Solar installation
Solar installation: what to expect
Here's the typical path from first conversation to a working system. Timeframes vary by installer, network and location.
The installation process
Step 1: Assessment and quote
The installer reviews your bills and roof — often using satellite imagery, sometimes with a site visit — and prepares a quote.
Step 2: Approvals
The installer usually applies to your electricity network for approval to connect, which can set the maximum size you can export.
Step 3: Installation day
Panels, mounting and inverter are installed. Most home installations take a day or two.
Step 4: Inspection and meter
Depending on your state and retailer, the system may need inspection and a meter change before it exports to the grid.
Step 5: Handover
You should receive documentation, warranty details and a walkthrough of the monitoring app.
Questions to ask your installer
- Who will do the installation — your own team or subcontractors?
- Who handles network approval and metering?
- What's the expected timeframe from signing to switch-on?
- What happens if something goes wrong after installation?
Frequently asked questions
What size solar system do I need?
It depends on how much electricity you use, when you use it, your roof space and orientation, and whether you plan to add a battery or an EV. Installers size the system after looking at your bills and roof — which is why comparing a few quotes helps.
Does my roof need to face north?
North-facing panels generally produce the most across the day in Australia, but east- and west-facing roofs can work well too, especially if you use more power in the morning or late afternoon.
Can I add a battery later?
Usually, yes. Ask each installer whether the inverter they're quoting is battery-ready, or what would be needed to add a battery later.
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