RACV Solar Bendigo Reviews
About
Oct 1, 2022
RACV Solar Bendigo (previously Cola Solar) are your local solar experts, offering customers knowledgeable advice, quality components, leading warranties and great customer support. Our local team has tailored thousands of solar solutions to homes and businesses across Central Victoria. We specialise in the installation, servicing and repairs of solar panels, battery storage, EV charging, hot water solutions and heating and cooling systems.
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RACV Solar Bendigo Reviews (249)
Show Most Recent reviews from All time across Australia
Average Scores
4.2/5
Value for money
4.3/5
Quality of System
4.6/5
Installation
4.5/5
Customer Service
- 5 star 57
- 4 star 163
- 3 star 25
- 2 star 3
- 1 star 1
View Timeline
20 May 2022
23 January 2022
Original Review on 24-05-2021:
Great Customer Service
I opted to go with Cola Solar as their quote was the best value for money of all the quotes I received. I was really impressed with the speed of the process, as my system was installed within 2 weeks of me accepting the quote. Unfortunately on the day of installation it was only possible to install a 4.07KW system (as opposed to the 5.18KW system planned in my quote) but again the team was really supportive and looked after me. Post installation connection to the grid/commencement of feed-in tariff was smooth and quick. I would definitely go with Cola Solar again.8 months later we asked Shane: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
The system has been reliable and performed well over the past 9 months. Peak production has been approximately 3.4kW during summer16 December 2021
Original Review on 15-04-2021:
Opinion of a retired electrical engineer (well out of practice)
I had a few small problems with the sales person not understanding several of my questions. After several repeats, I found out what I wanted to know.The installation went very well. The team were amenable to my requests (all cables concealed within walls, care screwing frames over a cathedral ceiling where clearance was limited, inverter location). The standard of work was excellent and was started several weeks before the quoted time.
I am now waiting for grid connection as an inspector is not yet available.
8 months later we asked Phillip: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes.
25 November 2021
Original Review on 26-03-2021:
System bought but not installed yet.
Planner was very good and only one to come on a site visit. I'll do a full review when it is completed8 months later we asked Adrian: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes29 July 2021
Great product BUT!
I have no complaints about the actual system works great.the service and attention to detail on the other hand not good
Our install was difficult (skillion roof) and a 30yr old steel profile and they did go the extra mile to find the right brackets.
The problem is that after the install we are left with screws poking through the lining boards (still finding these) of the ceiling and a leak above the Laundry which we had to fix ourselves.
My husband had to get up on the roof and fix the damage.
Now if they had addressed this when we reported the problem of the leak and offered some assistance it would be fine.
All my emails to them (which included pics) got no reply.
So in summary
Product great
Install not a good job
Customer service pretty hopeless.
J.
Supplier Reply:
Dear Julie,We are very sorry to hear about your experience. We have reached out to you and will work with you to reach a positive outcome.
Warm regards,
The Cola Solar Team.
05 July 2021
Original Review on 03-11-2020:
Very quick install on install date (4 hours)
Men appeared everywhere and they had a quick and slick install, we're just waiting for the electrical pass to be up and running.8 months later we asked Frank: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Since installing the system last year (5.1 KWH) we haven't had to pay power bills, in the summer we had more feedin credits than we used, and some of that credit is keeping us without bills to June 21, excellent value.10 June 2021
Cola Solar great to deal with
I have recently installed 3.3kw system. I received a call from a sales guy and he stepped me through the process really easily.There was plenty of emails back and forth to work out the state solar rebate. the office guys were only too happy to help.
The installation was seamless and good group of guys
I would recommend Cola Solar to others for sure
30 May 2021
Happy with Cola Solar
Effective communication, handled all the details including inspection and grid connection, efficient installation, after installation follow up to check satisfaction.26 May 2021
Original Review on 21-09-2020:
Cola Solar. Good to work with.
The quoting process was quick. The quoted price was very competitive, and was adhered to.All staff members I dealt with were polite, well informed and helpful.
Cola Solar organised the grid connection. The only thing I had to do was fill out the form for the government grant. The staff at Cola Solar did everything else.
The installation was fast and efficient. The system is well located in that it is not obtrusive. The company staff did everything they said they would within their specified time.
The Inspector said that the installation was done very well.
8 months later we asked Tom: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes. We have had the system since October last year (2021) and since then we have not had a bill. Our system is relatively small (3.5 kw) but is able to supply our electricity needs. We have been able to use our reverse cycle aircon for heating instead of using our gas ducted heating, which has been an additional saving. We should have installed the system earlier.21 April 2021
Solar 1 Electrical deserves a positive special mention eventhough I went with Cola Solar.
