{"id":81662,"date":"2024-02-27T07:38:38","date_gmt":"2024-02-26T22:08:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?p=81662"},"modified":"2024-02-27T07:38:38","modified_gmt":"2024-02-26T22:08:38","slug":"solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/","title":{"rendered":"From Stink Pipes to Split Rafters: Avoid These Rooftop Solar Blunders"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"dented<\/p>\n

Think of me as a detective, but swap out crime scenes for rooftop and commercial solar setups. Here, the thrill isn’t in chasing down overt dangers but in uncovering the subtle, critical details often hidden in plain sight. It’s an adventure where precision meets the pursuit of an installation everyone can be proud of.<\/p>\n

As a licensed electrical inspector with 25 years in the game under my belt, I’ve seen things that would make any seasoned installer’s eyes water. We’re talking about those ‘oops’ moments that wouldn’t necessarily get anyone fined or fired, but that lead to imperfections that could have been avoided with a little more pride in the work.<\/p>\n

This month, I’m taking you on a two-part tour of those ‘oh-no’ moments in solar installations. We’ll see what not to do, and then how it can be done better.<\/p>\n

In part one: let’s look at what happens up on the roof.<\/p>\n

When Solar Meets Stink Pipes<\/h2>\n

The Issue:<\/h3>\n

Imagine the scenario: during a solar panel installation, it becomes apparent that sewer ventilation pipes are obstructing the planned layout of the solar panels<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Cutting or adjusting these pipes might seem like a straightforward and harmless solution. I am certainly not a qualified plumber. But I do know that proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining air quality and preventing potential issues related to airflow.<\/p>\n

This scenario often arises from tight deadlines and the pressure to complete installations promptly, compounded by planning oversights or designs made without full consideration of the roof’s existing structures \u2014 often a design from enthusiastic salespeople rather than accredited solar designers.<\/p>\n

\"Ventilation

\u274c Missed it by that much. Here, the ventilation pipe has been cut down and catches the edge of the array, likely a miscalculation.<\/p><\/div>\n

A Better Approach:<\/h3>\n

The optimal solution here starts by taking the time to understand the roof’s architecture and layout, ensuring that the design of the solar array respects and accommodates essential ventilation systems.<\/p>\n

What’s more, entrusting the system’s design to accredited professionals with the appropriate training can significantly enhance the quality of the installation as a whole.<\/p>\n

\"Ventilation

\u274c They didn\u2019t even try. This ventilation pipe under the middle of an array was always going to be cut.<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"stink

\u2705 Stink pipe and stink pipe shadow avoided.<\/p><\/div>\n

Cracked Tiles And Dented Roof Iron<\/h2>\n

The Issue:<\/h3>\n

Here’s a scenario I’ve seen more times than I’d care to count: you’re walking the roof post-installation, and what do you find? Cracked tiles and dented roof sheets staring back at you; badges of a not-so-smooth installation rodeo.<\/p>\n

These battle scars might not scream ’emergency’ right off the bat, but give it time, and you could find them inviting leaks and whispering sweet nothings to your savings, coaxing them out for unnecessary repairs sooner than you’d like.<\/p>\n

Of course, when you mention your leaky roof to the installers, suddenly we’re playing a game of ‘Not I’ and pointing fingers everywhere and anywhere else.<\/p>\n

I’ve been in the hot seat myself, accused by installers who would never admit they might have danced a little too hard on someone’s roof while carrying 25kg panels. After a couple of decades in the game, I can spot those dance floors from a mile away, and I can see exactly where those missteps happened.<\/p>\n

\"Damaged

\u274c Tiles have been shifted near the valley, another is cracked directly under where the installer would\u2019ve accessed the roof penetration and external conduit for the solar DC cable.<\/p><\/div>\n

A Better Approach:<\/h3>\n

So, how do we turn this ship around? Well, it starts with a little tenderness \u2014 gentle handling, softer steps, and the right gear.<\/p>\n

Speaking of gear, let me introduce you to the MVP of rooftop footwork: the Dunlop Volleys<\/a>. These bad boys are the ballet slippers of the solar inspection world, offering the grip and respect your roof deserves as you pirouette from panel to panel.<\/p>\n

It’s about marrying comfort and accessibility with precaution and safety, ensuring that your installation doesn’t leave a legacy of leaks and grievances. After all, a roof over your head should be a sanctuary, not a souvenir shop of installation mishaps.<\/p>\n

\"Damaged

\u274c There\u2019s dints in it! Look between the ridge and the top of the array \u2014 it’s worse on the left side. The cause? Heavy-footed installers.<\/p><\/div>\n

