Get to know the prerequisites for a successful installation
As the day of your installation approaches, there are some things you can do to prepare for success. Solar system installation takes place in several stages. First the solar cells are mounted on the roof then, cables are pulled down from the roof and connected to an inverter which must also be installed, generally indoors as close as possible to the panels (lofts are the most common location). An electrician then connects this system to the main grid networks.
Here are the prerequisites for a successful installation:
- Make yourself available for day one of the installation when the installers arrive. More than likely it will be necessary to clarify different points with you regarding installation location, fuse box points, or other information about your home and electricity connections. It's always best you are there to give the best and quickest information.
- Make sure the installers have access to the interior of the home while the work is in progress. Installers must enter the house during work, for some structural inspections, wiring planning, cable routing, and equipment installation.
- Clear the work space where installation will occur.
- Try to keep the work area free of people who are not the installers as you are responsible for these people accessing the work area as the homeowner. With live electrical work ongoing and the need to go back and forth between roof and interior area it can be unsafe for others to access this area unsupervised.
- It is helpful to provide space for installers and equipment in the driveway, and to ensure that there are no parked cars limiting access to the building or constricting the staging area while work is in progress.
- Installers need access to electricity while work is in progress. Therefore, it will be useful to show them where it is appropriate to connect electrical equipment and tools.
- Please note that power will need to be shut off briefly at some point during the installation.
- Installers must be able to access the bathroom while work is in progress.
Remember that there are strict safety rules when working at height and with electricity. Do not go under or on the deck without the installers knowing.