The physical installation process for solar panels typically takes one to two days, however this timeframe can be longer depending on the complexity of your specific installation and site conditions.
- Standard residential system: The majority of standard solar panel installations can be completed by our in-house team within one to two days.
- Complex systems: Projects involving multiple roof faces, complex wiring, two-story homes, specialised mounting, or the addition of battery storage may require two days or more days to ensure all components are installed to our high-quality and safety standards.
Installation Timeline Stages
The installation process generally involves several stages that ensure compliance and quality:
1. Initial assessment and site visit (pre-design): Our team will conduct a thorough assessment of your property to determine the best system design and confirm roofing conditions. This step can take many days to schedule and complete
2. Preparation and paperwork (post-quote acceptance): Once you’ve approved the system design and quote (with a 50% deposit), our team secures materials and finalises the grid pre-approval application with your electricity distributor. This preparation period typically spans several days, subject to external approvals and material lead times
3. Installation day (physical work): Our skilled in-house team of electricians and apprentice electricians will install the solar panels, inverter, and any additional materials such as a battery, EV charger, heat pump for hot water or induction cooktop. This physical process typically takes between one and two days.
4. Inspection, certification, and grid connection (post-installation): This final stage involves mandatory compliance and activation:
- Electrical safety inspection: Your system will need to be inspected by an independent, third-party licensed contractor for the mandatory Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES). The timing of this inspection depends on the availability of the inspector, who will contact you directly to arrange the visit to your property.
- Grid Connection: After installation, TCK Solar notifies your energy retailer, who arranges for your meter to be updated to record your solar exports. This metering update is the final step before you can fully use your new system and in our experience can be the longest wait time of any step (often 10 to 14 business days, and sometimes more depending on the season).
At TCK Solar, we always do our best to keep you informed throughout the process, including providing you upfront with a document outlining the steps along the way, so you can feel confident in knowing what to expect throughout your journey.
