Choosing a solar system should be exciting, but misleading advertising can make it confusing.
Some ads promise the world, but the reality behind them is often very different.
At PSC Energy, we help customers start their solar journey every day. The competition is fierce in Australia right now, and as solar installers ourselves, we’re a bit biased. But other solar installers are flat-out lying about goods and services in our industry. We’re here today to clear up some misinformation.
In this article, you’ll learn about the following:
- The Problem with Cheap Solar Panel Ads
- Fake Solar Installation Reviews and Scam Solar Profiles
- Cheap Solar Energy Companies Avoid Warranty Support
- Myths and Misinformation About the Federal Government Battery Rebate
We want to walk you through the common types of solar and battery advertising that you should watch out for.
The Problem with Cheap Solar Panel Ads
Cheap solar is expensive in the long run.
When you choose a very cheap system, you often end up buying twice.
Bargain solar equipment usually comes with lower-quality parts and rushed installations. While the price tag might look good initially, poor-quality work can cause problems later, from system breakdowns to safety hazards.
Low-cost solar systems attract low-paid subcontractors who are incentivised to rush jobs. Sometimes, the compliance certificates are signed by people who were never on-site.
These days, the rules have tightened. Installers must provide geotagged photos at different job stages, but low-quality installations still happen.
When systems fail, the cheap companies behind them often vanish. They avoid answering calls, delay warranty claims, or simply disappear altogether.
If you’re interested in learning more about solar systems, you might want to check out our introductory article titled, New to Solar: Start Here.
Fake Solar Installation Reviews and Scam Solar Profiles
Reviews can help when you research a solar company. But polished online profiles can be misleading.
Some companies with terrible customer experiences manage to cover them up with fake five-star reviews.
Not every bad review is fair, but how a company responds to a complaint tells you a lot. Good installers fix problems promptly. Shady ones either ignore them or offer incentives for customers to remove bad reviews.
Always check reviews carefully and look for patterns in feedback, not just star ratings.
Be aware that even large companies can game review systems.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about solar panels and energy systems, you might want to check out the following article titled, Are Solar Panels Worth It in NSW, Australia? A Price Breakdown for 2025.
Power up your savings. Click here.
Cheap Solar Energy Companies Avoid Warranty Support
At PSC Energy, we have a full-time service department that troubleshoots your needs should anything happen to your solar system. It is not unusual for us to do call-outs, customer service, and follow-up maintenance. That is part of our commitment when installing a system for you.
We back the products we install, but a solar system is only as good as its installation. Installers who cut corners create problems for customers that often do not show up for years.
That is why we stand behind the quality of our workmanship. We offer a ten-year workmanship warranty on every installation. Whether it is a solar system, a battery installation, or a complete system with battery storage, our commitment is the same.
If you ever have an issue, all you need to do is call us. We will send a team to your home to diagnose and repair whatever is troubling your system. It is simple and straightforward: if we install your solar system, we will be with you for at least ten years.
Cheap companies do the opposite. They avoid taking responsibility when things go wrong. They might deny issues, blame customers, or refuse to answer calls altogether. Taking these companies to court usually costs more than hiring a proper installer to fix the mess.
Some of the biggest offenders even argue they need to keep trading just to meet their warranty obligations after getting into trouble with regulators.
If you’d like to learn a bit more about our aftercare, you might want to check out the following article titled, Penrith Solar Centre’s Service Department Safeguards the Future of Your System.
Let’s talk solar savings. Click here.
Myths and Misinformation About the Federal Government Battery Rebate
The announcement of the proposed Cheaper Home Batteries Program by Federal Labor created a lot of excitement. Unfortunately, it also created an opportunity for dodgy marketing.
Here are the common battery rebate myths that are floating around:
“The Rebate Is Available Now”
It is not. The rebate only applies if Labor wins the federal election and begins on July 1. Some ads leave out that critical detail, giving the impression the money is ready to claim today.
“The Coalition Supports the Rebate”
At the time of writing, the Coalition has not officially backed the rebate. Some advertising suggests otherwise. Unless there is a clear public announcement, it is safer to assume the rebate depends on Labor winning the election.
“Install Now and Claim the Rebate”
You can install a battery now, but it cannot be turned on before July 1 if you want to qualify for the rebate. Some ads gloss over this detail. If your battery is activated before the eligibility date, you will miss out.
“Double Dipping on Rebates”
Some promotions suggest you can stack the federal rebate with all state rebates. While Labor aims to allow this, it may not be simple. Rules can vary from state to state, and there may be limits on combining benefits.
“Premium Batteries on Offer”
Some ads display photos of high-end batteries but link you to low-quality products. Remember, while all batteries under the scheme must be approved by the Clean Energy Council, not all approved batteries are the same. Quality matters for reliability, lifespan, and safety.
State vs. Federal Rebates Confusion
Some advertising incorrectly frames the federal battery rebate as a “state” incentive. This is not accurate. It is a national scheme. Always double-check which rebate an ad refers to so you know what you are actually signing up for.
Where to Find Reliable Information
Sorting truth from fiction can feel overwhelming. If you want reliable updates about the federal battery rebate, check government websites or trusted solar education sources like this blog. Avoid relying on sales posts or ads alone.
Similarly, watch out for unrealistic claims about battery payback periods. While the rebate will help, actual savings depend on your energy usage, local electricity rates, and the battery system you choose.
Also, remember that no ad can replace a conversation with a qualified, experienced installer. A good installer will explain your eligibility clearly and walk you through your options without hype or pressure.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the proposed federal solar rebate, you might want to check out the following article titled, The 2025 Federal Government Solar Battery Rebate for Australia: What You Need to Know.
Ready to go solar? Click here.
Don’t Let Bad Installers Cell You a Bad System
Solar is one of the best investments you can make for your home. But it pays to stay cautious when shopping around.
Not every deal is as good as it sounds. Check reviews carefully. Ask lots of questions. And remember: good solar is never the cheapest solar.
Take your time. Make an informed decision. And enjoy the benefits of solar energy with peace of mind. PSC Energy is here to help you do exactly that. It’s what we do.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about working with a solar installer, you might want to check out the following article titled, Top Questions to Ask Your Solar Installer Before Hiring Them.
