Solar system installation
What to expect when installing a solar system including monitoring, maintenance and billing.
Solar system overview
To be able to get the most out of your solar system and maintain it correctly, it's a good idea to get familiar with your system. These are the main components of your system:
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are located on your rooftop. During the day they absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity.
Solar PV inverter has been installed on the outside wall of your house. Its job is to transform the solar electricity collected by your panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). This process is needed because its AC that powers your home.
The solar isolator switches are usually installed at the same time as the inverter. They’re the safety switches that can cut off the electricity from your solar panels and inverter when something needs to be fixed or if there's an emergency.
The inverter AC isolator is usually located adjacent to the solar inverter, while the inverter DC isolator is usually located on or adjacent to the solar inverter.
Starting your solar system
We’ll let you know when it's time to start up your solar system, and at what point you can follow the instructions engraved on the label between the solar inverter and AC isolator.
Set up solar monitoring applications
There are two applications you can use to monitor your solar system, the AGL app and your manufacturer’s app.
You can monitor your solar system’s performance, how much solar your system is exporting to the grid, check your billing data and identify potential issues through a ‘solar status’ health check. You will be able to see this data on the AGL app once your meter has been reconfigured. To learn more about using the AGL app visit the AGL app page.
Many solar inverters have a specific product app you can use to monitor the performance of your solar system. Fronius is an example of a solar PV inverter manufacturer. Through their app, you’ll be able to monitor the performance of your solar system, including solar generation, solar consumption (to power your home) and excess solar that is exported back to the grid. If your installer hasn’t set up your Fronius app, you may receive a registration invitation via email from Fronius within a few days of installation.
Please note, depending on when your installation occurred, you may already see a feed-in-tariff credit on your next electricity bill. Your current bill cycle remains the same.
What happens after solar installation
Meter configuration
If it's your first time installing solar, your electricity meter needs to be set up to measure the power you generate, use and export. Until this happens, you won't see solar on your bill or in the AGL app.
Some adjustments are quick, while others may require a site visit or a meter replacement. Time frames vary from a day to a couple of months depending on your situation and what state you live in.
Your meter may be adjusted remotely, so you won't have to do anything. Your installer will work with your network provider to make the necessary changes for you.
Your meter may be adjusted remotely, so you won't have to do anything. Your installer will work with your network provider to make the necessary changes for you.
After installation, your solar system will be inspected by an electrical inspector. This typically happens within two weeks of the system being installed. From here your solar system will be ready to go.
You’ll need to initiate the meter adjustment. We’ll call you and guide you through it once we have everything we need from your installer.
Maintenance
We suggest scheduling in regular maintenance checks (in line with the maintenance schedule) to ensure your panels are clean and your system is operating at peak efficiency. Learn more about Solar system problems and maintenance
A few weeks after your installation, you will receive your user manual, which will include the maintenance schedule. We recommend using Clean Energy Council accredited installers.
Warranty and ongoing support
For information on product warranty visit Solar product specifications and warranties.
