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In March I paid Smart Energy Answers in full, upfront, for a battery and 10 solar panels — their quote was the highest I received, and no site visit was conducted before installation. The installation itself left a trail of problems: no key was provided for the battery controller box, the battery was mounted over an existing powerpoint, a tap was… Read more
broken on the day, and an existing micro inverter and panel stopped working immediately afterwards. Worst of all, the installers left two roof tiles off. Two weeks later, during a Melbourne downpour while the house was unoccupied, the bedroom flooded — destroying about a square metre of ceiling, leaving permanent water staining, and ruining the bedding.
I contacted SEA repeatedly by phone and in writing. Every call went to an overseas call centre that took notes and promised escalation. After more than a month, I had received no response at all.
Only after I posted a negative Google review did SEA get in touch. They apologised, explained they had been "too busy to respond," and offered to repair the ceiling — on the condition that I remove the review, because negative reviews hurt their business. I agreed. Two months of run-around followed: plasterers booked who never showed, promises not kept. SEA has now ceased all communication. The ceiling remains unrepaired and the micro inverter they broke still doesn't work.
Prospective customers should know: full payment is required upfront, there's no site inspection beforehand, and when things go wrong you may find yourself ignored until you leave a review — then bargained with. I strongly do not recommend this company.
After a bit of struggle to get a date for the installation of a 8.5KW solar system and 24 kWh battery, all turned out in the end and I am so far happy wiith the system and it's installation. Once the installation date was settled, the installation… Read more · 1
itself was swift and professional, and the system and app are working well ... the next electricy invoice on 20 July will show how well the system works. The only issue was with receiving some documentation (eg the Single Line Diagram and CCEW), but I was assured that it was 'in train'.
Follow-up · While initital communication (other than with engineer Rameez, who was outstanding) was slow. all later communication was very good with quick response times. All missing documentation was provided within one day following my query. The local installers (Summit & Shore) were excellent and very responsive and I can only highly recommend them. The app is working well and most satisfactorily. Overall, highly recommended.
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Broken promises, a non-compliant installation, damage to our home and a system performing far below expectations (Review in progress) We chose Smart Energy Answers (SEA) for what was supposed to be a premium solar and Tesla Powerwall installation. Four months later, we are still dealing with compliance failures, damage to our property, serious… Read more
performance problems and an extraordinary amount of time trying to get SEA to put things right.
Problems started before installation. Our promised February installation slipped into March, and the installation contractors we were specifically promised were not used. When installers eventually arrived, they appeared to have almost no information about our project, including arriving with the wrong battery configuration and mounting brackets. The installation ultimately took four visits, with several last-minute cancellations.
This became a recurring theme. SEA appears extraordinarily siloed. Sales, design, operations and installation frequently seem unaware of what other departments have discussed or agreed. We have repeatedly had to explain the same issues and effectively coordinate SEA internally ourselves.
One of the most concerning discoveries happened completely by chance. I noticed a label on a solar panel left in our garden and was horrified to see it was 460W, not the 510W panels SEA had specified and sold us.
This wasn’t an insignificant substitution. We had spent weeks working with SEA to design a system specifically for our moderately shaded property. SEA had confidently promoted fewer, higher-output 510W panels concentrated in the optimal area of our roof as the best solution for our Powerwall string-based system and to mitigate shade-related underperformance.
Instead, SEA attempted to install more lower-capacity 460W panels, without telling us, seeking our agreement or discussing the impact of fundamentally changing the design. Had I not noticed the label, I don’t know when we would have discovered it.
We had extensively discussed shade before purchasing and were assured the final design was appropriate and should produce at least 40kWh/day. The reality has been shocking. Our almost 14kW system can produce less than 1kW in strong midday sunshine with barely any shade — at times around a tenth of what we were led to expect and dramatically below other homes in our street with similar or greater shading.
Despite repeatedly raising this, SEA has failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the performance, explain why the original representations were made, or meaningfully engage in finding a solution. The performance remains unacceptable and unresolved.
