Why a Cheaper Battery Quote Isn't Always the Cheaper Battery

Why do quotes for "the same" battery differ?

Because they often aren't the same job. Common differences:

• Usable capacity. One quote may list total kWh, another usable kWh. See usable versus total capacity.
• Power rating. A higher kW rating runs more appliances at once.
• Backup. Blackout backup needs extra hardware and wiring. Some quotes include it; some don't.
• Switchboard work. Older switchboards may need upgrading. Some quotes include it; some add it later.
• Placement and cabling. Where the battery goes and how far the cables run changes the labour.
• Inverter. Keeping an old inverter versus fitting a new hybrid changes the price.
• Warranties and service. Who honours the warranty, and whether the company will be there to service it.

How do I compare quotes like for like?

Put the quotes side by side and fill in, for each:

1. battery model and usable kWh
2. power rating (kW)
3. inverter model, new or existing
4. backup included? essential circuits or whole home?
5. switchboard work included?
6. warranties: product, workmanship, and who you call
7. who installs: the company's own team or subcontractors
8. price after the rebate, and payment terms

If a quote can't answer one of these, ask before you decide.

What are the risks of a quote that's too low?

Missing items get added later as variations, the battery may be smaller than it looks, or backup and switchboard work aren't included. None of that is visible in a headline price.

What does Panda include?

A free proposal first, then a fixed quote after a site inspection. The quote names every piece of equipment by model, states usable capacity and warranties, and lists any extra work separately. Home batteries start from the range on our battery prices page, after rebates and including GST.

A real example

We installed a 24.96 kWh GoodWe battery in Collaroy. The quote set out the battery model, its capacity, the work and the warranties line by line, which is what makes a fair comparison possible.

Got another quote?

Send it to us with your proposal request. We will compare it with ours line by line and explain any differences plainly.