A solar system is electrical infrastructure. The quality of the installation determines safety, performance and how long the equipment lasts. Here is what a professional process looks like.
1. Site assessment
An engineer visits the property to inspect the distribution board, wiring condition, earthing, roof structure, shading and the location for the inverter and batteries. They also record the appliances you want to support.
2. Design
The engineer sizes the inverter, battery and solar array, selects cables and protection devices, and prepares a single-line diagram. You should receive a quotation that lists capacities and specifications clearly.
3. Installation
Typical work includes:
- Fixing the mounting structure and panels, with sealed roof penetrations
- Running DC cables in protective conduit to combiner or isolator boxes
- Mounting the inverter and batteries in a ventilated, accessible location
- Installing DC and AC isolators, fuses or breakers and surge protection
- Connecting earthing for the array frame and system
- Integrating grid and generator supplies through a correct changeover arrangement
4. Testing and commissioning
Before the system is energised, the installer should verify polarity, insulation resistance, protection settings and earthing. The inverter is then configured for your battery type and preferred operating mode.
5. Handover
You should receive a walkthrough of how the system works, what the inverter display means, what loads to avoid, and documentation including warranties.
Warning signs
Be cautious if an installer skips the site visit, cannot explain protection devices, uses household cable for DC runs, or leaves batteries in a hot, unventilated space.