{"id":83048,"date":"2024-04-18T10:21:02","date_gmt":"2024-04-18T00:51:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?p=83048"},"modified":"2024-08-20T09:29:40","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T23:59:40","slug":"solar-installation-check-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installation-check-up\/","title":{"rendered":"Four Things You Should Check Before Your Solar Installers Leave"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

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.
\n
\nI’ve found four critical things to get right on the day that are key to a happy customer.<\/p>\n

Installers should read this<\/strong> because – if forgotten – you can expect an upset customer and the chance of the dreaded one-star review. But if these things are sorted on the day, you’ll likely have a customer beaming with pride, five stars on the web, and a lower customer support burden over time.<\/p>\n

Homeowners gearing up for a solar installation should stick around, too.<\/strong> If you proactively ensure these are addressed before the installer team packs up and leaves, it will make any inspector’s life easier and your solar ownership experience happier.<\/p>\n

#1 Check Your Monitoring<\/h2>\n

Think of monitoring your solar system as your home’s energy dashboard. It’s essential and usually, you’ve paid for this feature in your system’s price tag, including the setup. Just like you wouldn’t ignore your car’s dashboard, you shouldn’t overlook your solar monitoring.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

What Goes Wrong<\/h3>\n

Sometimes, after a busy day on the roof, installers might wrap up their work without properly commissioning the system, even finishing after dark, which means they can’t test the monitoring when the system is generating power. Or they might stumble with the Wi-Fi connection and pass the buck to the homeowner to sort it out with vague promises of follow-ups that never happen.<\/p>\n

\"Inverter

WiFi dongle connected to the inverter. However, this was never connected to the monitoring platform.<\/p><\/div>\n

Fixing the Issue:<\/strong> The setup of monitoring should be a no-brainer for installers; it’s as much a part of the installation as the solar panels<\/a> or home battery<\/a>. Homeowners, remember that monitoring is your right, not a bonus. If it\u2019s not working, remind your installer it\u2019s part of what you paid for and insist on a fix. If they’ve commissioned the system in the dark and you’re left in the lurch, don\u2019t be left wondering. Get on the phone with the installer or the retailer immediately. You deserve a fully functional system from day one.<\/p>\n

#2 Missing Documentation<\/h2>\n

Why Docs Matter<\/h3>\n

Just like you wouldn’t drive off the lot without the owner’s manual and service records for a new car, the same goes for your solar system. The Australian installation standards AS\/NZS 5033:2021 and AS\/NZS 4777.1:2016 aren’t just guidelines\u2014they’re the rules of the road, requiring that you receive thorough documentation. These papers are the key to understanding your system and claiming warranties. They might even be necessary for insurance claims down the track.<\/p>\n

The Missing Pieces<\/h3>\n

Homeowners left without the critical documents post-installation is more common than it should be. Sometimes, it seems the installers didn’t bother or just forgot. But forgetting isn’t an excuse; providing a documentation package is a requirement.<\/p>\n

How to Make Sure You Get Your Docs<\/h3>\n

For installers, it’s simple: follow the standards and keep a checklist. Make sure every homeowner gets a complete set of documents. For tech-savvy companies, providing a QR code in the main switchboard or meter panel for easy access to digital documents is the gold standard\u2014aim for this.<\/p>\n

Homeowners, be proactive. Ask for these documents from the start\u2014either in print or via email. Ensure you have all the user manuals, warranty docs, and compliance certificates. It’s part of the deal, and you’re entitled to it. Don’t settle for less.<\/p>\n

\"\"

An example switchboard label. The QR code works – scan it to see the example documentation package (click on the house in the top left corner of the QR-linked site plan to see the links for the User manual, Component Documentation, Commissioning Report and Maintenance logs).<\/p><\/div>\n