Solar 1 Electrical was the one who made contact with me while I worked busily from home.Solar 1 Electrical was very friendly and professional. She was punctual and through with gathering relevant information needed for the install and the quote during the site visit. She was also very technically experienced with what and hold solar panels can be installed. I had a now more challenging rooftop, now that there is an existing 2KW system to work around. I was ready sign with Solar 1 Electrical's reasonable quote for a Fronius 3.7KW system.
Inverter rating: 4/5
15 April 2021
Excellent Customer Service & Quality Installation
I can highly recommend the whole team at Cola Solar. Right from the beginning of the process, of getting quotes to the final installation and start up. All the team have been amazing, extremely helpful, polite, happy to assist with all questions and answers are provided promptly and efficiently. I would have no hesitation recommending the Team at Cola Solar to anyone.24 February 2021
Loving our system
Could not fault this company.From the office to the installers, absolute dream team. We weren’t a normal installation at all. Definitely required them to think outside the box and they delivered and persevered with absolute professionalism.
So happy we went with the Tesla battery. Get a great kick out of checking the app throughout the day!
Highly recommend
Panel rating: 5/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
Battery rating: 5/5
15 February 2021
Just wonderful
The second time we have used cola solar. From the initial contact to the faultless installation their staff ,knowledge , punctuality, coordination, professionalism, prompt relies, everything was outstanding. We would have no hesitation in recommending this firm to anyoneInverter rating: 5/5
08 February 2021
Excellent, supportive service.
The sales and quoting process was straightforward and clear. They were of great assistance in helping me to apply for the State government rebate - of more help than Solar Victoria was, I have to say. However, I remain gratefull to the State government for providing the financial assistance.The installation was timely and efficient. The installers were helpful and provided assistance to download the Tesla app onto my phone and register the product.
I had occasion to have contact with Cola Solar on numerous occasions and customer service could not be faulted. Assistance was always quickly available and I was always contacted in a timely manner if my questions could not be answered immediately.
The system is running smoothly, and although I would might like to find a negative or two to this positive review in order to provide some balance, I cannot fault the service I received from Cola Solar from start to finish.
30 January 2021
Always go Local
We sought out several local companies in respect to quotes for solar panels on our residential home. I was so surprised to find that two other businesses did not even bother to return calls when they said they would.In the first instance, Cola Solar of Bendigo spoke to my husband, sent out an information pack via email, including a Google picture of our home with the panels superimposed so as to show how the installation would look.
The initial quote was what we expected to pay however closer to installation and without any input from us, Cola Solar made enquiries on our behalf and later advised that we actually qualified for 'Small Scale Technology Certificates' which reduced the cost of the installation for us significantly.
On the 29DEC20, Jonathan BEATTIE and his crew of young men attended at 0700hrs. It was obvious that they enjoy their job and working together as a team, which for me equates to a professional outfit employed by Cola Solar. The installation took just over half a day and once completed, Jonathan took the time to explain the process including the attendance of the Inspector prior to the unit being switched on.
It is not often that I make comment about services provided by companies however on this occasion, I sent an email to Cola Solar to thank them for their efforts, even before I became aware of this feedback page.
19 December 2020
All good
Good to deal with and system seems to be working very well. Can’t wait to receive my power billInverter rating: 4/5
17 December 2020
A very neat and tidy installation.
The quoting process was quick and efficient.Installation team were punctual, Job was done quickly and cleanly.
Customer service kept in touch during the process, relevant companies were contacted provide the grid connection.
Powercor completed their part on 10 Dec, still waiting for Origin to complete the job.(They have responded)
26 November 2020
Slick install, good customer service from the installation team
Slick install, good customer service from the installation team. Installation team finished in half a day, after discussing layout and final electrician sign off08 November 2020
Review
Everything went well good quotes good response times and good follow up.Panel rating: 4/5
07 November 2020
I recommend Cola Solar to anyone seeking solar power
From the very start of the process, the team at Cola Solar were great to deal with. The customer service in deciding on the best system, following up information and remaining informed of the process gave us a lot of confidence. When the day came to install, the team were fast, friendly and answered every stupid questions i didn't understand about Solar. I recommend the team at Cola Solar because i don't have a bad thing to say about the quality or service throughout the process. Thanks27 October 2020
installation excellent, communication from installers excellent,
Installers punctual, informative,System not turned on until inspected this arranged by installers.15 October 2020
Great service, responsive, helpful & friendly
Cola Solar are so good to work with. Everyone involved did what they said they would do, on time, happily as me helpfully. Great group of responsive and capable peopleJohn
15 September 2020
The best company we have dealt with.
Everything was clear and accurate from the first contact. All the work was done on time and very satisfactorily.Absolutely no complaints about the whole process and the staff, both administrative and installers were polite and helpful.
