Perth Solar Warehouse Shines at EUPD Research Top Installer Awards 2024

EUPD Reseach Top Installer Awards 2024 Derek McKercher Nicole Bilman PSW

The prestigious EUPD Research Top Installer Awards ceremony for 2024 unfolded at the iconic Cargo Hall Southbank in Melbourne, bringing together Australia’s leading solar installation companies. Hosted in collaboration with Supply Partners and supported by Phono Solar, Clenergy, Sungrow, and Greenbank Environmental, the awards celebrate excellence in the solar industry, acknowledging companies that demonstrate exceptional customer satisfaction and reportable company data.

This year, PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse secured EUPD Research’s coveted ‘installer’ award for the second consecutive year, solidifying their position as leaders in the Australian solar retail market.  

Key points

  • PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse recognised among Australia's elite solar businesses
  • A woman led success story
  • Streamlined digital processes improve customer satisfaction at scale.

PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse‘s consecutive win is a testament to unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Led by Nicole Bilman, one of the few women leading the charge in Australia’s solar industry, PSW [brands] has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence. Their success is one of teamwork, dedication, and a passion towards connecting people with their sustainable energy solution through digitally accessible convenience.

 

EUPD Research, a renowned market research and consulting firm, employs a rigorous evaluation process to identify top-performing installers. Their methodology combines customer satisfaction data with installation volume reporting, ensuring that awardees excel in both customer service and market penetration. This comprehensive approach makes every EUPD Research Top Installer Award an internationally recognised level of significant achievement within the solar industry.  

A Woman-Led Success Story

With 11 years of energy business experience as a cornerstone, General Manager Nicole Bilman has guided PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse to become a stand out sustainable energy solutions provider on the Australian landscape. A vote of confidence by Director Derek McKercher [2021], her business management success challenges stereotypes and demonstrates the power of diversity and inclusion in the renewable energy sector. Bilman’s leadership has fostered a company culture prioritising customer satisfaction, employee empowerment, and environmental responsibility.

Image: Nicole Bilman, PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse General Manager via LinkedIn

Teamwork & Customer Focus: The Heart of Success

However, these achievements are not solely attributed to PSWs leadership. The businesses foster a close-knit team environment where every member plays a crucial role in achieving successful customer outcomes. This collaborative spirit is evident in their dedication to exceptional customer service, ensuring clients feel valued and supported throughout their solar journey.

From the initial consultation to the final installation and in support, PSW’s EUPD Research Top Installer award-winning team works closely with customers, providing responsive advice and convenient solutions to meet their energy needs. This personalised approach, coupled with a commitment to using high-quality products and employing skilled SAA-accredited installers, has earned a reputation for excellence in the industry.

Gallery ›

Forging a Digital Approach on the Australian Solar Landscape

PSWs’ journey is noteworthy considering the West Australian solar market’s dynamic and highly competitive nature. A more streamlined digital approach improves business efficiency, offers value to the end-user, and maintains a competitive yet high-quality approach with local knowledge.

With increasing demand for renewable energy solutions and a growing number of installers vying for market share, PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse have distinguished themselves through a commitment to customer satisfaction, quality workmanship, and ethical business practices while committing to long-term customer outcomes. 

Derek McKercher, Nicole Bilman, Daniel Fuchs, infront of the EUPD Research Top Installer Awards - Australia 2024 banner displaying the EUPD Research Installer Award certificate and shield.

Image Left to Right: Daniel Fuchs – EUPD Research, Nicole Bilman (PSW General Manager), Derek McKercher (PSW Director).

It’s more of a dedication to sustainability that extends beyond core business operations. PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse actively engage in community initiatives and educational programs, promoting the benefits of solar energy and contributing to a more diverse energy mix future for Australia.

Looking Ahead

As Australia transitions towards a sustainable energy future, businesses like PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse will play a vital role in driving this transformation locally. Their commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and sustainable practices inspires the entire industry to adopt an enhanced digitalised business model. With continued dedication and balanced leadership, PSW brands are poised for continued success.

The EUPD Research Top Installer Award 2024 is a well-deserved recognition of a united achievement. PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse’s story is a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and a passion for making a difference in the local energy supply market.