For around two months the system also repeatedly tripped, sometimes 4–5 times a day, because the import limit had not been correctly configured. My wife, while caring for our baby, repeatedly had to leave the house, go outside, stand on a chair and reset it. We requested a further increase to the import limit over three weeks ago; despite meeting SEA since, it seemingly disappeared into the communication void.
We eventually paid for an independent compliance assessment, which identified multiple issues requiring remediation involving roofing/waterproofing, tiles/sarking, electrical compliance, signage and documentation. Panels now need removing so roofing work can be undertaken and the roof checked for possible water ingress.
We also discovered ourselves that the required NSW Home Building Compensation insurance had apparently not been obtained before work commenced. After we repeatedly pursued it, SEA produced a certificate retrospectively.
It is now over four months since installation, with very little progress fixing the damage to our property or resolving the system’s fundamental performance problem.
We recently met SEA senior management and their senior electrician face-to-face at our home and believed we had finally agreed a path forward. Disappointingly, much of what was agreed already appears to have been forgotten or lost its urgency.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect has been SEA’s relentless focus on money, payments and rebate sign-off compared with the urgency shown in fixing our home and system. We even made a substantial battery payment as a gesture of goodwill while these issues remained outstanding. Responsiveness subsequently deteriorated.
There has been remarkably little apology or apparent appreciation of the impact on our family. I estimate I have lost well over 100 hours documenting defects, obtaining independent advice, chasing responses and coordinating remediation — time I simply don’t have while caring for a baby and toddler.
After four months of repeatedly trying to resolve these matters directly with SEA, we have now lost confidence that a satisfactory resolution will be achieved through that process alone. We will therefore be referring the installation and our compliance concerns to the Clean Energy Regulator for independent review, while continuing to give SEA the opportunity to complete the promised remediation.
My advice to prospective customers: pay only the required deposit initially and retain whatever payment you lawfully can until the installation is complete, compliant and performing properly. Get any required building insurance certificate before work starts. Photograph your roof, tiles and sarking before installation and check carefully for damage/leaks afterwards. Get performance promises and shade assumptions in writing, and consider an independent compliance inspection before final payment or rebate sign-off.
SEA still has an opportunity to put this right, and I genuinely hope they do.
I will update this review as the outstanding roofing, compliance and performance issues are addressed — and give SEA full credit for anything they resolve properly.
Reviews with attachments
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exceptional Service and Quality! I recently had a solar panel and battery system installed by Smart Energy Answers, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, the team was professional, transparent, and efficient. What stood out: • Superior Workmanship: The installation itself is top-tier. Everything is neatly… Read more · 1
mounted, the wiring is tidy, and it’s clear the installers take great pride in their craft. • Clear Communication: I was kept in the loop throughout the entire process. They were quick to answer my questions and made sure I understood how the new system and battery storage work. • Professionalism: The crew arrived on time, respected my property, and left the site spotless once the job was done. If you’re looking for a reliable team to help you transition to clean energy, I would highly recommend Smart Energy Answers. They made the whole process stress-free and delivered exactly what was promised.
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The sales team and install team were very helpful and I knew nothing about batteries but they answered all my questions up front. No one can beat their price Show details · 1
Outstanding experience from quoting, installation and follow up. Communication excellent. Installers/electricians are SEA employees not sub-contractors and were excellent. I had an ESY Sunhome HM6-30KWh battery installed about 3 months ago and couldn't be happier. Would recommend them highly. Show details · 1
Whilst the initial install date for the battery was delayed about a month I was kept fully informed about this and the reasons for the delay which to me seemed reasonable in the circumstances. Before installation my primary contact was with Conor Gardiner. He was most helpful on all aspects of the task including supporting linking up with… Read more · 1
"AMBER" Conor was always available, including at weekends, for any advice I might need.
The lead installer of the batter was Justin Kearns. At the outset Justin made it clear that I was going to get an excellent job. Moreover he let me know very early that he won't be leaving the job until I was fully satisfied and knew clearly how the system operated. Moreover, he left his phone number indicating that I should not hesitate to ring him if I had any problems. Given that I am an old bloke, and not up to speed with some of the latest technologies, Justin gave me great confidence that all would be well with the install and operation of the battery.
