Is quality solar still possible in a race-to-the-bottom industry?
Solar is more affordable than ever, but with that has come an influx of cheap gear, fly-by-night installers, and disappointing after-sales service. In this deep dive with Brad Ott, founder of Velocity Solar in Geelong, we uncover what it really means to deliver quality in a race-to-the-bottom industry.
A Local Spark: How Velocity Solar Began
Brad Ott started as a domestic electrician, wiring new homes before branching into solar installation. What began as a side interest quickly grew into a full-time business. Instead of chasing leads, Velocity grew through word of mouth, with a strong focus on long-term customer satisfaction.
The business has now operated for over 15 years, with a steady team and a deliberate focus on education, both for customers and employees. Velocity doesn’t sell systems based on commission, and doesn’t incentivise upselling.
Core Philosophy: Educate, Don’t Just Sell
At Velocity Solar, education is the foundation of everything. Customers are guided through the decision-making process, with a strong emphasis on finding the right system, not the biggest or most profitable one. New staff receive comprehensive training to improve their knowledge, and the company actively avoids the common installer silo between admin, sales and technical teams.
Internally, every apprentice is supported to achieve their A-grade license and full solar accreditation. The same level of investment goes into sales and admin staff.
Why Site Inspections Still Matter
Velocity refuses to do installations without visiting the property first. Designs are tailored, realistic, and compliant, not based on generic satellite plans. This on-site approach avoids costly surprises and ensures the final system matches the customer’s home and lifestyle.
Brad even built a free online pricing tool that mirrors his 15 years of experience. It helps homeowners self-assess their energy needs and receive a rough estimate—no phone number required.
Off-Grid Specialists Who Back Their Work
Velocity also stands out in the off-grid market, where getting it wrong can mean blackouts, failed equipment, and high replacement costs. Brad stresses the importance of high-quality components like Selectronic, Sigenergy and Victron, combined with accurate system sizing and ongoing support.
For rural properties facing $60,000 to $100,000 grid connection quotes, a $40,000 to $60,000 off-grid system can be a better long-term investment—if done properly.
Batteries Done Right: No Shortcuts
The rapid rise in electricity prices and drop in feed-in tariffs have made battery storage more viable than ever. Velocity recommends batteries based on usage patterns and provides honest advice about lifespan, degradation, and expected return.
Crucially, they only install products with reliable support and avoid anything they wouldn’t use on their own homes.
After-Sales Service, Most Installers Can’t Match
What really sets Velocity apart is its long-term care. They offer:
- Annual inspections
- Automated system performance reminders
- Blackout protection alerts
- Ongoing help with energy plans
Customers often return for battery upgrades years after their original solar install. Velocity stays with each customer for the long haul.
Common Problems They Fix From Other Jobs
Velocity is frequently called in to inspect or repair systems they didn’t install. These include unregistered solar systems, incorrectly installed batteries, and non-functioning inverters. In some cases, customers have lost thousands in missed feed-in tariffs due to incomplete paperwork.
The team also works with rental properties and has come across highly unsafe DIY solar setups that never should have been allowed.
Advice for New Builds
Many new home builders are installing bare-minimum 2 kW systems just to tick the energy efficiency box. Velocity instead works with custom builders to deliver full-sized systems, often with batteries and EV-ready setups.
Doing it right from the beginning means less mess, better aesthetics, and long-term value.
Final Thoughts: Quality, Backed by Reputation
Velocity Solar isn’t trying to win every job. Instead, they focus on offering real service, proper design, and quality workmanship. That’s why they’ve been around for over 15 years, with one of the highest referral rates in Geelong.
For anyone weighing up cheap solar vs. trusted solar, Brad makes the answer clear: the real savings happen when the system works properly, lasts longer, and someone is still there to take your call when you need help.