#3 Confirm Any Roof Damage<\/h2>\n

Why This is a Big Deal<\/h3>\n

Imagine this: your system is all set up, but the installer leaves behind a trail of minor roof injuries\u2014a chipped tile here, a shift in the ridge pointing there, maybe even a sneaky crack repaired with silicon. Sure, these seem like small fries now, but untreated, they’re brewing storms for leaks in your sanctuary.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Being Missed<\/h3>\n

Too often, these little damages don\u2019t make the report. Installers might overlook a cracked corner or hastily cover a break with silicon, hoping it holds. But you, the homeowner, should be clued in. These aren’t secrets to be kept; they’re potential headaches to prevent.<\/p>\n

\"Broken

A tile snapped in half horizontally and then silicone up by the installers. The homeowner was not advised.<\/p><\/div>\n

How to Avoid and Fix Roof Issues<\/h3>\n

Installers, we understand that dented iron happens and broken tiles are sometimes impossible to avoid, but thorough checks after installation are a must. Spot a problem? Don\u2019t just patch it up and hope for the best\u2014inform the homeowner. Transparency is always best.<\/p>\n

And homeowners, it\u2019s your castle; protect it. Get in the habit of snapping photos of your roof before and after the installation\u2014timestamped, for truth’s sake. These can be invaluable for future follow-ups. Because when it comes to your home, being in the know means staying on top\u2014quite literally.<\/p>\n

#4 Understand System Maintenance<\/h2>\n

Keeping Things Running Smoothly<\/h3>\n

Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your solar system stays efficient over the years. There’s a lot of guidance out there now, so even if it’s not initially provided, you’re not left without resources.<\/p>\n

What Often Gets Forgotten<\/h3>\n

Unfortunately, some homeowners are left clueless about system maintenance because they’re not informed. And let’s set the record straight\u2014solar systems are not ‘set and forget’ devices. Some installers incorrectly claim they require zero maintenance, or they suggest using harsh chemicals or high-pressure washers, which can damage your system.<\/p>\n

Teaching the Basics<\/h3>\n

To all installers, part of your responsibility is to educate the homeowner on basic system care. This is easy and will greatly benefit the system’s long-term performance. Maintenance instructions should be included as part of the essential documentation package. And consider providing a straightforward guide for homeowners to refer to.<\/p>\n

Conclusion and Call to Action<\/h2>\n

These four details can greatly impact how customers experience buying and owning their solar systems. It’s about completeness and care in the entire installation process. If I’ve missed something, I\u2019d love for you to leave a comment below. It\u2019s through sharing our experiences that we can all learn and improve. Let’s work together to improve solar and battery installations.<\/p>\n

Thank you for reading and being part of the discussion!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":83064,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[57],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-83048","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-solar-installation","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nFour Things You Should Check Before Your Solar Installers Leave<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Four things you should go through with your installer before they leave to maximise your solar performance, 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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\/04\/installer-leaving.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2FF2s-lBu","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":100100,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/researching-solar-page-for-your-suburb\/","url_meta":{"origin":83048,"position":0},"title":"Finding A Solar Installer In Your Suburb","author":"Kim Wainwright","date":"July 1, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"If you're thinking about installing solar, one of the first questions is usually, \"Who's a good installer in my area?\" Closely followed by, \"How much should I expect to pay?\" and \"Are there any local rules I should know about?\" To make those questions easier to answer, SolarQuotes has launched\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Solar Installation"","block_context":{"text":"Solar Installation","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-installation\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Neighbourhood solar installer finder","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/neighbourhood-solar-installer.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/neighbourhood-solar-installer.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/neighbourhood-solar-installer.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/neighbourhood-solar-installer.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/neighbourhood-solar-installer.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":100145,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-installers-warned-fake-reviews-boom\/","url_meta":{"origin":83048,"position":1},"title":"Solar Installers Warned As Fake Reviews Boom","author":"Max Opray","date":"July 2, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"SolarQuotes General Manager Trevor Glen has called on solar installers to build trust with customers through genuine reviews, amid new analysis showing a surge in searches related to buying fake testimonials. 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