Committing to solar panels is simple to justify. The promises of cutting expenses and fossil fuels are apparent, but taking action on the process could deter some. This comprehensive outline can guide any household through the invigorating journey of solar panel installation. Each step is an opportunity to learn more about energy consumption, the building’s structure and the impact of making the transition.
Get an Energy Audit
Homes need to understand how much electricity they use before they can install an accurate number of panels. An energy audit reviews the building’s consumption patterns and recommends an array that could reasonably support the occupants. They may suggest more panels than the house might use, but this is a contingency for poor weather conditions and generating excess.
The auditor is only looking at the building’s specifications. They may be able to provide insight into how panels can perform depending on the weather, but their area of expertise is identifying household use and potential overconsumption areas.
Do a Roof Assessment
Solar panels have a life span of at most 30 years, which helps households consider what end-of-life management might look like. Fortunately, these frequently correlate with the life span of some roof materials. Ideally, homeowners should attempt to line these replacements as much as possible.
A professional roofer can look at its condition and execute repairs that could potentially extend its shelf life. However, some homes may need to reconcile the timing, which will be mismatched. In this case, residents may pay more to have solar panels removed and reinstalled if the roof needs replacing.
Check Roof Orientation
In the southern hemisphere, north-facing roofs receive the most consistent sun exposure, making them ideal for solar panel performance. East- and west-facing roofs are also viable but may produce slightly less energy. While reorienting an entire roof is uncommon, homeowners can still consider tilt frames or additional panels to compensate for less-than-ideal angles. Households can still install panels if their home is facing a different angle, but it could influence consistency or may demand the building have backup power.
Think About Landscaping and Hardscaping
Shading is another essential component. If there are massive trees or other shade structures in the way of the roof, these need moving or cut. It is crucial to maximize sun, especially for homes with suboptimal positioning. Make sure future landscaping and hardscaping plans, such as installing an awning or gazebo, do not hinder an array’s ability to capture sunlight.
Schedule a Solar Installer to Review System Setup
Most Australian homes have roofs suitable for solar, but older buildings or those with tiled or asbestos roofing may need a structural check. A licensed solar installer can typically assess this during a site visit. Likewise, your switchboard may need an upgrade to meet safety standards or support a battery — your installer will advise if this is necessary.
Receive an Electrical System Inspection
Families may understand if the home is structurally suited for holding solar panels, but can it support it electrically? A certified expert should come in to inspect a home’s power system to see if it can handle a solar array’s output. Sometimes, this warrants upgrading an electrical panel before getting installers on the roof.
Some of these essential inspections may be bundled if homes can find the right contractors with specific expertise in solar panel insights.
Check Local Council Rules and Strata Approval (If Applicable)
In most parts of Australia, standard rooftop solar installations on residential properties typically do not require council approval, provided they meet basic criteria (e.g. not exceeding height restrictions or affecting heritage values). For apartments or strata-titled dwellings, body corporate approval may be needed before installation. Your installer will usually handle grid connection paperwork with your local electricity distributor.
Financing and Incentives
Australian homeowners can access federal incentives through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) that reduce upfront installation costs. Additional support may include interest-free loans or solar rebates for eligible households. Always work with a CEC-accredited installer, as they can help you access the full benefits and navigate financing options.
Consider consulting with a solar installer first, as they are more likely to know what is possible than a lender who does not specialize in renewable energy. Doing solo research is also ideal, as homeowners can come prepared to meetings with questions and resources.
Select an Installer
Discovering the most reputable and cost-effective solar installer in the area requires time and patience. There are many criteria shoppers can judge a company on, including:
- Online reviews
- Customer service quality
- Pricing and financing flexibility
- Comprehensive warranties
- Environmental certifications
- Equipment types and solar panel materials
Narrow down options to a short list and get quotes from each to see how they compare. Shoppers should feel empowered to ask the installer any question, including queries about material sourcing or concerns from negative reviews.
