Alright, let’s switch gears and get real. You’ve read your 5 Steps to Get Started with Solar, and now you are ready to installing those shiny new panels on your rooftop. This guide is your go-to; it will guide you through every nook and cranny of solar installation, hooking up to the grid, and making sure your system keeps humming smoothly. We’re diving deep into the nuts and bolts of it all, ensuring you’re clued in on how to keep the lights on, sustainably. 

1) Installation 

Now that you’ve ticked off choosing your solar retailer, planning your solar setup, and inking the deal, it’s time for your solar system to get installed. Let’s walk through what comes next. We’ll cover the must-haves in system documentation and what your solar installer will bring to the table.  

Documentation

Let’s get down to brass tacks about the paperwork you’ll need once your solar system is up and running. System documentation includes the warranty card and instruction manual, among others. These documents are your go-to if you ever need to make a warranty or insurance claim down the line. So, on installation day, ensure your solar installer hands over all user manuals for your system.  

Keep an eye out for this essential paperwork checklist from your solar installer—it’s your right to have it: 

• List of Equipment Supplied. Know exactly what’s been installed, from solar panels to inverters. 
• Shutdown and Isolation Procedure. For when you need to power down safely, whether for an emergency or maintenance. 
• Basic Connection Diagram. Shows how your system is wired, including all the tech specs. 
• System Performance Estimate. A forecast of how much energy your panels will produce. 
• Recommended Maintenance. Tips to keep your system running smoothly. 
• Maintenance Schedule. When to check, clean, or update parts of your system. 
• Commissioning Sheet & Installation Checklist. Proof your setup was double-checked and is good to go. 
• PV Array Frame Engineering Certificate. Confirms your panels can withstand wind and weight. 
• Declaration of Compliance. Your installer’s guarantee that the work meets legal standards. 
• Warranty Information. The who and how of fixing things if they go south. 
• Manufacturer’s Documentation. Manuals and handbooks for all your new gear. 
• Earth Fault Alarm Actions. Steps to take if there’s a ground fault in the system. 

Procedure

Once you’ve chosen your solar provider and dotted the i’s on your contract, it’s showtime for installation. Here’s the no-fuss rundown of what happens on installation day: 

• Prep Work. The CEC-accredited team lands, armed with gear and a checklist, ensuring they’re not missing a beat or a bolt. 
• Safety First. A thorough once-over of your space ensures everyone’s safe and the setup’s solid. 
• Mounting. Up on the roof, the setup begins. Got a tiled roof? Keep some extras handy just in case. 
• Panel Placement. With precision, panels are placed and secured. 
• Wiring. Next up, connecting the wires to the inverter, ensuring your panels and home are in conversation. 
• Inverter Installation. The inverter finds its spot, ready to translate sunbeams into usable energy. 
• Ground Mounting (If Needed). Ground mounts? They’re set with the same care and precision as rooftop ones. 
• Test Run. With everything in place, a thorough check ensures every part’s performing perfectly. 
• Walkthrough. Before they call it a day, the team walks you through your new system. Questions? Now’s the time. 
• Clean Sweep. Leaving your space as they found it, minus the solar panels on the roof. 

2) Connect to the Grid 

This step in your solar journey ensures your system is properly integrated with the local energy network. Connecting to the grid allows you to feed excess electricity back and possibly benefit from feed-in tariffs. 

This process is typically managed by your solar retailer, who handles the necessary paperwork and liaises with electricity retailers and distributors to hook up your system. However, it’s important for you as the homeowner to stay informed about the progress, understand who to contact for updates, and confirm that all actions are completed promptly. 

Each state in Australia has its own procedures for grid connection, as well as variations in policies, incentives, and technical requirements. We highly recommend familiarising yourself with your state’s process through resources like the Australian Energy Regulator and the Clean Energy Council.  

Connection Process

Hooking up your solar system to the grid essentially unfolds in two phases.  

Application

This is where you get the green light from your local network to connect your new solar panels to the grid. Different areas and system sizes might have their own set of rules, so it’s crucial to get this step rolling early. Your solar team should handle this, but it’s wise to give them a nudge to ensure they’re on it, as this can sometimes take a couple of months. 

Meter Reconfiguration and Connection

After your system is up and ready, there’s the meter switch. Your old meter might need an upgrade to properly measure the electricity you’re feeding back into the grid. Whether it’s a tweak to the existing one or a brand-new meter, this step is key to officially hooking up to the grid and reaping the benefits of your solar investment. Your solar retailer will coordinate this change, but remember, there might be costs involved. It’s a good idea to clarify these details upfront to avoid any surprises on your bill. 

3) Maintenance 

A solar system isn’t just a set of panels on your roof; it’s a sophisticated piece of equipment that generates electricity. To keep it humming smoothly, maintenance is key. Your solar retailer or installer will hand you a maintenance schedule – a roadmap to ensure your system’s optimal performance and safety for everyone on the premises. 

Remember, an accredited CEC installer is your go-to for maintenance work because they offer more than just a panel clean-up. They’ll ensure your system is safe, efficient, and saving you money on power bills.  

And don’t overlook periodic checks like the anti-islanding test for your inverter, as required by some distributors. Each has its own set of rules, so staying informed is crucial. This maintenance not only safeguards your investment but also maximises your savings over the long haul. 

Inspections

After your solar PV system is installed, safety inspections might be conducted by the electrical authority in your area, which varies by state. These inspections could be mandatory or performed on a random basis.  

In certain states, it’s up to your installer to arrange these inspections, preferably before your system can be connected to the grid. Please be aware of your state’s requirements to ensure your system is compliant and can be activated as planned.

Required and Relevant Standards for Solar Systems in Australia 

System Upgrades

When considering future upgrades for your solar system, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind: 

• Distributor Approval. Firstly, getting the green light from your power distributor is crucial; they’ll need to approve any changes to your setup.  
• Panel Availability. Secondly, the solar panels you choose must still be available on the market and comply with the latest Australian Standards.  
• Feed-In Tariff Update. Lastly, be aware that upgrading your system might mean you’ll lose your current feed-in tariff.  

It’s wise to talk to both your electricity retailer and distributor to understand the requirements for system upgrades in your area, as these can vary from state to state. 

Solar Panel Recycling

Fortunately for you and the planet, there is an end-of-life process for your solar panels. As technology advances, the importance of responsibly disposing of or repurposing solar panels has been recognised.  

Organisations like Reclaim PV are leading the way in establishing solar panel recycling programs. They collaborate with various solar panel suppliers to ensure that once your panels have served their purpose, they’re taken care of in an environmentally friendly manner.  

It’s a good idea to ask your panel supplier if they participate in any recycling programs. For more in-depth information on how you can contribute to this sustainable practice, Reclaim PV’s website is a valuable resource. This approach helps in reducing waste and supporting the circular economy in the solar industry. 

Let’s Get You Started

Do you want to install solar panels at your home? Perfect, check out our best deals on solar panels for Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, and Melbourne and get in touch with us. We have a CEC-accredited team of seasoned experts who have transformed homes across Australia and are eagerly waiting to talk solar with you. Get expert recommendations and a final system design that meets your requirements and budget to a tee. Rest assured of our support all the way from the initial consultation to post-installation.