References

EUPD Research: Top Brand PV Installer Award recipient list 2023, 2024

EUPD Research Award Certificates: PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse  

PSW Energy: EUPD Research Installer Award 2024: Innovation Meets High Satisfaction

Perth Solar Warehouse: EUPD Research Top Installer Awards 2024 and a Digital Revolution in Solar

SigenStor Approved: PSW Energy Delivers Sigenergy Showcase

Sigenergy mySigen app for SigenStor in the palm of a users hand displaying the energy ecosystem on a mobile smart device

June 5, 2024: Sigenergy Sigenstor single-phase 5 and 6 kW reach ‘CEC-approved’ status for compliance in the Australian market, marking the green light for Sigenergy single-phase 5 and 6 kW system (with battery) installations in Australia. Given single-phase approval, Sigenergy’s three-phase SigenStor approval should follow in the not-to-distant future.

The anticipated approval of SigenStor single-phase systems is welcome news for electrification enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive sustainable energy solution towards an entirely electric shift. More notably, SigenStore has an easily adaptable (modular) ‘Sigen EV DC charging module‘ with up to 25 kW fast charging capability for those eagerly awaiting a bidirectional electric vehicle charging solution.

Further complementing an industry-leading product lineup of sustainable energy products, PSW Energy has launched a Showcase category for Sigenergy today in selected West Australian regions. Due to higher profiling, PSW Energy’s Showcase categories remain reserved for specific products that resonate and appeal to consumers. Sigenergy sits alongside Tesla (Home Energy and EV Charging) and Bluetti (Camping and Portable Power) as one of three specialised products likely to add greater value for more through improved user experience, further expediting sustainable energy uptake.

Gauging the rapid appeal in European and Asian markets, SigenStor’s 5-in-one, and more customisable design is likely to outpace many established inverter and sustainable energy brands in Australia from 2025.

” SigenStor is not just another rehashed, rebadged solution we’ll see prominently throughout SNEC 2024 [Shanghai New Energy Conference]. It’s 100% its own, from software to hardware. Once in a decade, a new technology emerges that gains virtually instant consumer appeal. Sigenergy is this decades. Most notably, they’ve recruited really well as the foundations to drive rapid adoption.

Sven [Albersmeier-Braun] is highly regarded for his time at SENEC and is ideal for the European markets. Will [Hall] is respected among industry professionals and has been appointed Australia’s director through extensive Australian solar industry experience. He’s committed to hard work and will take great care of Sigenergy in Australia. These people don’t just go to any company. More depth comes from leading global marketing and software development backgrounds who can inspire positive change.“

Derek McKercher

Sigenergy SigenStore will complement Australia’s love for superior technology that incorporates a high-value feature return no matter where one is on their sustainable energy journey. Given that Sigenstor can work as a simplified hybrid inverter-only option ready for future expansion, the base-level solution has a relatively low entry point. More comprehensively, with all features incorporated, SigenStor is the ultimate all-in-one electrification (solar, battery, and EV charging) solution from the start.

Although not yet approved,  comparative base-level Sigenergy 5 kW SigenStor hybrid inverter (no battery), through PSW Energy with 6.6 kW of combined nominated solar panels, is attainable in the mid-price bracket. An equivalent option positioned between Goodwe and Fronius and considered a high-value inverter based on added features.

View the PSW Energy Sigenergy Showcase ›

Aiko solar panels to add fierce competition in Australia

Q2, 2024, Aiko Solar will arrive in Australia, adding fierce competition in the ultra-high efficiency stakes. Primarily a world-leading manufacturer in cell shipments (Rank: 2nd, 2023, source: InfoLink), the technology and value incorporated within Aiko solar panels initial release, the Neostar 2S, will surely appeal to many purchasers and vendors in the mid-range premium system sector.

Aiko and key Australian distributors have finalised distribution agreements with four high-profile strategic partners: Solar Juice, Sol Distribution, AC Solar Warehouse, and Tradezone. Mckercher Corporation subsidiaries PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse have committed to becoming one of Australia’s installers for Aiko Solar panels as part of a turnkey solution.

Left to right: Grant Behrendorff – AC Solar Warehouse, Elio Cordaro – Sol Distribution,  Alex Hang – Aiko, Rami Fedda – Solar Juice,  Tradezone.

Before the distribution signing, Aiko Australia’s Key Account Manager, Ross Crawford, delivered an in-depth product overview at the product launch. However, he singled out McKercher Corporation Director Derek McKercher to share the moment unveiling the Aiko solar panel range. “About six weeks ago, when I updated my LinkedIn profile to show I was now working for Aiko, I very quickly received an excited phone call from a good friend and solar business owner, Derek McKercher, from Perth Solar Warehouse. Derek was over the moon that I had joined Aiko, and he began to talk to me about how he had been watching Aiko for some time now. It was great to see the Aiko technology reach Australian shores. In the weeks since, Derek has been putting together some great content anticipating Aiko launching in Australia. I want to invite Derek to unveil our product offering…”

Derek McKercher unveiling the Aiko Neostar ABC n-type residential solar panel at the Aiko launch event, Cockle Bay, Sydney during Ross Crawford's key note presentation.