Split Roof Rafters<\/h2>\n

The Issue:<\/h3>\n

Alright, paint this picture: You\u2019re up on the roof, feeling like a superhero as you install those tile brackets, but then \u2014 crack<\/em> \u2014 you\u2019ve gone and split a roof rafter. You’ve probably snapped the head of your roofing screw, too.<\/p>\n

Getting this one wrong means messing with the skeleton of someone’s home. And let me tell you, those old, stubborn hardwood or OB timber rafters, aren’t gonna let you off easy.<\/p>\n

Trying to muscle a roofing screw into these venerable old timers without so much as a ‘please’ or ‘thank you’? Yeah, not happening champ.<\/p>\n

\"Split

\u274c Nothing wrong with three fixings, plenty wrong with split hardwood.<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

A Better Approach:<\/h3>\n

The secret here is pre-drilling.<\/p>\n

A little bit of forethought and a gentle touch can prevent those rafters from splitting. And when it\u2019s time to drive that screw home, think ‘slow dance’, not ‘mosh pit’. Ease it in with the care of threading a needle.<\/p>\n

This way, you maintain the roof’s integrity and avoid turning a routine installation into an episode of ‘Home Renovation Horrors’.<\/p>\n

\"split

\u274c Sir Splits-a-lot. Gotta pre-drill them.<\/p><\/div>\n

Solar Panels Too Close To The Gutters<\/h2>\n

The Issue:<\/h3>\n

Picture this: solar arrays slapped down too close to the roof’s lower edge or gutter.<\/p>\n

What happens next? Water flow on the roof throws a tantrum. Instead of smoothly sliding off into the gutter like it’s supposed to, rainwater pools up, or goes full Niagara Falls over your gutters. Not exactly the rooftop water feature you were hoping for, right?<\/p>\n

\"Solar

\u274c Array way too low, gutters never had a chance.<\/p><\/div>\n

A Better Approach:<\/h3>\n

Let’s flip the script. Imagine a world where every solar panel installation starts with a tip of the hat to the roof’s natural lines and a high-five to its drainage patterns.<\/p>\n

We’re talking about a bit of rooftop respect here, planning the array layout so it accentuates the roof’s functionality, not hampers it.<\/p>\n

By getting cozy with the roof’s design before the panels even make their rooftop debut, we can ensure that water flows smoothly, gutters stay drama-free, and your solar setup is a seamless extension of the home.<\/p>\n

\"solar

\u274c Too close to the gutters, rain will bring a waterfall.<\/p><\/div>\n

Raising the Bar on Rooftop Solar Craftsmanship<\/h2>\n

Slapping solar panels onto a roof isn’t just about playing Tetris with shiny rectangles; it’s about meeting the whole vibe of the home.<\/p>\n

We’re talking about weaving a brand new system into the fabric of a home, giving a nod to the old while rolling out the welcome mat for the new.<\/p>\n

These snags we’ve chatted about? They’re not just oopsies or whoopsies. They tell tales of missed opportunities for real craftsmanship \u2014 work that not only looks good but does good, too.<\/p>\n

