What to Expect During a Home Solar Installation

Investing in solar power is a big decision — one that can deliver lasting benefits for your household or business. Whether you’re making the switch for cost savings, environmental reasons, or energy independence, knowing what to expect during the solar installation process can make the experience smooth and stress-free.

At REA Solar, we believe that informed customers are empowered customers. This guide walks you through the key stages of a typical solar installation, from the initial consultation through to post-installation support, so you know exactly what lies ahead.

1. Initial Consultation and Site Assessment

Your solar journey begins with an in-depth consultation, usually either in person or over the phone. At this stage, your solar provider will gather essential information about your property, electricity usage, energy goals, and budget.

For residential buyers, this includes assessing household power bills, roof space, orientation, and any shading issues. For commercial installations, considerations include peak energy demand, operational hours, and potential expansion of the system in future.

Next comes a physical or virtual site inspection. A technician will evaluate your roof's condition, tilt, available space, and structural integrity. They'll also examine your switchboard and existing electrical systems to determine compatibility and any upgrades needed. For some properties, especially older homes or buildings, switchboard or meter box upgrades may be required to meet safety standards.

2. System Design and Proposal

Following the assessment, your solar installer will provide a custom system design tailored to your needs. This includes the proposed number of panels, their layout, inverter specifications, estimated power output, and expected savings over time.

You’ll also receive a detailed quote that outlines the cost of equipment, installation, labour, and any optional extras like monitoring systems or battery storage. Reputable installers like REA Solar will also explain available rebates and incentives under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which can significantly reduce upfront costs.

Take the time to review this proposal carefully. Ask questions, compare quotes if needed, and make sure you're comfortable with the system's size, quality, and estimated performance before proceeding.

3. Council and Grid Approval

Once you've accepted the proposal, the next step involves obtaining the necessary approvals. Your solar provider typically handles this on your behalf.

This includes:

Gaining approval from your local Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) to connect the system to the grid

Lodging applications to claim any available STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates)

Submitting documentation to your local council if required (some regions require Development Approval, especially for larger or ground-mounted systems)

Approval timeframes vary by state and local authority, but most residential applications are processed within one to two weeks. Commercial systems may take a bit longer, depending on system size and grid impact.

4. Installation Day

With approvals in place, your solar installation will be scheduled. Residential installations typically take one to two days, while larger commercial systems may require multiple days or stages.

Here’s what happens on installation day:

Safety Setup. The installation team will begin by setting up scaffolding, ladders, and fall protection to ensure safety during roof work.

Panel Mounting. The crew will attach racking (the mounting system) to your roof before securely fitting the solar panels in place. The orientation and tilt are optimised to capture the most sunlight.

Inverter Installation. The inverter, which converts DC electricity from your panels into AC electricity for household or commercial use, is installed either indoors or outdoors depending on your site layout.

Wiring and Connection. Electricians will connect the system to your switchboard and install all necessary cabling and isolators.

Monitoring Setup. If your system includes a monitoring platform, the team will configure it and explain how to track your energy production.

After installation, the system will undergo initial safety and functionality checks to ensure everything is working correctly and meets Australian Standards.

5. Final Inspection and Grid Connection

Once your solar system is installed, it needs to be inspected by a licensed electrical inspector before it can be connected to the grid. This inspection ensures compliance with electrical and safety regulations.

After the inspector signs off, your system is ready for final grid connection. In most cases, your electricity retailer will also need to install or reconfigure your electricity meter (often referred to as a smart meter) to measure both energy consumption and solar export. This process can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on your energy provider.

Until the meter is updated, your system may still produce energy for immediate use, but won't be able to export excess power back to the grid or earn feed-in tariffs.

6. System Activation and Handover

Once your meter is configured and the system is fully approved, it’s officially switched on and ready to go. Your installer will walk you through the handover process, explaining how to operate and monitor the system.

For residential systems, this may include showing you how to read your inverter screen or use your mobile monitoring app. For commercial buyers, energy managers may be trained in accessing and interpreting data from more complex platforms.

You'll also receive a comprehensive handover pack, which should include:

• System design documents
• Product and workmanship warranties
• User manuals
• Maintenance guidelines
• Certificates of compliance and inspection

This information is important not only for system care but also for insurance, warranty claims, and property resale documentation.

7. Post-Installation Support and Maintenance

A reputable installer won’t disappear after the installation. At REA Solar, we provide ongoing customer support, system monitoring options, and scheduled maintenance plans.

While solar panels are largely self-sufficient, routine cleaning, occasional performance checks, and annual inspections will ensure your system continues operating efficiently for decades.

If you notice any drops in performance or alerts from your monitoring platform, contact your provider immediately. Most issues are minor and can be resolved quickly if caught early.

Tips to Prepare for Installation Day

To help the installation go smoothly, here are a few things you can do ahead of time:

• Clear the area around your switchboard and inverter installation location
• Secure pets and inform family or staff about the installation schedule
• Notify neighbours if scaffolding or parking may affect them
• Ensure someone is on-site during installation to answer questions or provide access

A Seamless Path to Solar Power

Installing solar power at your home or commercial property is a transformative step towards energy independence and environmental responsibility. With the right installer, the process should feel seamless, informative, and empowering.

At REA Solar, we pride ourselves on delivering not just quality systems but an exceptional customer experience. From your first consultation to long-term system support, we’re with you every step of the way.

Have questions about your upcoming installation? Reach out to our team today — we’re here to make your transition to solar as smooth and rewarding as possible.