What to Expect During a Solar Panel Installation

Your step-by-step guide to a smooth and stress-free installation day.

Installing solar panels is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home. From lower electricity bills to increased energy independence, the long-term benefits are immediate and substantial. But if you’ve never had a solar system installed before, it’s completely normal to wonder what happens on the day.

At Avery Solar & Electrical, we want your solar installation to feel simple, transparent and stress-free. Here’s exactly what you can expect—from the moment our team arrives to the final system handover.

1. A Friendly Arrival and Site Check

Our installation team will arrive in the morning and introduce themselves before getting started. We’ll walk through your property to confirm panel placement, inverter location and access points.

This is also when we:
✔ Confirm access to your switchboard
✔ Confirm access to the roof space/roof cavity
✔ Check any last details related to shade, roof condition or safety

You’re welcome to ask questions at any point—we’re here to help.

2. Safety Setup and Roof Preparation

Solar installation involves working at height, so we take safety seriously. The team will set up ladders, harnessing and safety equipment before stepping onto your roof.

Once everything is safely set up, we begin:

• Installing roof brackets

• Laying rails

• Preparing the area for your panels

• Inspecting tiles for cracks or weak spots

If you have spare roof tiles, having them handy is always helpful. While we take every precaution, older tiles can occasionally crack, and having replacements ensures a perfect finish.

3. Installing Your Solar Panels

This is the part most homeowners get excited about. After the rails are secured, we mount your solar panels and begin wiring them together.

Our team ensures that your panels are installed:
✔ Securely
✔ Cleanly
✔ In the correct orientation for maximum solar production

We only work with high-quality panels from trusted brands, including Trina Solar and REA Solar, ensuring long-term performance in the Blue Mountains and Penrith climate.

4. Installing Your Inverter & Running the Cabling

Once your panels are in place, we move on to the inverter. This is the heart of your solar system—it converts sunlight into usable electricity for your home.

Depending on your home layout, your inverter may be installed:

• Near the switchboard

• In the garage

• On an external shaded wall

We use the roof cavity and conduit to run cabling neatly and safely. You don’t need to worry about anything looking messy—our team always prioritises clean and tidy work.

5. Temporary Power Shutdown (Short & Quick)

To connect your solar system, we’ll need to briefly turn off your electricity.

Here’s what to expect:

• Solar installation only: approx. 15 minutes

• Battery installation: approx. 2–4 hours

We always give you notice before switching anything off, and work quickly to keep disruptions minimal.

6. Installing Your Solar Battery (If Included)

If you’re adding a battery—such as REA, Tesla, Sigenergy, Sungrow, or Enphase—this part of the installation takes a little longer than solar panels alone.

Our installers will:

• Mount the battery securely

• Connect it to your solar system

• Configure backup circuits (if you’ve requested blackout protection)

• Complete all required commissioning steps

Battery installations typically take around half a day, and often run alongside the solar panel installation.

7. System Testing, Commissioning & Setup

Once your installation is complete, we thoroughly test and commission your system.

This includes:
✔ Checking panel output
✔ Verifying inverter performance
✔ Ensuring safe grid connection
✔ Activating monitoring apps (Enphase Enlighten, Victron, etc.)
✔ Ensuring everything is compliant and ready to run

If you need help setting up the app on your phone, we’ll assist before we leave.

You can also read the Australian Government’s

solar installation day and after guide
for more information on what happens once your system is installed.

8. Smart Meter Arrangements

A smart meter is essential if you want to export excess solar energy and earn credits on your bill. You can learn more about smart meter installation and solar connection steps in the Australian Government’s solar connection guide.

If your home doesn’t already have one, we’ll organise this with your energy retailer after your installation. It usually takes 10–14 business days—no extra work required from you.

9. Clean-Up & Final Handover

Before we leave, we:

• Clean up all packaging

• Remove any debris

• Ensure your home is left exactly as we found it

• Provide a full installation handover

• Answer any final questions

You’ll know exactly how your system works and what to expect next.

You’re In Safe Hands With Avery Solar & Electrical

We’re proud to deliver reliable, high-quality solar installations across the Blue Mountains and Penrith region. Our team is local, experienced and committed to providing solutions that perform for decades.

Whether you need solar panels, a battery system or an EV charger, we’re here to support your clean energy journey from start to finish.

Ready to book your installation?
Contact us today: (02) 4720 6300