Review Insurance and Warranties
There are several documents to review before asking a provider for a contract — homeowner’s insurance and product warranties.
Contact a homeowner’s insurance representative to see if current agreements include protections for solar panels. If this is absent, consider asking for additional coverage or seeking a new policy more considerate of renewable generators. It could protect them during severe weather or if there is unexpected roof damage. The worst-case scenario could cause homes to lose coverage if they want to install solar.
Then, contact the installer and see what warranties are available for the chosen panels. Typically, there are several types, including workmanship and product-specific terms. Workmanship warranties only cover mistakes made during installation and some maintenance activities. Product-specific terms consider component failures or defects. Ideally, purchasers want warranties to include both.
Review the Contract
The next item on the checklist is likely the most intimidating yet rewarding — scanning the terms and conditions. Avoid companies that pressure customers into a deadline, as these are meant to cloud decision-making skills. Trustworthy installers will give clients as much time as needed to review contracts.
Pay attention to details like payment terms, warranties, post-installation services and performance guarantees. Ask the installer to clarify any confusing language. If buyers are suspicious of transparency, they can review it with a lawyer to ensure the verbiage is fair and not misleading.
Set Up Solar Feed-In Tariffs With Your Energy Retailer
Check if your electricity retailer offers a solar feed-in tariff, which credits you for exporting surplus solar energy back to the grid. Rates vary by provider and location, so compare offers to maximise your return. Most Australian homes with solar are connected to the grid and automatically benefit from these arrangements once approved by the network distributor.
Compare pricing
Solar panels are an investment, with the average installation cost between $4,000 and $6,000 for a 6.6 kW system. This price makes it susceptible to theft. Consider installing security cameras if the building does not have them already. If they are already installed, check with the provider to make sure the sensors will not receive interference from any technology in the solar panels.
Plan for Accessibility
Households will need to safely access their solar panels. Electrical crews should be able to reach them in the future if there are performance concerns or if they need a seasonal cleaning. Ensure there are no obstacles or areas prone to collecting debris that could disrupt work or cause safety issues.
Other Considerations
At this stage, families have overcome preinstallation requirements, but there are a few other additional insights people may want to know beforehand.
Connections to Additional Devices
Homes may want to expand the utility of their solar panels by having them do more than generate electricity. They can power other equipment like solar water heaters. These provide hot water by using the sun’s power instead of fossil fuel-based means.
There are several types, such as direct and indirect circulation systems. The former includes a pump to send water throughout the home, which works well if pipes are prone to chilling to freezing temperatures. Indirect systems need a heat exchanger and refrigerants.
Monitor Post-Installation for Long-Term Care
Advanced solar panels frequently integrate with smart homes and include apps to have constant oversight of output. Residents should get into the habit of regularly checking to catch pattern changes early to prevent emergencies in the future, such as complete failure and loss of power. If homes see any changes, they can contact customer support and request a diagnostics crew to review panel health.
Cleaning and Maintenance Needs
Rooftop solar systems in Australia do not use water to operate, and rainfall is usually enough to keep panels clean. However, in dusty or bushfire-prone areas, occasional cleaning may improve performance. A soft broom or hose (never a pressure washer) can be used, or you can schedule professional maintenance.
Maintenance could also mean doing systems checks to see if inverters and electrical components are at peak efficiency, which is automated and visible through connected apps.
If families feel unsafe going up to the roof, they can schedule twice-yearly inspections with the provider. Scheduling these as regularly as possible will make sure homes get the greatest return on investment from their solar array.
The Ultimate Solar Installation To-Do List
Getting rooftop solar is one of the most empowering decisions households can make for their finances and carbon footprint. It also allows them to obtain energy independence and contribute to a more sustainable community. The benefits are why the preparedness phase is so important to understand in detail, as many could skip pivotal steps. If homeowners go through each process attentively, then their solar panels will become one of the best purchases they have ever made.
- Is Your Roof Ready for Solar? A Checklist Before Installation - 26 March, 2025