Stay tuned for part two, where we look at what can go wrong inside the roof \u2014 where errors are out of sight and out of mind.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Think of me as a detective, but swap out crime scenes for rooftop and commercial solar setups. Here, the thrill isn’t in chasing down overt dangers but in uncovering the subtle, critical details often hidden in plain sight. It’s an adventure where precision meets the pursuit of an installation everyone can be proud of.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":81832,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[57],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-81662","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-solar-installation","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe Art of Solar Installation: An Inspector's Insight (On The Roof)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Some of the work a solar inspector encounters isn't dangerous or illegal, it's just sloppy. Here are some common blunders to avoid on the roof.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"From Stink Pipes to Split Rafters: Avoid These Rooftop Solar Blunders\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Some of the work a solar inspector encounters isn't dangerous or illegal, it's just sloppy. Here are some common blunders to avoid on the roof.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"SolarQuotes Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SolarQuotes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-02-26T22:08:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dented-roof.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"628\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Pat Southwell\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@solar_quotes\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@solar_quotes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Pat Southwell\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/92b06417dd5f104d3f82dd57fe338a7e\"},\"headline\":\"From Stink Pipes to Split Rafters: Avoid These Rooftop Solar Blunders\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-02-26T22:08:38+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/\"},\"wordCount\":1295,\"commentCount\":4,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dented-roof.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Solar Installation\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/\",\"name\":\"The Art of Solar Installation: An Inspector's Insight (On The Roof)\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dented-roof.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-02-26T22:08:38+00:00\",\"description\":\"Some of the work a solar inspector encounters isn't dangerous or illegal, it's just sloppy. Here are some common blunders to avoid on the roof.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dented-roof.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dented-roof.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":628,\"caption\":\"dented roof sheets\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Solar Installation\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-installation\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"From Stink Pipes to Split Rafters: Avoid These Rooftop Solar Blunders\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"SolarQuotes Blog\",\"description\":\"An independent reckoning of the Aussie solar scene\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"SolarQuotes\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/solarquotes-logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/solarquotes-logo.png\",\"width\":592,\"height\":600,\"caption\":\"SolarQuotes\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SolarQuotes\/\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/solar_quotes\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/solarquotes\/\",\"https:\/\/au.linkedin.com\/company\/solarquotes\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/SolarQuotesAustralia\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/92b06417dd5f104d3f82dd57fe338a7e\",\"name\":\"Pat Southwell\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/989bfce6bb4206742191fead4bf09a0ec7902290f9ffb13f80a780ea99c5931d?s=96&d=monsterid&r=r\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/989bfce6bb4206742191fead4bf09a0ec7902290f9ffb13f80a780ea99c5931d?s=96&d=monsterid&r=r\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/989bfce6bb4206742191fead4bf09a0ec7902290f9ffb13f80a780ea99c5931d?s=96&d=monsterid&r=r\",\"caption\":\"Pat Southwell\"},\"description\":\"Pat Southwell is a Licenced Electrical Inspector, solar installer and electrician based in metropolitan Melbourne who also travels all over regional Victoria. With experience as a Solar Victoria auditor, CER Inspector, and a background at the Clean Energy Council (CEC), Pat is well-known in the industry. He's a devoted family man, with five children, who enjoys playing park cricket in the summer.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/author\/pat\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"The Art of Solar Installation: An Inspector's Insight (On The Roof)","description":"Some of the work a solar inspector encounters isn't dangerous or illegal, it's just sloppy. Here are some common blunders to avoid on the roof.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"From Stink Pipes to Split Rafters: Avoid These Rooftop Solar Blunders","og_description":"Some of the work a solar inspector encounters isn't dangerous or illegal, it's just sloppy. Here are some common blunders to avoid on the roof.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/","og_site_name":"SolarQuotes Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SolarQuotes\/","article_published_time":"2024-02-26T22:08:38+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":628,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dented-roof.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Pat Southwell","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@solar_quotes","twitter_site":"@solar_quotes","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/"},"author":{"name":"Pat Southwell","@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/92b06417dd5f104d3f82dd57fe338a7e"},"headline":"From Stink Pipes to Split Rafters: Avoid These Rooftop Solar Blunders","datePublished":"2024-02-26T22:08:38+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/"},"wordCount":1295,"commentCount":4,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dented-roof.jpg","articleSection":["Solar Installation"],"inLanguage":"en-AU","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/","url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/","name":"The Art of Solar Installation: An Inspector's Insight (On The Roof)","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dented-roof.jpg","datePublished":"2024-02-26T22:08:38+00:00","description":"Some of the work a solar inspector encounters isn't dangerous or illegal, it's just sloppy. Here are some common blunders to avoid on the roof.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-AU","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dented-roof.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dented-roof.jpg","width":1200,"height":628,"caption":"dented roof sheets"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-inspector-insight-roof\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Solar Installation","item":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-installation\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"From Stink Pipes to Split Rafters: Avoid These Rooftop Solar Blunders"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/","name":"SolarQuotes Blog","description":"An independent reckoning of the Aussie solar scene","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-AU"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#organization","name":"SolarQuotes","url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/solarquotes-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/solarquotes-logo.png","width":592,"height":600,"caption":"SolarQuotes"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SolarQuotes\/","https:\/\/x.com\/solar_quotes","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/solarquotes\/","https:\/\/au.linkedin.com\/company\/solarquotes","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/SolarQuotesAustralia"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/92b06417dd5f104d3f82dd57fe338a7e","name":"Pat Southwell","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/989bfce6bb4206742191fead4bf09a0ec7902290f9ffb13f80a780ea99c5931d?s=96&d=monsterid&r=r","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/989bfce6bb4206742191fead4bf09a0ec7902290f9ffb13f80a780ea99c5931d?s=96&d=monsterid&r=r","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/989bfce6bb4206742191fead4bf09a0ec7902290f9ffb13f80a780ea99c5931d?s=96&d=monsterid&r=r","caption":"Pat Southwell"},"description":"Pat Southwell is a Licenced Electrical Inspector, solar installer and electrician based in metropolitan Melbourne who also travels all over regional Victoria. With experience as a Solar Victoria auditor, CER Inspector, and a background at the Clean Energy Council (CEC), Pat is well-known in the industry. He's a devoted family man, with five children, who enjoys playing park cricket in the summer.","url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/author\/pat\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dented-roof.