on the inverter box, due (according to Zen's Technical Manager) to the vagaries of the bluetooth device. The daily graph also varies quite a lot - so the result is that I am unsure of what is actually being generated. Zen has been reluctant to do anything about this so far, but I will persist. The portable device also had a progamming fault which they corrected, but only after several weeks from my being first told about it when I complained about the device's odd results. The results still seem odd, even after the fix.
25 months later we asked Charles: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes14 September 2012
Original Review on 26-02-2011:
19 months later we asked Tony: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Not quite. I suppose I expected a 3kw system to produce 3 kw.the max I get is about 2.7kw. I was told this as they were installing system.Overall I expected to produce more power than I am but I quess I should have asked more questions. What I mean is I expected if the sun was shining it would make 3kw not graded in the morning up to max at midday then dwindle off.
11 September 2012
Original Review on 04-06-2011:
16 months later we asked Peter: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Exceeded. I get a rebate cheque every quarter and system will have paid for itself faster than anticipated.11 September 2012
Original Review on 04-04-2011:
18 months later we asked Scott: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
System has performedwell beyond my expectations and the quoted annual output expected from this system11 September 2012
Original Review on 01-06-2011:
16 months later we asked Gabrielle: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes11 September 2012
Original Review on 30-03-2011:
Overall I was happy with the service your site provided. It certainly made my decision more informed than it would have otherwise been and gave me the confidence to proceed with solar power.18 months later we asked Audrey: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Absolutely.11 September 2012
Original Review on 11-07-2011:
Still in process. Let me get back to you after installation and an initial month or so of operations.14 months later we asked Tony: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes, it has (if you take into account not having to pay for electricity for the past year! We're about to contract Zen to instal a similar system on a holiday house we have in country South Australia.08 September 2012
Original Review on 19-11-2010:
The system i chose will not be installed until the 3/12/2010 so i still have no experience of its operation.I say no to the next question because i don't know if i've chosen the right system as at this time.
22 months later we asked Richard: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes it has to date generated 7960 kWh. with no troubles07 September 2012
Original Review on 18-08-2010:
I never even heard from two of the three companies you recommended. The one I did hear from wouldn't even come to the house to inspect the roof, conditions etc. He just wanted to quote me over the phone, which I found unsatisfactory, when you are spending that much money.25 months later we asked Margaret: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
The panels have performed above our expectations. For 2 years we did not pay an electricity account. Although there is only my husband and myself in the house and we also have gas heating, oven and hot water service.04 September 2012
Original Review on 26-11-2010:
22 months later we asked John: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
No unfortunately the electrician who installed the inverter placed the wrong size fuse in the fuse box. For the past 12 months the fuse has triggered off on several occassions. Unfortunately we do not know over what period of time the solo panels were switched off and we were not receiving any benifit.rnrnIt took a while to find the problem at first we thought the meter reader may have switched them off to read the metre. The next time was after a thunder storm, then the next time I contacted my power supply company to ascertain when they read the meter last, finally I thought may be some kids in the neighbour hood were playing up. rnrnEventually I contacted the Solar Shop (our supplier) to find out that part of the business went into liquidation and the new people will honor the inverter and pannels but nothing else.rnrnI was advised that the common problem they received was the size of the fuse. I was requested to go out and look at the fuse box and tell them the code on the fuse C16. He stated I needed a larger fuse a C20 and he would send an electrician at a cost of $99.00 for the first hour plus parts to fix it.rnrnI asked if I get change from a 5 minute job to which he said no. All this while I am wheel chair bound.rnEventually a friends son worked for a solar company and installed the correct size fuse, then moved the wire connecting the fuse from my lights supply to where the power comes direct into the fuse box. The way it should have been done originally.rnrnFurther more he stated that a mains switch should have been inserted once an electrician relised my power board did not have one. (It was built before legislation changed) However once an electrician adds to the power board it should have been placed in the fuse box.rnrnSo for the time we have had the solar Panels (12 months) we are yet to have a full reading of solar power.rnrnSlightly peeved off after paying close to $10,000 you bet ya !!!!!!04 September 2012
Original Review on 25-12-2010:
Zens representative was very prompt, his explanation of their systems was very easy to understand, at no time was he pushy for you to accept their system above all others, but we were left to decide this in our own time, a good experience all round.Since our acceptance of the firms quotation, they have been very quick in their dealings, and in quoting a fairly reasonable installation date. I have been very happy in dealing with them.
21 months later we asked Colin: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
The system has performed very well indeed and I am more than satisfied with the results attained.I can thoroughly recommend Zen and their products.25 August 2012
27 July 2012
28 June 2012
11 June 2012
01 June 2012
Solar installation faulty
We had 40 kw system installed designed to cover our electricity usage. Rang Zen several times to tell them it didn’t seem to be working properly. Told to check monitor every time. Electrician called in one day to check. Monitor is okay. Last week independent technician came to check the whole system. Apart from microinverter, just one, fused everything appeared okay. Except the wiring was all wrong. The power generated was wired to go straight back into the grid. 8 years of high energy bills. We never had the use of solar generated power so bills stayed high. Zen have no interest in knowing or doing anything about it. Still in shock. All that money for solar system and high energy bills as well. No support from Zen. Astounding.Panel rating: 2/5
Inverter rating: 2/5
Supplier Reply:
Hi Sharon, My name is Glynn Jones, I am ZEN's Marketing Manager. First of all let me be begin by saying sorry that you are not satisfied with the level of service you have received by multiple people within ZEN. I understand that you believe that when your solar system was installed back in 2013, your home has been fitted with a Gross Meter and that all the energy from your solar system has been exported rather than self-consumed.As our team has communicated with you after a thorough investigation, this is not the case. As per the SAPN report that you have been provided, there are no Gross Meters in operation in South Australia and as such it does not matter which phase your solar system is wired onto. Your meter treats all three phases as one, as is the case with all meters in South Australia. The information provided to you by AGL is simply incorrect and this has been confirmed by South Australia Power Networks.
We have provided you with an analysis of your bills against what the solar system should be producing and it is all as expected. We sent you a confirmation of all of this on the 7th of February 2022 which we did not receive a response on. If any of the information provided to you was not clear and you still have questions regarding how your system works, please feel free to respond to the email we sent back in February. Our team has exhausted all the investigative options available to us and has found no faults with either the way the system was installed or how it is currently performing.
Once again, I can only apologise that you feel you have not been provided the great service that ZEN is known to provide, and we are always here should you have any further questions regarding your system.
If you would like to talk further regarding your review, please feel free to contact me directly on [email protected].