The best solar and battery system for your home is the one that saves you money…or is it?
Obviously, the ultimate reason why we add solar and storage to our homes is to slash or eliminate our electricity bills. If installed correctly, any old panel, inverter, or battery will do just that – but how long will it save you money for? Will it operate correctly for years? Will you end up spending more money on maintenance or even replacement?
We’ll explore the difference between cheap and quality products while looking at real-world examples.
Cheap vs high-quality components
Let’s first clarify what we mean by ‘cheap’ and ‘high-quality’.
Cheap solar components
Cheap isn’t always tied to cost. Getting a bargain on a solar installation does not mean that what you’re getting installed will be low-quality. When we talk about cheap products, we’re referring to the manufacturing, technology, performance, and warranty. There are between 300 and 500 solar panel manufacturers worldwide. Of those, about 50 to 70 companies meet the BloombergNEF Tier 1 criteria at any given time. Now, the Tier 1 category does not necessarily mean quality, but it does tell you that the business has some strong financial backing. Mid to low-tier manufacturers will generally allocate fewer resources to research and development, safety and quality checks, and the manufacturing process. They will also be less likely to meet their warranty obligations due to financial limitations. Many go out of business or merge with other manufacturers.
When we talk about ‘cheap’ solar, we simply mean that the product you’re installing is more likely to fail or result in a lower average performance.
High-quality components
High-quality products don’t always break the bank, but you’ll generally be investing in technology that is manufactured to produce greater results and last longer – and that often means that the price tag is higher.
Products that fall into this category usually feature tech that exceeds the industry standard. With this, they will often also attract longer warranty periods. This can tell us that the product has been thoroughly tested to such standards and has the financial backing to fulfil the warranty obligations. You should expect these products to perform at a higher level for longer, with a lower likelihood of failure. A bonus, in the case of solar panels, is that higher-quality panels will usually pack more power into less space. This can sometimes mean that you can add a bigger system to your roof with fewer panels.
Real-world examples
In the real world, the difference between cheap and high-quality components usually appears years after installation, not on day one.
Example one: The early inverter failure
A household installs a competitively priced solar system with a budget inverter. For the first few years, everything runs smoothly, and bills drop as expected. In year six, the inverter fails. The manufacturer has exited the Australian market, making warranty support difficult. The system sits offline for weeks, and the household pays thousands for a replacement, wiping out much of the original savings.
Example two: Performance that quietly slips
Another home installs lower-tier solar panels that technically meet Australian standards. Over time, panel degradation exceeds expectations. Annual energy production slowly declines, and the system never quite delivers what was promised. The homeowner does not notice immediately, but over ten years, the lost generation adds up to thousands of dollars in missed savings.
Example three: Making the most of limited roof space
A family with a small roof chooses higher-efficiency panels and a premium inverter. Fewer panels fit on the roof, but total system capacity is higher. The system performs well during heat and partial shading, and output remains strong over time. A longer warranty and local support provide peace of mind, and the system continues delivering strong returns well beyond the payback period.
Example four: When support actually matters
A battery owner experiences a software issue several years after installation. With a well-established manufacturer, the problem is resolved remotely through a firmware update. The system remains operational, and downtime is minimal. In contrast, similar issues with lesser-known brands often require site visits, replacements, or result in systems being abandoned altogether.
These examples highlight a simple truth. Solar and battery systems do not fail all at once. The real cost of cheap components shows up slowly, through downtime, reduced performance, and limited support when something goes wrong.
Energy Matters works with some of the world’s leading solar and battery manufacturers. Check out our recommended products page, explore the manufacturers we are proud to work with, and request free quotes!
The role of a good installer
Even the best solar and battery products can fail without a quality installation. The installer matters just as much as the hardware.
A reputable installer does more than bolt equipment to your roof. They assess your energy usage, roof layout, shading, switchboard, and future needs. Product selection reflects experience, not sales pressure. Good installers choose equipment they trust, support, and install regularly.
The difference between a good and bad install is not always obvious on day one. A quality install delivers correct system sizing, neat cable management, compliant isolator placement, and proper commissioning. A poor install often leads to faults, water ingress, nuisance shutdowns, and failed inspections.
Labour warranties are another critical factor. Quality installers back their work for five to ten years. If something goes wrong, they return and fix it. Cheap installers often disappear once payment clears, leaving homeowners stranded.
This is where Energy Matters helps. Energy Matters connects Australians with local, pre-vetted installers who meet strict quality and compliance standards. Homeowners receive free, tailored, no-obligation quotes, without pressure or guesswork.
Choosing the right installer protects your investment. It also ensures your system performs safely, reliably, and profitably for years to come.
The post Buying Solar Once: Why Quality, Not Price, Decides the Outcome appeared first on Energy Matters.
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