Smart Energy Answers

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 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 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.

I had a fantastic experience with Smart Energy Answers! From the initial consultation to the final installation, the entire process was smooth, professional, and transparent. The team took the time to answer all my questions and helped me choose the best solar solution for my home. Installation was quick and tidy, and the crew was respectful and knowledgeable (shoutout to installer Timothy Duggan). I've already started seeing the benefits on my energy bill, and I feel great knowing I’m using clean energy. Highly recommend this company to anyone considering going solar!

A little more expensive than other solar providers however, the service support is excellent. Clear communications around installation and regular (but not too regular) check-ins after installation to see how the system is working. Have had the SolarEdge system installed now for about 9 months and there hasn't been a hiccup. Very satisfied with the quality and service.

The moment I accepted the terms, Smart Energy Answers were in to action. The engineers, designers, electricians and installers worked fast to set up my Tesla Powerwall 2. I was impressed when they contacted me to push the installation date out, as a prior customer's job was taking too long. I understand and appreciate the reality of logistics. On the new installation date, it was all done quickly, quietly and professionally.

We have an existing 8.3kW solar system, installed about 2 years ago. I have been looking at batteries for a few months but prices were too high. The latest NSW Government rebates, combined with the introduction of numerous new brands this year, have substantially reduced prices. My initial call to SEA was with Sam, who was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions, while also providing valuable advice. My initial enquiry was for a 10kW battery but Sam explained that with the ESY Smarthome battery, I could purchase more 5kW modules with even higher discounts. I was able to increase my battery system from 10 to 25 kW (150% increase) for just an extra price increase of 25%. It was a no-brainer to spend the extra and we are so glad we did. It has virtually cut out our energy bill now, having also replaced our gas hot water with a heat pump. The installation was also excellent and was a very neat job. SEA asked me to send photos and measurements of our location, which made the installation very smooth. We then changed our provider to Amber and use their partner Evergen which provides the automatic power management system. There was a glitch with Evergen in the first two weeks, but once that was ironed out, we saw a net cost of close to zero dollars in the first complete week. I was always concerned about the quality of companies in this space, but I would highly recommend Smart Energy Answers if you're looking for good, honest advice.

I purchased a 25.6kWh ESY HM6-25 Battery (23.04 kWh of Usable Capacity) through Smart Energy Answers, in Feb25. This supplements my existing 10+ kW solar panel system. . The sales/quoting activity was informative and open. . The installation was more complicated than envisaged - as I wanted it in a specific (legal) location. The installer was understanding, accommodating and very professional. The installation is very neat and the job was completed, and system was commissioned, on the day promised. . Installer ran through various operating scenarios, and this was reinforced by operating manual and procedures emailed from 'head-office'. . Aftersales service has been excellent to date - from provision of the operating documents, through to promptly making remote changes to operating parameters in the software (that I requested). In all, I'm very happy with the product performance and the support that I have received to date. I recommend this system.

The Smart Energy Answers team is great and wonderful. Sales, Technical, Account and After Sales teams are very professional and supportive from the beginning of the process to the commissioning of my 24kWh Sigenergy system, including the EV DC charger unit. A shoutout to Bradley, he is fantastic and very knowledgeable, very responsive to my queries. It is very assuring to have someone who knows the industry very well. The technical team is great, able to integrate both of my solar systems (SMA Sunny boy system, and Enphase smart solar system), I can monitor both systems' performances seamlessly. I am very pleased and impressed with the outcome. The Sigenergy system is great, beautifully crafted and designed product, the monitoring app is excellent. My son managed to write a Home Assistant app to interface with the Sigenergy API (see screenshots). I really like the product as the battery is modular and can be added to the "stack" without much electrical work involved. I am very thankful for a very positive experience from the SEA team. I'd highly recommend SEA and Sigenergy system to anyone.