Image: Ross Crawford (left) Derek McKercher (right) unveiling the new Aiko Neostar ABC N-Type solar panel range for the Australian market.

Customers can rest assured that we’re committed to delivering the most advanced solar and sustainable energy technology. As an Intersolar and Reddot design awardee for 2023, Aiko Solar has subjected its design to innovative scrutiny and prevailed among its peers from two of the most decorated awards on the global circuit.

Among an elite calibre, REC Alpha Pure previously acquired the 2022 Instersolar award for innovation based on its lead-free HJT (heterojunction technology). In 2021, LONGi Solar added Galium dopping to its wafers, mitigating the effects of performance degradation usually associated with conventional P-Type solar panels in the Hi-MO 5. With high recognition for module innovation and design, Aiko Solar looks set to be a revered name on the Australian landscape.

Unlike alternative leading module efficiency innovators, pricing guidance is a likely 20% premium over alternative mainstream market options–a less conventional premium for an efficiency title holder that is almost sure to attract instant local market traction.

Aiko Solar panels are now available for pre-order at PSW Energy as part of a turnkey solar package.

Product review: The Aiko Solar panels set to revolutionise the Australian market ›

Note: originally posted on February 19, 2024, this post has been updated to incorporate the Aiko launch event at Cockle Bay Wharf in Sydney on March 5, 2024.

Sunwiz Awards 2024: PSW is a Top 5 Solar Company in WA

Derek McKercher with arms folded and smiling with Sunwiz Awards 2024 logos in the top left corner

Before a March 7th, 2024 ceremony, Sunwiz, an industry market intelligence provider, pre-announced PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse as a Top 5 solar installer collaborating submitted Solar Panel Verification data. SPV data is used to notify the Clean Energy Regulator of solar panels connected to the grid as Part of the Small Technology Certificate (subsidy) scheme. Complementing such an achievement was a Best Installer award through verified customer experiences.

Top 5 Combined Western Australia: PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse polled 4th overall and ranked as one of the state’s most popular choice providers of solar energy systems. Leading volume was never a core focus for PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse, although an outstanding reputation and improved online purchasing experience have had a flow-on effect on customers.

Best Rated Australia, Top 20: At the core of PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse is customer experience. 2024 saw a 12th overall polling compared to other Australian companies in the Best Rated — Most Popular of the Sunwiz Awards, measuring at least 150 reviews from two or more trusted review platforms with a greater than 4.8 customer rating average. PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse measured 4.85 over Google [4.81] and SolarQuotes.com.au [4.88] for the 2023 calendar year.

Further reading and reference:

Sunwiz: PSW is A Top Volume Solar Retailer & Best Rated for 2023 ›

Perth Solar Warehouse: Sunwiz Awards 2024: Top 5 WA and a Best Rated Solar Company Australia ›

PSW Energy: PSW Energy is a Sunwiz award-winning business in 2024 ›

Tesla Performance Excellence Award, Q4, 2023

Kate Rutherford pictured holding a glass of champagne for the Tesla Energy Performance Excellence Award

PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse acquired the Tesla Performance Excellence Award through a 362% year-on-year (YoY) growth for Powerwall sales in Q4, 2023, cementing their position as Perth’s leading Tesla Energy product supplier in 2024—a result reflecting preferred consumer patterns for digitalised purchasing options aligned with local market knowledge.

PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse provide profound knowledge-sharing opportunities for customers to perform in-depth product research for suitability without typical in-home consultation services, relieving additional expenses previously normalised with laborious sales consultancies. The process influencing the ability to streamline services consists of 90% of installations suitable for remote product compatibility auditing and proven customer outcomes [4.8/5] from Tesla internal surveys.

A testament to team collaboration, the awarded subsidiaries of McKercher Corporation provide a user-friendly purchasing experience complemented by using in-house service technicians for superior quality control along the customer journey. Such recognition is only possible with all staff contributing to a shared customer-centric focus. McKercher Corporation would like to recognise all staff who improve the adoption of Tesla Energy products so that more customers can experience enhanced Powerwall benefits.

The Tesla Performance Excellence Award compliments PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse’s reinstated Tesla Premium Certified Installer 24 recognition for a third consecutive year. Tesla Premium Certified Installers are among Tesla’s top 5% of local installers (Australia) through superior reputation and improved customer outcomes. The Tesla Performance Excellence Award further compliments this esteemed recognition.