No hard sales approach where you know within 5 mins the conversation is only out to make a dollar! Right from the start SMA reps were interested in listening, offer solutions and advice to custom a battery install to my needs. installation process was efficient, professional, put up with “ this guys” constant questions patiently and completed… Read more · 1
everything to a high quality finish. Definitely will continue an association with SMA for future upgrades and works.
Had a couple of issues with a faulty battery module. Matter resolved Show details · 1
Installers did not show up as agreed, but on another day without prior warning. Smart Energy demanded payment prior to installation, not in line with signed contract. Packing and rubbish left at site - I have had to pay for a skip for removal. Battery not connected in the system so for almost 6 months therefore I have had minimal benefit. Once I… Read more
could see there was a problem, the bill was already $700 and ended up being $1200 and on track for another huge bill. There is a smell of gas near the battery, the warning stickers are not attached properly and already faded. Once alerted Smart Energy of the issue, it is over 3 months and they have still not attended to fix. Run, don't walk away!
Hi Teresa, Firstly, thank you for writing in with… Read more (+1 reply)
Latest follow-ups
Professional no fuss solutions for my battery installation. Everything from quote to instal went smoothly and I was delivered the prodcut and service expected. Very happy with SEA Show details · 1
Follow-up · Install took around 4 hours and the battery was the ESY sunhome (30kw)
Accommodating knowledgeable reliable professional responsive - thoroughly recommend them - I got roof panels, very happy - so return customer for battery - equally happy Show details · 1
Follow-up · Quality= so far so good Installation=cannot fault, even got awning to protect from direct sun, commissioning software was tricky for installer but he stayed late, rang Sig & fixed - came promptly (was I lucky he was nearby geographically?) & did another software fix that I reported that I saw a fault when checked the app Love the app - was… Read more
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It was such a painless process installing a 2 new batteries to go with my existing solar system. Smart Energy Answers were such a good company.- no hard Sales pitch to begin with just sensible questions to find out exactly what I needed. I was kept… Read more · 1
informed throughout the process and finally when the installation was done the team that did the install was great. They were tidy, punctual, and helped me make sure I had the app set up etc before they left. They even phoned me after the installation to make sure I was happy with the job done. Terrific company, I would highly recommend them.
Follow-up · The app is fantastic - tells you exactly where your power is coming from at what time of day. The installation took 4 hours. The battery is by Sigenergy.
In-depth reviews
We had had problems getting people to quote for solar / battery for our dwelling, because of the heritage listed front face of our terrace in inner city City of Sydney, and also a tricky site. The solar panels had to be installed on both the main house and the granny flat, and the roof pitch of both is steep. But Smart Energy Answers were… Read more · 1
willing to work with us and we got a great system. It took about fours weeks and two site visits, but we got a quote for a 6.65 kW of solar panels (14 x 475W panels) together with a 24.2 kWh Sigen battery with Gateway SP and inverter for $17,893.70, after Federal and NSW State government rebates. Part of this quote included contingency money, which was good, because we did have problems in installation because of the large run of cables from the front to back of our block. So, the system did come in for the price first quoted.
One specification I had was that the system should be Amber compatible, which drove the selection of battery brand.
Anyway, it took a bit less than three months from accepting the quote to the completed installation. We were kept informed at every step, and if I had queries, they were answered swiftly.
I was also very happy with the installers, who were able to work with the steep roofs and long runs of cables - and the lack of a ceiling cavity! And they quickly noted that our battery would be in the sun for much of the day, and installed an awning.
I have learned that the old terrace houses require people who have experience with them, from air conditioning installation to getting a new kitchen. And, it can be more expensive. So while I have heard of people paying less for what we got, they all seem to be installations on recent-build freestanding dwellings, which are cheaper and easier to work with.
