Australia is the global leader in rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV). But despite this, we are also one of the most heavily regulated countries when it comes to solar installation.
Australia’s strict regulations make DIY solar installations impractical or illegal for grid-connected systems. All states and territories mandate that PV solar systems must be installed by a licensed electrician, and only Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited professionals are permitted to connect systems to the grid.
If that’s not enough to sour your DIY spirit, below we look at some of the risks of DIY solar panel installation and why cutting costs on installation could cost you a lot more in the long run.
Is DIY solar panel installation legal in Australia?
Before we look at the risks of DIY solar panel installation, let’s clarify the question: Is DIY solar panel installation in Australia even legal?
The answer to the question depends on your definition of “installation”.
If the question is whether it is legal to mount solar panels on your roof, then yes, it is technically possible and legal to do so.
By most definitions, “solar panel installation” doesn’t just mean mounting solar panels on your roof; it also means getting them wired, connected to the grid, and performing the function that they are intended to perform.
So, by that definition, DIY solar panel installation by unlicensed individuals is not legal in Australia. Only licensed individuals can connect solar panels to your current grid supply.
Importantly, government incentives like the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), are tied to professional installation. If your install is not carried out by an SAA accredited installer you will not receive your solar rebate.
Solar installers must have a valid electrical licence – these vary by state, so check your local governing body, and they must also be accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA).
While some may view this as a regulatory overreach, the rationale behind these restrictions makes a lot of sense. Working with high-voltage DC isn’t just complicated, it’s also extremely dangerous, much more so than typical residential electrical work.
Off-grid solar system kits
The installation of DIY off-grid solar system kits is legal in Australia, because they do not require connection to the grid. However, the same risks apply to DIY off-grid solar kits that apply to solar panel installs.
Risks of DIY solar panel installation
There are several risks associated with DIY solar installation. It’s recommended you engage an accredited installer so as to avoid the following risks:
1. Void warranty
DIY solar installation can either limit or completely void the manufacturer’s warranty. Solar panels will typically come with two different types of warranties:
Solar panel product warranty: The solar panel product warranty protects buyers should their system underperform due to faulty modules. Product warranties are typically valid for 10 – 40 years, depending on the manufacturer.
Solar panel performance warranty (25 years): Most solar panels come with a 25-year performance warranty, which ensures that they continue to perform at 80-90% of their original efficiency.
Depending on the manufacturer, DIY solar panel installation can void both the product and performance warranties, meaning you’ll have no guarantee on how long your system will last, and no protection or support if something goes wrong. The same applies to DIY solar cleaning, any damage caused by the owner can void warranties.
2. Roof damage
Solar panel dimensions are typically 170cm x 100cm and they aren’t light. On average, they weigh around 18 – 23 kg per panel. Getting them onto your roof requires careful planning (and placement) to avoid damage. While most household rooftops can withstand the weight of a solar system, getting them mounted at the correct points without damaging your roof is a job that is best left to the professionals.
A dropped panel or a panel mounted to a weak spot in the roof can cause severe damage to your home, potentially leading to costly leaks or structural issues. The net result caused by roof damage can be much higher than the cost of having panels mounted correctly on your roof by an experienced solar installer.
3. Solar panel damage
Solar panel damage is one of the biggest risks associated with DIY installation.
Even for experienced solar professionals, lifting, mounting, and installing solar panels requires careful planning and teamwork. Solar panels can crack, cells can become damaged, and connectors can break if they are dropped or handled incorrectly.
Experienced solar installers offer a workmanship warranty that protects against damage to your panels due to faulty installation. These installation warranties typically last 5 to 15 years, depending on the installer, and ensure that panels are not damaged during or after installation due to poor workmanship.
4. Poor efficiency
Solar installers do more than just lift and mount panels to your roof – they also ensure panels are positioned for maximum efficiency. The average solar panel efficiency is between 17 – 24%. Getting the most out of your solar panels isn’t just about the type of panels that you choose, it’s also about where and how they are installed.
Experienced installers consider a range of different factors like shading, orientation, and roof angle to ensure that you get the most out of your solar investment. DIY solar panel mounting can significantly decrease the operational efficiency of your solar investment and lead to energy loss, underperformance, and longer solar payback periods – all of which compromise your long-term ROI.
5. Electrical hazards
DIY solar installation poses immediate electrical risks to the installer and long-term risks to the property’s inhabitants. Incorrect wiring, connections, and insulation materials can all cause electrical faults and fires. Property damage from improper solar panel installation is unlikely to be covered by your home insurance, leaving you entirely out of pocket to cover expenses.
Wrapping up
Solar is a big investment that can bring with it long-term savings. Whether you are investing in a modest 3kW unit or a much larger 20kW unit, the upfront cost of solar installation continues to be one of the biggest barriers to entry. While trying to cut costs may be tempting, the risks and potential hazards of DIY solar installation far outweigh any savings. To ensure longevity and long-term performance, it’s always best to leave solar installation to the accredited professionals.