Further sources: PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse

High Distinction: Tesla Premium Certified Installer 2024

Tesla Certified Premium Installer 2024 - PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse wall paper

January 2024: PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse is recognised as a Tesla Premium Certified Installer for the third consecutive year. With an enduring commitment to high-quality and deep product suite knowledge, Tesla Premium Certified Installers represent only 5% of Tesla Energy product installers. Such distinction aims to assist customers in fine-tuning their installer selection towards superior Tesla product outcomes.

Tesla Premium Certified Installers are selected based on a committed fulfilment of criteria essential to the long-term growth of sustainable energy. It’s important to note that once attained, Tesla Premium recognition is never guaranteed. It’s an evolution of aligned core beliefs towards superior self-sustainable power supplies for all. That’s why an inherent importance exists around accurate implementation–a local business most likely to support your energy security long-term.

Derek McKercher [McKercher Corporation, Director] welcomed the strengthened local relationship between the two organisations as pivotal in enduring manufacturer-to-local business relationships.

“A direct relationship over an enduring period has allowed PSW to assist Tesla’s mission towards broader adoption of sustainable energy products for more. Additionally, customers prefer fewer [distributor] layers of complexity, especially where warranty concerns arise.”

Derek McKercher

Proving to be one of the world’s most advanced companies towards independent electrification, Tesla has earned a reputation for attention to detail to earn success. Therefore, why not seek within its top 5% of installation partners where long-term energy security exists? There is no warranty if a product installation doesn’t meet manufacturer specifications. Tesla Certified Premium Installers are Tesla’s most trusted brand partners. McKercher Corporation welcomes this continued trusted recognition of it’s subsidiaries PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse.

Subsidiaries Attain Solar Quotes Legendary Ranking

Solar Quotes Legendary PSW Energy Perth Solar Warehouse

The world of sustainable energy is evolving at virtually break-neck speed, and it’s easy to become swept up in the hype. However, sustainable energy isn’t new. It’s rapidly evolved over 15 years in Australia, building tangible customer satisfaction data from established businesses committed to long-term positive outcomes.

Attaining SolarQuotes.com.au’s most coveted status – Legendary installer ranking, PSW Energy & Perth Solar Warehouse is among Australia’s Top 10 solar companies on the SolarQuotes.com.au platform for customer satisfaction: rating x volume x time. With more than 200 reviews within the last three years and an average review score of at least 4.85 / 5.0, only ten companies Australia-wide have achieved similar status.

Therefore, it should be relatively easy to discern the ideal alignment for your investment. Unfortunately, not everything is as it seems when operators aim to influence a narrative with a less customer-centric approach. An ex-CSIRO Engineer (Finn Peacock) identified such occurrences and began an ambitious task of making the water a little less mirky.

Related post:  Acknowledged by Time magazine, it’s now known that 2023 is the year of Taylor Swift due to a rising global influence and standards of female empowerment depending on one’s views—honourable mention, Sam Altman (Chat GPT), Time magazine CEO of the year. A lot less international, but influencing positive outcomes for the globe and energy consumers within Western Australia, 2023 is the year PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse appeared on the radar of many high-calibre analysts. Continue reading ›

As data is often subjective, few leaderboards are available to consumers researching installers within their local area. However, on a customer satisfaction level, one mechanism exists for consumers to better discern installer credibility in highly competitive locations such as Australian capital cities. Regarding installer qualification, consider the SolarQuotes.com.au Best Solar Installer Rating system to assist in making an energy investment decision.

Perth’s Inaugural PSW & Tesla Energy Tech Talk

Powerwall 2 in the shadows (black & white) for the inaugural Tesla Energy Tech Talk in Perth Western Australia

The journey toward electrification and energy self-sufficiency in the past has proven to be quite complex. However, it doesn’t need to be. On November 16, 2023, PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse, alongside Tesla Energy, hosted a Tesla Energy Tech Talk in Perth, Western Australia.

Overwhelming demand saw RSVP capacity exhausted within 48 hours. The response comes as Western Australian energy consumers seek to improve their self-sufficiency while gaining a greater understanding of the most advanced technology available for home storage integration. After a round of detailed insight by three guest speakers within their respective fields (including Derek McKercher, McKercher Corporation Director and CTO for PSW Energy & Perth Solar Warehouse), attendees could participate in an open panel discussion with some of the future-focused minds. Proving engaging, customers discussed openly bespoke circumstances, where question marks may have lingered.

