DIY Solar Regulations

[Computer Nerd Kev]

I've agreed to buy a used 4KW solar system with the intention of
installing it myself on a frame built at ground-level (there are
no nearby trees or structures, so shadow shouldn't be a problem).
It's coming with an inverter that's still a current model, which
I'll have to get an electrician to hook up at the meter panel.

I notice that there are a lot of regulations around solar
installations:
https://www.rpc.com.au/information/faq/cables-fuses/do-it-yourself.html

Does anyone know if it will be easy to get an electrician to just
hook the inverter up to the mains without them demanding that the
solar panel installation is inspected first?

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[Computer Nerd Kev]

Oh, and state = Victoria.

[Daniel65]

Computer Nerd Kev wrote on 18/8/23 9:12 am:

(I just made a phone call looking for a local Sparky [Seymour/Kilmore]
to supply and install a Battery to connect to my (already installed)
4.5kW solar system)

Quite possibly you would be able to get the electrican to certify the
panel installation at the same time as they did the hook-up, wouldn't you??

--
Daniel

[Computer Nerd Kev]

Would I? I'm not sure whether someone would need to asses the
structure of the frame etc. too. Plus if they do need to certify
something, then I need to find (looks like buy) the applicable
standards to see what the requirements are before I start.

Hopefully nothing needs to be certified except the inverter (which
should be fine because it's a current model), in which case it
won't be an issue. I need to know before I get to work on it
though.

[Daniel65]

Computer Nerd Kev wrote on 18/8/23 6:01 pm:

Give your friendly neighbour Sparky a ring, I guess. The one you are
gunna get to certify the inverter or, maybe better yet, another
independant one!

--
Daniel

[Rod Speed]

Depends on who you know electrician wise.

[Computer Nerd Kev]

Daniel65 <dani...@nomail.afraid.org> wrote:
> Give your friendly neighbour Sparky a ring, I guess.

Hmm, if it comes to that I guess. I'd prefer ganeral advice though
in case I end up using a different one by the time I've got
everything set up. I'm in the country so there isn't a "neighbour"
sparky as such. It's a matter of who'se willing to make the drive,
and ideally for a fee that's not completely disproportionate to the
$500 I'm paying for the solar system, although I'm braced for
disappointment on that front.

> The one you are gunna get to certify the inverter or, maybe
> better yet, another independant one!

Yeah I guess if I ring around enough I can work out the general
advice for myself eventually. The inverter is _already_ certified
though, with an AS / NZS 4777.2: 2020 certificate of conformity
downloadable from the manufacturer's website. As it should be,
given that distributors are still selling the model. Getting one
certified by a lab would surely cost a fortune, which is where I
wonder about how much of a dealbreaker it might be if something
else turns out to need certification as well.

Lack of AS / NZS 4777 certification is apparantly why "plug-in"
type solar inverters aren't allowed to be used in Australia:
https://www.energymatters.com.au/renewable-news/plug-in-grid-connectsolar-inverters/

[Tony]

Seems to be no problem in Germany. Anyone can use plug in solar up to 600W:
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2023/04/25/tuv-offers-guidance-on-plug-in-balcony-solar-panels/

[Clifford Heath]

On 18 Aug 2023 09:12:51 +1000, Computer Nerd Kev wrote:
> Does anyone know if it will be easy to get an electrician to just hook
> the inverter up to the mains without them demanding that the solar panel
> installation is inspected first?

Solar panel strings use high voltage DC wiring. You should get it
inspected for safety in any case. High voltage DC is very much more
dangerous than ordinary mains wiring, because DC arcs don't quench easily.
It sounds like you're mounting the panels at ground level where children
might have access. I suggest that failing to fence the panels securely
would be a very bad idea.

Clifford Heath

[Computer Nerd Kev]

Clifford Heath <no....@please.net> wrote:
> Solar panel strings use high voltage DC wiring. You should get it
> inspected for safety in any case. High voltage DC is very much more
> dangerous than ordinary mains wiring, because DC arcs don't quench easily.

Fair point, and will do. At least I can see how all the wiring was
done when it was installed previously.

> It sounds like you're mounting the panels at ground level where children
> might have access. I suggest that failing to fence the panels securely
> would be a very bad idea.

There won't be any children about, but keeping animals from making
a mess might be an issue because it's on a rural property.

I've got the system now so I can draw up some sort of plan, then
I've decided to try and get an electrician with solar experience to
come out and I'll go over it with them. Hopefully my plan doesn't
immediately go into the bin, but I have to start somewhere.