11 September 2020
Cola Solar is highly recommended for solar and battery install
The team at Cola Solar were great to work with from start to finish. They provide a friendly, professional advice and amazing solar and battery installation.We recieved our first electricity bill this winter and when comparing our bill for the same time last year, we seen 55% off difference in cost since we installed a battery and 6.4 kw solar setup. Very happy customer and higly recommend Cola Solar :)
Panel rating: 5/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
Battery rating: 5/5
02 September 2020
Fantastic Service
Great company to deal with. Fantastic communication and service on every level. Would recommend this company. The quote was spot on and the installation process was very professional. The guys did a great job and were very punctual on the day of installation.14 July 2020
Great After Sales Service
These guys are fantastic, especially Alexis. I had problems with the system that was clearly a powercor issue. Cola Solar worked on my behalf for 6 months dealing with powercor. Not once did Alexis tell me to deal with powercor myself. Now I have a system that is better than I expected. The after sales service is as good as the sales service. When I add a battery to the system I will only go to Cola Solar. I have been is sales for over 45 years and you guys are the best I have ever seen.Inverter rating: 5/5
04 July 2020
5KW Solar system and Powerwall 2 installation.
Cola Solar were very easy to speak to and I was kept up to date with all aspects of both installations. The installers could not have been any more friendly or helpful. When the jobs were completed, on both occasions, I was left with no clean up to do, very tidy and neat job. All other aspects of the install were attended to by the friendly and efficient Cola Solar staff, ie, inspection, grid approval etc. If you want a professional, well done installation,I recommend you give the team at Cola Solar a phone call.Inverter rating: 5/5
27 May 2020
29 April 2020
Great job
From beginning to end Cola Solar was helpful and efficient. Installers were polite and informative and I have no hesitation in recommending them. Their office staff were also extremely helpful, happy and courteous. Give them a go18 February 2020
Great service
From the first phone call to the aftersales service was impeccable. They were well-informed and gave us a great system. Even after the Huawei inverter malfunctioned and could have set the house on fire, they replaced it though it was some time before they could due to having to deal with huawei first. The second inverter has been working flawlessly.Panel rating: 4/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
22 January 2020
End to end process fantastic
From our first phone call with ColarSolar to our installation everything was great. The quote process, Vic Gov acceptance response was prompt and helpful. The installation was great, the team arrived on due date at time specified and carried out the work in a very professional manner and also spent time setting up our account and app monitoring process. Would highly recommend ColarSolar.Panel rating: 5/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
21 January 2020
Use someone else.
Very helpful to begin with until they got the deposit. Then waited over 2 months for anybody to make contact. I eventually called them to follow up and they said the had to conduct a site visit which would take an extra month. Took a day off work so the visit could be conducted; electrician was quite nice and helpful . One month after the site visit without any contact again I contacted them and they said that it was too hard and wouldn't be doing it. Definitely use someone else30 December 2019
Original Review on 18-04-2019:
All the people at Cola Solar were polite, courteous and very helpful. They kept us up date with the process, and we really appreciated their frequent communication and contact with us.9 months later we asked John: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes. Since the solar system has been exporting to the grid, we have been in credit most weeks, depending on sunshine hours!17 December 2019
Everything went as expected.
The whole process was very painless. Everything progressed from step to step without any problems.Installation crew were friendly and professional.
25 October 2019
Great installer, fantastic knowledge and good after sales service. Very Helpful
Cola Solar have been great to deal with. They were actually the cheapest of the quotes received and a well known name around Bendigo. From the quote to applying for the grant from Solar Vic they were great to deal with. They kept me updated without hassling me with constant phone calls and emails after receiving the quote. They were knowledgeable about the Solar Vic process and happy to help with it.The installation process was easy and quick and to a high standard with the inspector arriving only days later to inspect it. Had a small problem with the wifi monitoring not working but they came around on a public holiday to get it working.
Customer service has been friendly and helpful. Recommended 100%
Panel rating: 5/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
19 October 2019
Professional Job
My experience with the Solar Victoria Rebate Scheme involved dealing with the retailer Cola Solar in Bendigo.I found the people at Solar Victoria to be helpful and courteous, given that I was on a steep learning curve and needed to ring back a number of times.
Before deciding to go with Cola Solar, I investigated the other retailers in Bendigo. One particularly memorable incident involved a retailer who tried apply for thirty rebates on behalf of customers and only succeeded in acquiring three by using three computers in their office. This led me to enquire with Solar Victoria about whether or not retailers should be making application for rebates on behalf of customers. I was informed that this not meant to happen, as you’re meant to make application yourself. Another retailer was still in the process of setting up a small rented factory.
I was successful in obtaining the rebate only after hitting the “retry†button around ten times (you need to be persistent).
The office staff at Cola Solar were extremely helpful. Especially given my usual method of finding new questions to ask.
For $650.00 and the twelve-month interest free lone, the Cola Solar team did an extremely professional job of installing fourteen panels, the inverter and the other electrical components. A well designed and neatly installed system was the result.
