The Uncomfortable Truth About Solar Installations
Let's be frank: the solar industry has a problem.
For every satisfied customer enjoying reduced energy bills and greater energy independence, there's another wondering why their expensive solar system isn't delivering the savings they were promised.
As one of NSW and ACT's top-rated solar installers with a platinum rating on SolarQuotes.com.au, we've seen firsthand how properly designed and installed solar systems can deliver impressive results for homeowners. According to the Department of Climate Change Energy Environment and Water:
- In NSW last year, solar panels reduced the average $2,106 default annual bill by $1,015, or 48%
- When paired with an 8.5 kilowatt-hour battery, the savings increased to $2,123, or 101%, including earnings from feeding power from the battery back into the electricity grid
These figures demonstrate why so many homeowners are making the switch to solar energy. However, not all solar installations are created equal.
We've been called in countless times to diagnose and fix underperforming systems installed by others. What we've discovered is a pattern of preventable issues that plague the industry and frustrate many solar customers.
Why So Many Systems Underperform: The Real Culprits
1. Poor System Design and Sizing
From what we've seen, many companies rush through assessments with cookie-cutter solutions, prioritising maximum rebates over actual household needs.
Based on our analysis of dozens of underperforming systems, most were fundamentally undersized or poorly designed for the specific property and usage patterns.
"The most important thing when designing a customer’s system is understanding when and how much electricity they're using," explains Sam Friend, our Managing Director. "So basically, the load profile will dictate what type of system is best."
Many installers skip this crucial analysis, leading to systems that can't possibly meet household demands.
2. Substandard Installation Practices
Time pressures often lead installers to rush the installation process. Cutting corners and constantly rotating between external contractors in order to meet daily quotas are rife in the industry – and when speed is the priority, the quality suffers.
Through our remediation work, we've documented how poor panel placement, sloppy cable management, and substandard workmanship can decrease system efficiency by up to 25% over the system's lifetime.
Installation flaws we regularly discover include:
- Panels facing suboptimal directions
- Poor wiring and electrical connections
- Insufficient panel spacing
- Even a lack of local regulatory knowledge and permitting
3. Neglected Maintenance Requirements
The industry's "set and forget" approach leaves many system owners without any after-sales support or maintenance guidance.
The reality is – solar systems require regular care to maintain peak efficiency.
While solar panels naturally degrade at a rate of around 0.5% to 1% per year, neglecting regular maintenance can accelerate this process. Dirt buildup, poor wiring, and undetected faults can lead to additional efficiency losses, potentially reducing output by 10% or more over several years. Regular cleaning and system checks help ensure panels operate as efficiently as possible for the long term.
4. Inverter Mismatch and Limitations
When examining competitor installations, we often find the budget or sub-optimal inverters have been installed as it’s more profitable for the installer.
Think of the inverter as your system's heart – when undersized or poorly made, it creates a performance bottleneck. Even with premium panels installed, an inadequate inverter will prevent your system from reaching its potential, wasting both energy and your investment.
5. Non-existent Energy Consumption Analysis
Most installers rely on generic postcode averages for system design. Installers taking care to analyse a customer’s energy bill prior during the pre- installation process is crucial, yet increasingly rare.
Solar systems deliver maximum value only when tailored to specific usage patterns. Our case studies demonstrate that without understanding exactly when and how you use electricity throughout the day, it's impossible to configure a system that truly maximises your financial benefits.
The Stag Electrical Difference: Why Our Systems Deliver
Over 18 years, we've developed a methodology that addresses each of these industry shortcomings:
1. Comprehensive Energy Assessment
"We want to sit down and really understand their needs and what they’re trying to achieve,” says Sam Friend.
Before recommending any solution, we conduct a tailored and thorough analysis of your:
- Energy consumption patterns
- Peak usage times and seasonal variations
- Future energy needs and household changes
- Property-specific installation considerations
This data-driven approach ensures your system is precisely matched to your requirements – not just designed to maximise our margins.
2. Quality-First Installation Process
Our installers are highly trained solar specialists who are directly employed by us. We don’t use external, rotating contractors.
"We're able to act on that really quickly, and it allows us to be fully in control of what's happening," explains Sam. "And oftentimes we're on site the next day."
Our quality control process includes:
- Pre-installation roof structural assessment
- Premium mounting systems and components
- Comprehensive post-installation testing
- Thorough customer system orientation
3. Proactive Maintenance Programme
Unlike most installers who disappear after commissioning, we can provide:
- Remote system performance monitoring
- Scheduled maintenance checks
- Proactive troubleshooting of emerging issues
- Detailed performance reporting
4. Premium Component Selection
We exclusively install:
- Tier 1 solar panels with proven reliability
- High-efficiency inverters with extended warranty coverage
- Industry-leading battery systems when storage is required
- Quality mounting hardware designed for Australian conditions
5. Integrated Energy Management
Our systems include smart energy management solutions that:
- Optimise self-consumption of solar power
- Intelligently direct excess energy to batteries or high-value uses
- Provide clear visibility of system performance
- Adapt to changing usage patterns
Is Your Current Solar System Underperforming?
If your system isn't delivering the savings you expected, we offer comprehensive solar health checks to identify:
- Performance bottlenecks
- Installation issues
- Optimisation opportunities
- Upgrade pathways
Why Choose Stag For Your Solar Journey
"The basic things like cleaning up after ourselves, taking our shoes off if we have to go inside, just the things that are common courtesy, manners, and that's the stuff that customers really appreciate," says Sam Friend.
This attention to detail extends to every aspect of our business:
- Transparent, educational approach to system design and quotation
- No hidden charges or surprises in our pricing
- Lifetime workmanship guarantee on all installations
- Responsive after-sales support team based locally
- Comprehensive documentation and system handover
Don't Settle for Solar Disappointment
With electricity prices continuing to rise, you can't afford a solar system that fails to deliver on its promises.
Whether you're considering your first solar installation or looking to upgrade an underperforming system, our team is ready to demonstrate the Stag Electrical difference.
Contact us today for a consultation that focuses on your specific energy needs and goals – because your solar journey should deliver real value, not just another glossy sales pitch.
Stag Electrical is one of the top-rate solar installers in the ACT with over 150 5-star reviews in the last 12 months and among the top rated in NSW on SolarQuotes.com.au. Over 18 years, we've completed 10,000+ installations across the ACT and Regional NSW. Operating from Canberra, Young, and Wollongong, we've got you covered.
