Thinking about solar energy for your property – whether it be your home or your business – is an exciting step toward reducing energy costs and contributing to a greener future.
Once you’ve chosen your solar provider, here’s a straightforward, step-by-step guide on what to expect from accepting your solar quote, the installation day, and through to system activation.
1. Quote Acceptance & Deposit Payment
Once you have received your solar quote and are happy with the size of the system, proposed installation, and the financing arrangement, you can accept your quote. With Spark Energy Australia you can do this easily through our online quoting system.
From there, a deposit needs to be paid. An invoice will be issued to you, and payment of this deposit secures your spot on the installation schedule, allowing your solar installer to arrange all necessary resources and personnel.
2. SAPN Approval Process
The first step is securing approval from SA Power Networks (SAPN), which varies depending on the size of your solar system:
- For systems up to 30kW: SAPN typically grants approval immediately, and your solar provider will manage this process for you.
- For systems over 31kW and up to 200kW: Approval can take up to 12 weeks. Once granted, you’ll receive an approval copy via the email address provided to your installer.
This approval is crucial for ensuring a smooth connection to the power grid.
3. Booking an Installation Date
The installation date is exciting as this is when your solar journey becomes tangible! Your chosen solar provider will contact you to find a time that is suitable for their solar installation team to gain access to your property, aligning with when all of the components required for the job will be available.
As it gets closer to the installation date, if there is inclement weather forecast (i.e. heavy rain, storms, or over 35⁰C) – your installer will keep you updated and coordinate a new installation date if required.
4. Installation Day
On installation day, the final payment will be required to complete the financial aspect of your installation. Your solar provider will send an invoice for convenience, ensuring everything is sorted promptly.
On the day, solar installers will arrive to setup your solar panels, inverter, and system components. This will also include your solar battery storage if this was a part of your job.
Installation times can vary depending on a few things, such as the size of the system, layout of the property, and weather conditions on the day.
Some other frequently asked questions we get about solar installations include:
- Roughly how many days does it take? – Usually it will take 1 day per 6.6kW, plus another day if there is a battery involved.
- Does power need to be turned off to the property? – Yes power will need to be turned off. In most cases this is for just under an hour.
- Do the installers need to enter the property? – Not usually, but it may be useful if there is a manhole that they can access to make the running of the cables easier.
- Should dogs/pets be kept inside? – As long as they don’t bite, our installers love animals! However, they may get in the way when our installers are carrying large objects like solar panels with could lead to injuries, so it is always a good idea to keep them separate.
5. Meter Changeover
To get the full benefit of your new solar setup, your electricity meter may need to be replaced or reprogrammed. Here’s how it works:
- Your solar provider will contact your electricity provider to schedule the meter change.
- If your electricity provider doesn’t allow third-party requests, your solar company will send you the necessary details and forms.
- After installation, reach out to your energy retailer to inform them of your solar system and select a suitable solar plan.
If your solar provider hasn’t reached out within five business days post-installation, it’s wise to give them a follow-up call.
6. Receiving Your Commission Pack
Once final payment has been received and your solar install is complete, your solar provider will send you a commission pack. The commission pack contains all the essential details of your installation, including the all-important warranty information and valuable records relating to system maintenance. So, it’s something to keep safe!
Switching to solar energy is an empowering decision. When choosing a solar provider to go on this journey with, it’s not just about finding the cheapest quote. You need to be sure that you’re selecting a local provider with an excellent reputation, that installs good quality systems.
If you’d like a free quote on solar for your home or business, Spark Energy Australia would love to assist. Please click the ‘Free Quote’ button at the top of your page and get in touch.