And, now that fours weeks have passed since the installation, we could not be happier. The Sigen App is a joy to behold. We have imported solely 0.7 kWh from the grid since the installation. Our previous rates were 33 cents per kWh, with a $2 per day connection charge.
SEA Solar - Disappointing Experience Despite Premium Price After conducting thorough research on the PV system, size, inverter, and battery solution I needed, I shared my specifications with three solar retailers, inviting their input. All three confirmed that my chosen solution (Brands, products, and installation requirements) was good and… Read more
provided quotes for the identical setup.
SEA's initial quote was approximately $5,000 higher than competitors' for the identical solution. I provided SEA with the competitor quotes; they didn’t price match and were $1,000 above the others. I chose SEA based on their sales representative's apparent Solar technical expertise, prioritising perceived quality over price.
Unfortunately, significant problems began immediately: 1. Incorrect Paperwork: SEA provided the installation team with the wrong installation and configuration paperwork. I fortunately caught this error before work commenced, preventing potential holes in my roof. 2. Severe Delays & Rework: The installation, initially scheduled for one day, took three days. An additional two days were required to fix installation errors. 3. Unresolved Issues & Ignored Communication: Six months post-installation, several issues remain unresolved. Despite weekly messages to the installation team, I receive no response to finalise this installation. 4. Rebate Application Errors: SEA submitted my Solar Rebate application incorrectly. The Solar Export application also faced issues twice due to their mistakes. Both times, I identified the errors and pointed these out to SEA to remedy, eventually getting both applications approved. 5. Critical Specification Failure: My requirement was for a "Whole of house" battery backup solution. The installed system only backs up half the house. SEA refused to remedy this, stating it would require a new inverter and battery – a core failure to meet my stated need, especially crucial in my outage-prone area. 6. Battery Audit Failure: The battery installation itself failed the Vic Gov audit. 7. Lack of Executive Engagement: My multiple requests to speak directly with SEA's CEO regarding these issues were declined, with assurances that management involvement wasn't necessary. This demonstrates a concerning lack of accountability at senior levels. 8. App Configuration Issues: The Sungrow app has never functioned correctly. After 6 months of joint troubleshooting between SEA and Sungrow, the issue remains unresolved and is solely in SEA's hands now to remedy.
Conclusion: While I stand by the quality of the products I selected, SEA's execution has been profoundly disappointing. Their paperwork (from rebates to installation guides) was consistently error prone.
The installation process was delayed and flawed. Critically, the system fails to meet my fundamental requirement of whole-house backup. Customer service and accountability, especially regarding unresolved issues, have been completely lacking with remaining issues still outstanding.
I cannot recommend SEA. If you do consider them, be prepared to meticulously verify every detail yourself at every stage.
Hi, Steve! Thank you for sharing your… Read more
At the end of last year I finally decided to bite the bullet and install solar panels and a battery. We just changed electricity suppliers and they recommended Smart Energy Answers. The quotation process was easy and done online and we were happy with the result. In the process we were offered a discount on the battery but it turned out by the… Read more · 1
time we accepted the quote the battery was out of stock and we would have to wait for more stock to arrive. We were offered the same discount on a what looks to be possibly a better battery adding extra capacity for a slightly higher cost which we were actually very happy about. The installer was really great. He made sure that everything was working properly (there were a couple of hiccups) before he left. Turned up when expected and tidied up afterwards. He also walked us through the app and made sure we could log in and that everything was running as expected. Really very helpful. Everything is working well and we are very happy. Still don't fully get all the stuff about all the certificates but that looks to have sorted itself out. Panel rating: 5/5 Inverter rating: 5/5 Battery rating: 5/5
Positive reviews
Excellent customer service, competitive price, timely installation very pleasant to deal with, great follow up service, great product (Sig 42Kwh). Happy to recommend. Show details · 1
The whole system & benefits were outlaid at the beginning with no oversell Comparisons were made & they were able to address any concerns that i had Delivery was delayed because of demand The wait was well worth it & aftersales service ahas been exceptional Show details · 1
From quotation with Seamus to Efficient, friendly ,fantastic installation team (Tom, Johnny and Harry) which is the reason why Smart Energy Answers is the best. Arrived as promised with great follow up.No stress and very helpful team. Show reply
Negative reviews
The night before installation was occurring, I receive an email from my sales guy - what he had sold me - tesla PW3 +expansion pack (27kw), he 'just learnt' isn't compatible with my 3 phase system. Suggests to change this to Sigenergy 24kw with 15kw inverter. Quick google search, the suggested package is around $2500 cheaper than what I have… Read more
signed up for. He offers this 'at no additional cost'. Dodgy as. Don't go near these guys.
