What To Expect On your Solar Install Day

You’ve made the big decision to install solar panels, and your installation day is just around the corner. You’re probably feeling a mix of excitement about reaping the benefits of clean energy and a bit of uncertainty about what to expect on the big day. Will it be noisy? Do you need to be home all day? How long will it take?

Your solar installation day should be a smooth and rewarding experience. At this point, all the planning and decision-making is done. Now, it’s time for your home to be fitted with the system that will start saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint. 

In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about what happens on installation day. From our arrival to when we walk you through the app to monitor your system, we’ll cover it all. We’ll also explain the final steps you need to take with your energy retailer before you can start benefiting from solar power.

How Long Does A Solar Install Take?

Your solar installation day begins early, with our team arriving at your home around 7:30 AM, ready to get started. Depending on the size of your installation, we aim to have everything wrapped up by 4:00 PM if it’s a one-day job.

For example a standard 6.6kW solar system will only take 1 day, whereas a standard 10kW system is scheduled for 2 days. These examples are taken from the scenario of a regular degree roof pitch, string inverter system with single phase supply. This timeline ensures that we can work efficiently without rushing, giving us the time needed to complete a high-quality installation.

What happens during the day?

• Arrival and Setup (7:30 AM):
  We’ll start by setting up our equipment, accessing your roof, and making sure everything is prepped and ready. 
  
• Wiring: The technicians onsite will begin wiring everything in. This includes all cabling for the inverter and the solar panels throughout the roof, in preparation for them both.
  
• Racking & Panel Installation:
  The main task is to secure the solar panels on your roof. This is the stage where you might hear some noise, as our tradesmen move around and drill to attach the mounting brackets. Don’t worry, it’s all part of the process!
  
• Inverter and Electrical Work:
  While the panels are being installed, we’ll also be fitting the inverter and connecting your system to your electrical supply. This step is crucial as it links your solar panels to your home’s electricity, allowing you to generate and use solar power.
  
• System Testing and Final Touches (4:00PM):
  By mid-afternoon, we’ll test the system to ensure everything is functioning as it should. We make sure your panels are generating power and that the inverter is working perfectly. Once we’re happy, we tidy up the work area, ensuring everything is left just as we found it.

Photo taken from a Lenergy Solar installation

Do You Need To Be Home All Day?

While you do not need to be home the entire day, it is important that someone is home for the majority of the day. We will require access to the manhole and to run you through the operation of the system, once the installation has been completed.

• Access to the Roof Cavity and Manhole:
  Throughout the installation, our team will need access to key areas of your home, particularly the roof cavity and manhole. These spaces allow us to properly fit the solar panels and connect the wiring to your inverter. Depending on your home’s layout, the access points might be inside, so it’s crucial someone is available to let us in.
  
• The Final Walkthrough:
  Toward the end of the day, we’ll complete a walkthrough with you. This is an important step where we explain how to monitor your system, how to use the app, and what you can expect moving forward.
  During this walkthrough, we’ll show you how to track your energy production and consumption in real time, so it’s essential that you’re present to understand how everything works.

Enphase Monitoring App Source: Lenergy

Will The Install Be Noisey? 

One question that often comes up is whether the installation process will be noisy or disruptive. The truth is, like any home improvement project, there will be some activity that might generate noise, but nothing too overwhelming.

What kind of noise can you expect?

• Footsteps on the Roof:
  As our team moves around to install the panels, you’ll hear some footsteps and movement above. 
• Drilling and Grinding:
  You will also hear some drilling or grinding, especially if we need to secure mounting points or make adjustments for tiled roofs. These noises are usually brief and intermittent, and we do our best to minimise disruption as much as possible.

Post-Installation: The Walkthrough and What’s Next

Once the installation is complete, we don’t just pack up and leave—you’ll get a thorough walkthrough of your new solar system. This step is crucial in ensuring that you understand how everything works and can make the most out of your investment.

• Monitoring Your Solar System:
  We’ll show you how to use the app that tracks your solar system’s performance. This app will let you monitor your energy production in real-time, giving you insights into how much solar power you’re generating and how much of it you’re using. We’ll guide you through the key features, so you feel confident using it from day one.
• How the Inverter Works:
  We’ll explain how your inverter functions, as it’s the heart of your solar setup, converting the energy from the sun into usable electricity for your home. We’ll show you how to check the system status and what to do if anything seems off in the future.

Photo Taken On A Lenergy Solar Installation

Supply Request and Energy Retailer Steps

After your solar system is installed and we’ve walked you through everything, there’s just one more critical step: your energy retailer needs to configure your system so you can start using your solar power. This process happens behind the scenes, but here’s what you need to know.

What is a Supply Request?

A supply request is the paperwork we handle to notify your energy retailer that you’ve installed solar panels. Essentially, it tells them that you’re now producing solar energy, and they need to adjust your account to reflect this. Once they’ve processed the request, you’ll be able to track your solar energy usage and, depending on your retailer, get set up with a smart metre if you don’t already have one. 

If you’re with a retailer like Origin, we’ll also ask for your date of birth before the installation day. This is a requirement by Origin to process the supply request, and it’s a simple step that helps speed things up.

How Long Do Supply Requests Take?

Typically, this process takes between 4 to 14 days. Your retailer will either configure your existing metre or install a new smart metre that tracks both the energy your solar system generates and the energy you still draw from the grid when needed.

• Smart Metres:
  Most energy retailers charge an additional fee to install a smart metre. However, some companies, like Amber, include it in their packages at no extra cost. We’ll help facilitate this step, but it’s up to your energy retailer to install the metre and complete the configuration.

Once your retailer has finished configuring your account and, if needed, installed your smart metre, you’re good to go! Your home will start running on solar power, and you’ll begin seeing the benefits both on your energy bills and through your system’s monitoring app.

Photo Taken On A Lenergy Solar Installation

Solar On, Savings Activated.

Now that your solar installation is complete, the only thing left to do is wait for your energy retailer to configure your metre. Once that’s done, you’ll officially be generating your own solar energy! The excitement of seeing your first reduced electricity bill will be the icing on the cake.

One final tip: be sure to save your solar installer’s contact details. That way, you can easily reach out to them if you need any help in the future, whether it’s for maintenance or a good cleaning. You’re all set to enjoy the benefits of solar without any extra hassle!

If you have opted for a solar battery with your installation, you might want to read our article here: How Does A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Work?