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2FF2s-lf8","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":40589,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/woolworths-solar-installation-mb1565\/","url_meta":{"origin":81662,"position":0},"title":"Woolworths Unveils 100th Supermarket Solar Installation","author":"Michael Bloch","date":"June 16, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Woolworths have added a very corporate touch to its latest PV installation - solar panels arranged in the shape of the company's logo. Woolworths Orange's (New South Wales) very distinctive rooftop array is made up 357 solar panels. It's the 100th supermarket to have PV installed and one of more\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General Solar & Storage News"","block_context":{"text":"General Solar & Storage News","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-battery-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Woolworths rooftop solar installation","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/woolworths-solar.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/woolworths-solar.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/woolworths-solar.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/woolworths-solar.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/woolworths-solar.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":28200,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/woolworths-solar-adelaide-mb0951\/","url_meta":{"origin":81662,"position":1},"title":"Solar Panels For Woolworths’ Adelaide Regional Distribution Centre","author":"Michael Bloch","date":"February 25, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Woolworths' expansion of its Adelaide Regional Distribution Centre (ARDC) at Gepps Cross will include the installation of a commercial-scale solar power system. Last week, construction work on the $57 million expansion project kicked off. Approximately 140 local jobs will be created over the 14- month build and once completed the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General Solar & Storage News"","block_context":{"text":"General Solar & Storage News","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-battery-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Woolworths - solar energy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/woolworths-adelaide-solar.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/woolworths-adelaide-solar.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/woolworths-adelaide-solar.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/woolworths-adelaide-solar.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":43542,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/rooftop-solar-inquiry-mb1698\/","url_meta":{"origin":81662,"position":2},"title":"Taylor’s Australian Rooftop Solar Sector Review – Update","author":"Michael Bloch","date":"September 28, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"The terms of reference for an inquiry into Australia's rooftop solar PV sector were released by the Clean Energy Regulator on Friday. The review was announced by Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor back in August; with Minister Taylor citing integrity, quality and safety concerns. The Clean Energy\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General Solar & Storage News"","block_context":{"text":"General Solar & Storage News","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-battery-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Australian rooftop solar investigation","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/solar-inquiry-australia.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/solar-inquiry-australia.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/solar-inquiry-australia.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/solar-inquiry-australia.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/solar-inquiry-australia.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":31153,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/rooftop-dc-isolator-mb1097\/","url_meta":{"origin":81662,"position":3},"title":"Continuing Push For Rooftop DC Isolator Requirement Review","author":"Michael Bloch","date":"June 17, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"There is a growing call for an end to the very unpopular rooftop isolator requirement for solar power system installations in Australia. What Is A Rooftop DC Isolator? Pictured above, a rooftop DC isolator is manually operated switch situated adjacent to a solar panel array that shuts off DC current\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General Solar & Storage News"","block_context":{"text":"General Solar & Storage News","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-battery-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Rooftop DC isolator","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/rooftop-dc-isolator.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/rooftop-dc-isolator.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/rooftop-dc-isolator.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/rooftop-dc-isolator.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/rooftop-dc-isolator.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":29935,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-woolworths-costco-mb1037\/","url_meta":{"origin":81662,"position":4},"title":"More Solar Power For Woolworths And Costco","author":"Michael Bloch","date":"May 1, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Supermarket giant Woolworths and membership warehouse club Costco are continuing to build on their solar energy capacity in Australia. Solar Installed At Woolworths Moree The Moree Champion reports a 99.96 kilowatt system comprising 357 solar panels has been installed at the Woolworths store at Moree in New South Wales. \"It\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General Solar & Storage News"","block_context":{"text":"General Solar & Storage News","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-battery-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Solar energy - Woolworths and Costco","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/woolworths-costco-solar.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/woolworths-costco-solar.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/woolworths-costco-solar.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/woolworths-costco-solar.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/woolworths-costco-solar.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":71151,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installers-drones-mb2828\/","url_meta":{"origin":81662,"position":5},"title":"Solar Installer Drone Use: Flying In The Face Of Regulations?","author":"Michael Bloch","date":"February 14, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Solar installers are increasingly using drones for inspections, portfolio shots and other activities. But some may not realise the sky has limits, or what all of them are as there have been recent changes. Great photography of rooftop solar power systems can be achieved using a drone - like the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General Solar & Storage News"","block_context":{"text":"General Solar & Storage News","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-battery-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Drone shot of rooftop solar panel installation","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/drone-solar-installation.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/drone-solar-installation.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/drone-solar-installation.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/drone-solar-installation.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/drone-solar-installation.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81662","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81662"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81662\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":81929,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81662\/revisions\/81929"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/81832"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81662"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=81662"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=81662"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}