Update: The team at SEA have been working proactively to solve this problem for me. I give them full marks for that. As of now waiting for install to occur - SEA is working to my timing on this. Hope to soon update this review with install and operations are going great!
Install was fine a few years ago. My system broke only after 2 years and took roughly 3 weeks to fix it…some of the communication was very poor while other communication was quite good. Show details
Find out how Smart Energy Answers compares to other Solar Panel Installers
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Don't trust Smart Energy Answers my experience with this company, [Name Removed] said a lot on the phone. We Signed your agreement contract paid the deposit then waited weeks only to receive a new agreement at more than double the original contract. They don't even seam to be able to afford to refund us. Show details
Recent reviews
SMA has been great to deal with. Their customer service is exceptional, as also their technical team in resoving issues in a timely manner. The panel installation was nearly 6 years ago and has been faultless. They recommended the most suitable system for my needs and the installation was quick and professional. I have recently added a solar… Read more · 1
battery to make the best use of the system. I am very impressed with their service and can't recommend them highly enough.
Couldn't ask for more. From quote to install, the process was flawless. While I already had solar, I needed to double my system capacity and bolt on a battery that worked during power outages (frequent in my area). Brad was fantastic, he gave me honest practical advice which has translated now into far lower (if at all) electricity bills. Great team with a great ethos! Show details · 1
We’re currently building our new home and were looking into solar energy options. We reached out to SEA and spoke with Tarek Jawad, who was fantastic to deal with from start to finish. Tarek took the time to understand our needs and presented four tailored options, each with a clear explanation of the benefits. He was knowledgeable, patient, and… Read more · 1
made the whole process easy to follow. What really stood out was how well he coordinated with our builder, electrician, and energy provider to ensure the best outcome for us was reached. His communication was excellent, and he genuinely cared about helping us make the best decision for our situation. Highly recommend SEA and Tarek if you're considering solar—great service and support!
Smart Energy Team communicated with me from start to finish. Even well after the installation. They gave me the best price compared to other 5 quotes I’ve received before hand and delivered to what they promised. They are guaranteed a legit business with a massive working warehouse not like others that has a shop front and just contracts all the… Read more · 1
installs. And this is the reason I signed up with SMART ENERGY compared to the other 5. Keep up the good work and awesome customer service.
We recently had a 48kW Sig Energy battery and 20kW inverter installed by Smart Energy Answers on the Surf Coast. The installation was first-class — neat, efficient, and professionally executed. From consultation to commissioning, everything was seamless. I dealt directly with Daniele, the owner, who demonstrated deep technical knowledge and a real… Read more · 1
passion for sustainable energy solutions. It’s clear he values his customers and his installers equally, creating a trustworthy and high-quality service experience. Couldn’t recommend Smart Energy Answers more highly — honest, professional, and genuinely committed to excellence in clean energy.
A huge thank you to Tarek who made this experience seamless. His superior customer service and extensive knowledge of the product really made it easy when making the decision to go with SEA Commercial. He had answers to all my questions and gave me a sense of comfort knowing I was getting value for money. Highly recommend thank you Tarek Show details · 1
The whole process from the initial consultation for a very good price, to installation by Tim and his team was seamless and professional. Very good workmanship and the battery is working like a dream. Tim gave me useful info on when ESY Sunhome batteries would be compliant with various VPPs and various other bits and pieces I hadn't thought of. I would highly recommend Smart Energy Answers. Show details · 1
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Hi John, We are sorry that your experience… Read more