Event preview: PSW x Tesla Energy Tech Talk 2023 ›

As McKercher Corporation subsidiaries, PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse share a common goal of assisting in the simplified and expedited adoption of sustainable energy, with a high degree of positivity from users. Perhaps more important as an organisation, is staff recognition who also commit to a shared belief, and this is a time when a magnitude of staff appreciation is necessary. McKercher Corporation staff for PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse, who attended the Tech Talk at Tesla Osborne Park (Western Australia), contributed significantly to ensure attendees curious about attaining a greater self-sufficient electrification journey, had every opportunity to be comfortable. Your support identifies a shared belief amongst all towards a future with better outcomes. Thank you.

Top 10 Solar Companies Australia 2023: Perth Solar Warehouse

Top 10 Solar Companies Australia 2023 Perth Solar Warehouse

May 2023: McKercher Corporation business receives recognition for outstanding customer satisfaction in sustainable energy products. Presented at the Smart Energy Council Awards Ceremony, Sunwiz solar market intelligence provider recognised Perth Solar Warehouse as one of the Top 10 solar companies in Australia 2023 due to a high customer satisfaction rating across diverse platforms.

Held on May 4th 2023, on the final day of the Smart Energy Council Conference and Exhibition, Sunwiz, a solar market intelligence provider, delivered Australia’s most recognised installer awards to assist consumers discern who genuinely are the Top companies within their respective fields. Sunwiz accesses industry data from a non-bias perspective to deliver broad-spectrum knowledge to sustainable energy investors.

When assessed amongst competing Australian solar energy providers, Perth Solar Warehouse received two high-distinction awards: 

  • Top 100 Companies for an Overall consumer rating 2023 (Australia-wide).
  • Top 10 Solar Companies Australia 2023, Most Popular Retailer.

What makes this achievement quite resounding is the Australia-wide classification when Perth Solar Warehouse operates solely in the Perth and Bunbury regions of Western Australia.

“Being recognised as a 2023 Top 10 Most Popular Solar Company in Australia is an achievement for all staff involved along the journey. PSW staff committed to the goal of outstanding customer focus. They are the fabric of Perth Solar Warehouse, and this award is a testament to sustained customer centricity over time. Thank you to all who have contributed to outstanding customer focus along the journey.“

Derek McKercher

Using available data across diverse reviewing platforms that considered the Top 10 solar companies have in common, PSW Energy deciphered the overall Top 10 Solar Companies in Perth by consumer satisfaction ratings. When comparing companies, it’s important to compare multiple reviewing platforms for review legitimacy, as certain companies will focus energy on drowning out negative reviews. A warning sign in such a scenario is high review counts and minimal review text. Most people leave genuine reviews because they want to, and it’s easy to discern. Honest reviews come from an inspired place, a place more profound than a five-word sentence.

Sunwiz solar industry market intelligence has identified these aspects alongside volume data when evaluating the Top 10 solar companies in Australia 2023. Perth Solar Warehouse is a proud recipient of such esteemed recognition.

Sunwiz Awards and recognition: Top 10 Solar Companies Australia 2023, Perth Solar Warehouse › 

Huawei Elite Reseller Award: PSW Energy & Perth Solar Warehouse

Huawei Elite Reseller Installer fitting a Huawei Inverter to the wall

Three Australian businesses have been recognised as inaugural Huawei Elite Resellers for exceptional product knowledge and customer support. Achieved through associated brands Perth Solar Warehouse and PSW Energy, McKercher Corporation was proud to be announced as one of Australia’s first Huawei Elite Resellers.

The inaugural Huawei Digital Power Ecosystem Partner Summit 2021 was hosted as a virtual event in the wake of Covid-19 international travel restrictions to over 5000 attendees worldwide as part of the conclusion to the Shanghai New Energy Conference (SNEC) 2021 – the world’s largest renewable energy conference.

A diverse product offering, Huawei’s expanded product suite (beyond telecommunications) includes associated solar generation technologies set to be a pivotal component within all self-generated power supplies.

Li Jian, Huawei’s President of Global Marketing & Sales & Service (Digital Power) identified Huawei’s mission is to collaborate with technically astute specialist energy companies (Perth Solar Warehouse and PSW Energy) to deliver a customer-centric energy transformation experience.

As a Huawei Elite Reseller, customers can expect advanced product knowledge from local experts with one of the most secure product warranty options available.

Quick Links: Huawei Elite Reseller Perth Solar Warehouse and PSW Energy.