The rules and regulations governing solar system safety have tightened up significantly in the last few years. Even in the last six months, new regulations have come into force which raise the bar yet again.
Ultimately, this is good news for solar owners as it means their new solar power system will be compliant with the latest safety standards. However, at the time of writing (October 2022), there are some issues with the time it can take for independent solar inspectors to visit properties, particularly in regional areas.
On this blog, we cover what you need to know about the independent inspection for your new solar system.
- What types of solar systems need to be inspected?
- Who appoints the independent inspector?
- Who does the independent inspector work for?
- What do they check?
- How are you affected if your inspection is delayed?
- How long should it take to get an inspection?
- Will the inspector let you know when he/she is coming?
- How long does the actual inspection take?
- How do you know when the inspection has happened?
- Who can you contact if your inspection is delayed?
- Can Specialized Solar appoint a different inspector if there’s a delay?
1. What types of solar systems need to be inspected?
Any new solar panel or battery storage system must be checked and approved by an independent inspector. This includes both grid-connected and off-grid systems.
2. Who appoints the independent inspector?
Inspectors are chosen and assigned by your solar installer. The choice of inspector comes down to their location, availability, and accreditations. For example, inspectors need a specific battery accreditation if they are inspecting a new solar battery installation.
3. Who does the independent inspector work for?
They work for themselves and are overseen by Energy Safe Victoria and the Clean Energy Council.
4. What do they check?
Independent inspectors check all aspects of the installation including cabling and connections, the mounting brackets, switchboard, solar inverter/battery and earthing of all solar panels. They ensure there are no safety issues with the installation and that it passes current regulations.
5. How are you affected if your inspection is delayed?
There are two main impacts:
- Your solar system can’t be switched on until it’s been approved
- You can’t get the solar feed-in tariff
Note: The process for setting up the solar feed-in tariff is dependent on your system being approved by the independent inspector. This process cannot start until the inspector has signed the Certificate of Electrical Safety and sent it to your solar installer. After that, it can take up to 6 weeks for your electricity retailer to start paying you the solar feed-in for any surplus solar electricity you export to the grid.
6. How long should it take to get an inspection?
In theory, it should take approximately 14 working days for your system to be inspected once it has been installed. However, in practice it is taking longer. In metro Melbourne, the wait is around 14-20 days. In rural areas it is generally longer due to the shortage of inspectors in these areas. Depending on how remote the location is, the inspection can take up to 4 to 5 weeks.
7. Will the inspector let you know when he/she is coming?
Customers may or may not hear from the inspector prior to the inspection. If there is clear access, the inspector will just turn up when they are in the area. If access is required, i.e., access to the garage, this is listed on the inspection request from the installer and the inspector will confirm with the customer prior to attending.
8. How long does the actual inspection take?
Inspections usually take about 30 minutes to an hour.
9. How do you know when the inspection has happened?
You will receive the Certificate of Electrical Safety from us.
10. What should you do if your inspection is delayed?
You can contact us. Our installer will then contact the inspector to request an update on the timeframe for the inspection at your property.
11. Can Specialized Solar appoint a different inspector if there’s a delay?
We are unable to reassign an inspector until the current assigned inspector removes your system from their listing. They must cancel it before we can do anything. If we need to assign a different inspector, you will need to go through the waiting period again.
Got a question?
If you have any questions about the solar installation process, including the independent inspection, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We pride ourselves on our fast, responsive customer service and we aim to do everything in our power to make sure your solar installation is completed to the highest standards – and as quickly as possible.
