Top 10 questions to ask your Plico Project Manager

1. What size system do I need? Your system should be designed for your current and future energy needs, with your individual goals in mind. If you're looking at a full solar + battery system, you'll want to discuss your solar panel capacity (this may be impacted by your roof and shading), battery capacity and inverter size. 
2. What is the warranty and what does it cover? You want to ensure your system is covered for faults and know who to call if something goes wrong. 
3. Will the battery work during a blackout? Understand what is covered by blackout protection and if it is included in the price. Most Plico systems will provide backup power (if the battery has charge) to one or two essential circuits during an outage. 
4. Where can my battery be installed? You'll want to discuss a suitable location for your battery. There are Australian Standards that govern where a battery can be installed. Clearances are required for windows, exits and other appliances. Confirming a suitable location is essential before your installers arrive on site. 
5. What rebates am I eligible for? With generous government rebates available, you want to ensure you're getting the best deal. Not all solar + battery systems or solar battery providers are eligible. 
6. What is the estimated payback period and ROI? Ask for an estimate on your potential savings and how long your payback period will be (if paying upfront). 
7. Do you use accredited installers? Ensure your system will be installed by professional, accredited installers. 
8. What is the total cost including installation? Now is the time to discuss your site and any potential additional costs so there are no surprises after your system is installed. 
9. Can I monitor the system via an app? Confirm if you can track real-time consumption, generation, and storage, and ask to see an example. 
10. What are my payment options? Discuss what payment options are available and the process involved. With Plico, you can choose to pay upfront, with Plico finance, a third-party loan or the WA Rebate no-interest loan (WA only), or a combination of these. 

This is just a snapshot of some of the questions you should ask during the sales process for a solar + battery or solar battery system. The important thing is to put all your questions on the table so you are confident moving forward. Remember, no question is a dumb question! You want to get a good understanding of how the system works, the installation process and how to optimise it once it's installed. 

Your Plico Project Manager is here to help you make the right decision for your energy future.

Other useful questions

1. What is the "depth of discharge" (DoD)? This dictates how much of the battery’s total capacity you can use without damaging it.
2. What is the wait time for a battery installation? With battery demand at an all-time high, wait times can be longer than expected. It's worth knowing how long the wait will be to set expectations.