Is Your Home A Solar Installer’s Worst Nightmare?

solar installer having a mare

Trawling an album recently, I was traumatized to recall one particular solar installation. I took nearly 20 photos at the time to prove why, in this case, it was such a nightmare. [Read more…]

Hidden Defects in Solar Battery Installations: What Inspectors Look For

 

battery install defects

Solar battery installation inspections are essential. They ensure systems are safe, compliant, and function optimally. [Read more…]

5 Proactive Ways to Protect Your Solar Setup from Corrosion

a corroded solar inverter

A Growatt inverter near Ardrossan, South Australia

This article will explore proactive ways that you can protect your solar investment by slowing down and even preventing corrosion, enabling your solar panels to keep on giving right through to their (and maybe your) sunset years. [Read more…]

Four Things You Should Check Before Your Solar Installers Leave

Welcome back to our monthly chat. I’m Pat from Southwell Solar Inspections. In my line of work, I get to chat with system owners after the solar installation team has packed up and moved on. It’s a unique chance to hear how the system is running once the initial excitement has faded.
[Read more…]

Good Flashings For Solar; Holes In Your Roof Made Waterproof

solar array on roof with wiring

Image credit: Solar Depot

There are many ways to make a weatherproof cable entry to your iron roof, but as far as I’m concerned, all of them except one are wrong. In this post, I’ll explain what 20 years of roofing experience has taught me about making the perfect wiring penetration. [Read more…]

Failed Flashings: When Solar Roof Penetrations Go Wrong

roof flashings

Think about the tin roof over your head. Its primary function is to keep the rain out. Now picture putting holes in that tin sheet for a fat bundle of cables. It’s risky if not handled properly. [Read more…]

How To Reinforce Skinny Rural SWER Connections With Solar Batteries

So you’ve made the tree change, shifted to the dream country block or taken over the farm now Dad has retired. While the peace and quiet is great, the fringe of grid power can prove problematic.
[Read more…]

Top 5 Solar Installation Mistakes From Not Reading The Instructions

The Electrician's Bible: AS3000. Section 4.1.2

Installing solar systems is more than just a job; it involves a deep understanding of numerous Australian standards and guidelines. Among these, AS3000 – The Australian Wiring Rules – stands out as the master standard for electrical work. Among a zillion other things, it mandates that all equipment installations adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. [Read more…]

Everything You Need To Know About Buying Solar In Australia In 2024

Ready to demolish your electricity bills with solar, but feel like you’re stepping into the Wild West?

I’ve just released the 2024 edition of my plain-English video guide to solar. It has all the info you need to confidently buy solar from a great installer.

If you don’t feel like watching – here’s a summary. [Read more…]

Natural Causes: Solar Panels The Scapegoat For A Leaking Roof… Again

water leak caused by leaves

As a roofer, I’ve been sent out to investigate some mysterious drips. And too often, the problem is blamed on solar, simply because installers were the last trade on the roof.

[Read more…]

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