Installing a solar system

In Australia, north-facing configurations will enable your solar panels to capture the most sunlight. To get the most from your solar system, you’ll also want your solar panels to have clear access to the sun.

Shade from trees, neighbouring buildings or roof fixtures like chimneys can affect the amount of power your system generates. Even if just one panel in your system is shaded by 50%, your entire system could be reduced by a similar amount.

Repair or replace a broken roof

Solar panels can last 20-25 years on average, so you’ll want to make sure that your roof can do the same. It’s important to get a qualified tradesperson to check the suitability and condition of your roof before solar panel installation. They’ll need to check for any damage and make the necessary repairs.

Materials such as tin, concrete and terracotta have different requirements when it comes to attaching the solar panels. This will affect the time it takes to install the panels and ultimately the cost of installation.

Upgrade your meter box and switchboard

You can upgrade to a solar-compatible smart meter if you have one that’s too basic to run with solar energy or is faulty. Otherwise, you might just need to replace a few components so that your meter and switchboard meet current safety standards. Learn more about meter and switchboard upgrades here.

On installation day, our Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited solar technicians will be at your property to help set up your solar system and connect it to the grid.

To conduct a safe solar installation, our team might need to use the following safety equipment and procedures:

• AC isolator: An AC isolator is used for disconnecting the inverter from the grid for maintenance, repair or installations. If the switchboard is within 3 meters of the solar inverter installation, an AC isolator can be eliminated. Instead, a circuit breaker in the switchboard can be used to act as an AC isolator. The 3 meter rule becomes irrelevant if the switchboard is not in site of the solar inverter, for example there is a fence, in that instance an AC isolator would also be required.
• Metering neutral link: A metering neutral link is an earthing mechanism that is used to safely ensure that the circuits that are connected to your solar system, should anything go wrong, will either trip themselves or terminate so there won’t be any electrical damage. This is required to meet Australian safety and compliance standards.
• Shade awning: Direct sunlight can cause solar inverter ‘derating’ (that’s when a solar inverter reduces its power in order to protect it from overheating), which can reduce production and have an impact on warranties. Depending on wall space, it might be necessary to install shade awning on a north- or west-facing wall to help protect the inverter from harsh or extended sunlight.
• Scissor lift: A scissor lift may be required if the installers are unable to safely access your roof via ladder. A solar panel weighs roughly 19kg, so in order to keep our installers safe, it’s important that there’s a flat surface for a ladder to be placed, plus an appropriate height from ladder to roof. A scissor lift might also be recommended if it’s identified that there could be damage on your roof during the installation.

Not available in all areas. Price for a standard installation on a tin roof single-storey house in Zone 3 and within 50 km of state GPO or an installer location (except in Canberra and Townsville where additional charges apply). All prices include GST and small-scale technology certificates (STCs). The system purchased must be eligible for STCs and you must assign the rights to the STCs to us. Additional meter changeover/installation fees charged by your distributor may apply. Prices subject to change without notice. Limit of one system per address per 6-month period unless we agree otherwise. For installation timeframes and full terms, ask us when you call.