Solar Installation Guide

Last updated: 10 February 2026

What to expect during solar installation. Timeline, preparation, what installers do, and how to ensure a quality job.

Understanding the installation process helps you prepare properly and ensures you get a quality job. Here's everything that happens from quote to switch-on.

Installation Timeline

phase	duration	description
Site Survey	1-2 hours	Installer assesses roof, DB board, cabling routes
Quote & Design	2-5 days	Detailed quote with equipment specs and layout
Deposit & Ordering	1-2 weeks	Equipment ordered and delivered
Installation	1-2 days	Physical installation of all components
Commissioning	2-4 hours	Testing, configuration, handover
Municipal Approval	2-8 weeks	For grid-tied export (if required)

phaseSite Survey

duration1-2 hours

descriptionInstaller assesses roof, DB board, cabling routes

phaseQuote & Design

duration2-5 days

descriptionDetailed quote with equipment specs and layout

phaseDeposit & Ordering

duration1-2 weeks

descriptionEquipment ordered and delivered

phaseInstallation

duration1-2 days

descriptionPhysical installation of all components

phaseCommissioning

duration2-4 hours

descriptionTesting, configuration, handover

phaseMunicipal Approval

duration2-8 weeks

descriptionFor grid-tied export (if required)

How to Prepare

Before installation day:

Clear roof access and remove obstacles near installation area
Ensure parking for installer vehicles (trucks with equipment)
Provide access to DB board (often in garage)
Clear wall space near DB for inverter mounting
Inform security/complex management if applicable
Plan for 4-8 hours without power during final connection

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Quality Checkpoints

Ensure your installer:

Uses proper roof mounting (not just laying panels on tiles)
Applies sealant to all roof penetrations (no leaks!)
Routes cables neatly in conduit (not loose cables)
Labels all circuits clearly at DB board
Provides Certificate of Compliance (COC)
Walks you through system operation
Sets up monitoring app on your phone

Price Disclaimer: Prices shown were verified on 22 February 2026. Prices may change without notice. We earn affiliate commissions on qualifying purchases.

All prices are in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise stated. Shipping costs may apply depending on your location.

Beginner's Guide System Prices

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Solar installers in Cape Town, Western Cape Solar installers in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Solar installers in Johannesburg, Gauteng Solar installers in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Solar installers in Pretoria, Gauteng

Solar Installation Guide FAQs

Ideally yes, at least for the start and end. You'll need to provide access, answer questions about cable routing preferences, and receive the handover training. The middle portion (panel mounting) doesn't require your presence.

Proper installation should not damage your roof. Quality installers use appropriate mounting systems, seal all penetrations, and often improve roof longevity by shading tiles. Always check installer references and get a written roof warranty.

Major retailers: Builders Warehouse, Makro, Takealot. Solar specialists: SolarShop, Sustainable.co.za, The Solar Warehouse. Always compare prices and check warranty support before buying.

For grid-tied systems, yes - you need a qualified electrician with COC (Certificate of Compliance). For simple off-grid setups, DIY is possible but not recommended. Poor installation is the #1 cause of solar system failures.

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