I’m now wondering how I ever managed to live without solar panels giving me free electricity and allowing me to do my bit for the environment.
Stephen Mooney
Bendigo
Inverter rating: 5/5
14 August 2019
Excellent and speedy install.
Sales person was courteous and knowledgeable of products requested.Installation team arrived when scheduled and provided quality and quick works.
Customer service has been in contact via email but I am still awaiting inspection and connection to occur.
08 August 2019
29 July 2019
The contract installer they used was brilliant. However there communication via email in responding to emails was average
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21 July 2019
Original Review on 19-11-2018:
Answered all questions promptly. Were courteous with their interactions.8 months later we asked Katrina: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Exceeded expectations02 June 2019
Fanstastic installer.
Cola Solar offered a very competitive quote with high quality brands. They were very knowledgeable and professional, and this was evident throughout the whole process not just the quoting aspect. They have a very cohesive team that works well together, bringing together all the different parts of the quoting, ordering, installation and post-installation. I was kept up to date the entire time with regular emails, and when I did need to ask them questions they were informative and friendly. The panels I initially ordered were not able to be delivered but Cola Solar told me as soon as they were aware of the issue and ended up providing me the same brand panels at a higher kW for no extra cost at their own initiative. The installation itself went very smoothly with no issues at all, as did the final independent inspection. I am very happy I went through Cola Solar and highly recommend them.30 May 2019
23 May 2019
On the whole Colar Solar were great, fantastic communication during the entire process. Everything was smooth and communication to me excellent.
The only grip and it's a minor one, all things considered.
The after install support did not seem to have a great deal of experience with the Fronius smart meter bolt on option that I purchased.
As I was keen to not only have information on the solar production but also on my own electrical usage (loads and production).
The Fronius system seems to be reporting that it has firmware updates pending.
This system has a admin password that is set by the installer, post install no one appears to know what this has been set to.
I appreciate that firmware updates can be risky and a bad one can render a device as a brick. But It would be an extra benefit to a client any pending updates were handled at the time of the install, rather than left to the consumer to either ignore (and never have the benefits of bug or security improvements) or update and non-technical user risk bricking their components. The admin password set on the smart meter should be supplied to the client, regardless if they ever intend to do anything with the system or not.
I shall follow this issue up directly with Fronius support.
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The only grip and it's a minor one, all things considered.
The after install support did not seem to have a great deal of experience with the Fronius smart meter bolt on option that I purchased.
As I was keen to not only have information on the solar production but also on my own electrical usage (loads and production).
The Fronius system seems to be reporting that it has firmware updates pending.
This system has a admin password that is set by the installer, post install no one appears to know what this has been set to.
I appreciate that firmware updates can be risky and a bad one can render a device as a brick. But It would be an extra benefit to a client any pending updates were handled at the time of the install, rather than left to the consumer to either ignore (and never have the benefits of bug or security improvements) or update and non-technical user risk bricking their components. The admin password set on the smart meter should be supplied to the client, regardless if they ever intend to do anything with the system or not.
I shall follow this issue up directly with Fronius support.
20 May 2019
Great to do business with
Asked different people who they had used for their Solar installation and quite a few in our area suggested Cola Solar. Rang Cola Solar and after sending a few photo's (we were well out of the area to come and inspect) we settled on Cola Solar and couldn't be more pleased. The installation guys showed up on time and quickly set about doing what they do, everyone hooked in and knew what their job was without anyone clashing.Once installation was finished, everything was explained to us and how the system should be operating and if we had any issues to contact them, which we haven't needed to do as yet.
Even when the inspector came out he pretty much explained how things should be working and what to look out for if we thought things didn't seem right was pretty much the same as Cola Solar's.
Even though the installation was part way through a electricity cycle we noticed a there was a difference on our bill and it has continued to drop.
15 May 2019
Excellent customer service. Great communication through every step of the process.
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10 May 2019
Kept informed from start to finish. Met all requirements.
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03 May 2019
The after-installation service I received was outstanding!
The system started cutting my power costs almost immediately, and to a significant degree.
The technical and administrative staff of Col Solar are both capable and helpful.
Apleasure to do business with this company!
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The system started cutting my power costs almost immediately, and to a significant degree.
The technical and administrative staff of Col Solar are both capable and helpful.
Apleasure to do business with this company!
26 April 2019
26 April 2019
22 April 2019
I think it is important to get a number of quotes, speak to people at the suppliers as well as to others who have had solar installed already. Also go for components at the top of the range if you can afford it, they do have a proven track record.
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Professional installation
Cheapest quote. Prompt and professional service.very helpful. As soon as rebate approved promptly installed.arrived on time.professional and friendly workers .neat and tidy job.Very happy.John.B