Smart Energy Answers Reviews

After thorough research into the PV system size, inverter, and battery solution I needed, I shared my specifications with three solar retailers, welcoming their input. All three confirmed my chosen solution (Brands, products, and installation requirements) were 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 technical expertise, prioritizing 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 install. 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. 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.

Performance of the system is poor. Paid for a 13Kwh generation off a 10Kwh inverter. System is lucky to produce 5Kw ... per day. As far as I can tell - they oversold the performance of the product to maximise my spend. Service has been non existent. I paid for individual panel monitoring - if they installed the solution I wouldn't know because I can't verify it. Asked for support - none was provided. They left nails and other rubbish around my house. I wouldn't recommend.

I chose Smart Energy Answers because I wanted to proceed with a Sigen battery system and they seemed to have reliable experience with that brand. Unfortunately Smart Energy Answers sent a sub-contractor, and that sub-contractor was simply not up to the task. As left by the sub-contractor as a finished job, the battery unit was electrically inoperative, and installed without the reqired mechanical support - it wobbled. Eventually Smart Energy Answers came good and effectively re-did the battery installation in-house. Their in-house installer was EXCELLENT. I eventually got the system that I had paid for and hoped for. The process took longer than I had hoped for, and was considerably more complicated than I had hoped for.

The process is easy, no pressure. Great customer service and great suggestion. Installed 24kWh Sigenergy system with EV DC charger but experiencing technical issue with the CCS connector, my Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes with CHAdeMO plug. Bradley and Ikram mentioned that they would endeavour to help me to resolve the connectivity issue. They would reach out to the Sigenery company and would advise me of the appropriate adaptor that would work with my car, and is bi-directional charging capability. A good shoutout to the team I was dealing with Bradley, Ikram, Shahir, Ana and Andrea! They are great and helpful.

Sales process was excellent, sales staff were helpful and responsive. Sales was via phone. Sales staff were in Sydney, while I am in Canberra Physical installation was subcontracted to a local Canberra installer. He was a very poor communicator, although the install was technically competent. He wasn't very tidy and I needed to perform some cleanup after he left. I have required post installation support on 2 occasions since install, each time for battery failover. Phone based support staff were hopeless an had little technical knowledge. Once support staff visited the site, remediation was performed quickly and in a professional manner.

Easy process and great installation team. Results have been outstanding

Smart Energy Answers were extremely helpful in advising the right solar system for me to install. From the planning stage to installation of the system (in one day) took less than 6 weeks.

Sales process was ok , not brilliant. Installers were good. Post installation support was ok . Not happy with the solis inverter, keeps over reading the grid voltage, so periods of inactivity. I told the sales people that I heard the solis was junk, but they pushed it on me anyway

Smart Energy Answers were super knowledgable - their expertise designing the system, and the quality of the install was fantastic. (I had some delays, due to me being remote, but the installers did a beautiful job)

DO NOT RECOMMEND During the quote phase, SME couldn't do enough; soon as payment was made the lack of customer service was astounding! No response to emails, phone call or voicemail. The only time we could speak to anyone was if we caught them unawares when they answered a call. Assurances were constantly given that they would get back to us or follow up, but no one ever did. The reason for the contact was to arrange annual inspections. It’s early days but to date, we have not had any problems with the product. Installation was June 2023.

Very satisfied with process.

Very impressed with the efficiency of installation and the quality of workmanship

Easy to deal with. Answered my questions. Were the cheapest cost for the same unit out of the two companies I compared. There were some issues with the freight company shipping the gear to the installer sub-contractor, but I liaised between the two and we got it sorted, rather than wait for Smart Energy Answers to appoint another sub-contractor.

Among the confusing multitude of solar installers in Sydney, I found SEA to stand out for the professionalism, knowledge and friendly efficiency of its staff. At the beginning of the process its energy consultants spent time explaining the different technology options available and how the systems actually work. Once we signed the contract, the installation and administration staff could not have been more supportive. While the heavy rains in Sydney in February and March inevitably led to delays in installation, the SEA team regularly kept me informed of their availability and were flexible in finding convenient times to complete the job. A special shout out to the installer crew for working in tough conditions. I would not hesitate to recommend SEA to friends and family.