Solar System Installation: What to Expect from Start to Finish
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to reduce bills or a business aiming for better sustainability and energy independence, the path to solar power starts the same way: with smart planning and a system designed around your unique needs.
At DS Energy, we design and deliver high-performing solar systems and end-to-end solutions for residential clients across Queensland and commercial clients throughout Australia and beyond. Our process is detailed, transparent, and supported by years of technical expertise, so you always know what to expect, from first consult to final connection.
Here’s how a solar system installation works, and how we tailor it for homes and businesses.
Step 1: It starts with a conversation
Your solar journey begins with a simple, obligation-free consultation. We’ll review your energy usage, discuss your property setup, and uncover your long-term energy goals, whether that’s reducing reliance on the grid, preparing for future battery storage, or improving your ESG performance.
For residential customers, we’ll talk through things like family energy habits, pool pumps, EVs, and future upgrades.
For businesses, we explore operating hours, single vs three-phase power, roof space, and how solar fits into your operational or sustainability strategy.
We also look at your energy bills to identify patterns and build the foundation for a smart, tailored system.
Step 2: System design — tailored to your needs
At DS Energy, we don’t do off-the-shelf packages. Every solar system installation is designed from the ground up, based on real-world performance and site-specific conditions.
Electricity audit
We analyse your current and future electricity needs, looking at load profiles, seasonal changes, and potential demand spikes.
For homes, we factor in growing families, appliance upgrades, and energy habits across weekdays vs weekends.
For businesses, we look at operational schedules, shift loads, peak demand charges, and consumption patterns over time.
Day vs night usage
We determine when you use the most energy and whether adding solar battery storage makes financial or operational sense.
Roof or site analysis
We assess roof pitch, size, orientation, and structural layout to ensure your system is safely and efficiently designed. For commercial sites, we also consider multi-building setups, flat-roof ballast systems, or ground-mount options.
Shading
We model shade throughout the day and year to maximise system performance. If needed, we’ll recommend optimisers or microinverters.
Once we’ve gathered everything, you’ll receive a tailored proposal that includes:
- Estimated energy generation and savings
- ROI and payback period
- Panel and inverter options
- Battery readiness or add-on recommendations
- Relevant rebates and approvals
Step 3: Approvals and pre-installation planning
We manage all necessary approvals and paperwork—so you don’t have to.
For residential customers, this includes:
- Network provider applications (Energex, Ergon, etc.)
- Solar rebate eligibility (STCs)
- Meter reconfiguration coordination with your retailer
For commercial clients, we manage:
- Detailed site risk assessments and stakeholder engagement
- WHS planning, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), and inductions
- Grid export applications and demand modelling
- Eligible rebates for your system (STCs and LGCs)
- Project staging to align with operational priorities
- Contract administration and compliance scheduling
Each commercial solar project is managed by a dedicated Project Manager, and overseen by fully licensed RPEQ engineers. Our electrical works are carried out by licensed electricians who hold SAA/CEC installer accreditations. Our site managers are trained first aiders, and all on-site staff are White Card certified, ensuring compliance with all safety and building codes from day one.
We also have a full-time Workplace Health and Safety Manager overseeing our commercial portfolio, adding an extra layer of confidence for businesses with complex or high-risk environments.
Step 4: Installation day — what actually happens
Installation day is where everything comes together—and at DS Energy, it’s planned down to the last detail.
Your install will be completed by our own team of licensed, accredited professionals.. Just high-quality work, done safely and efficiently.
For residential solar system installations:
Most home systems are installed in a single day.
Here’s what that usually looks like:
- Arrival and site prep – Our crew sets up safely, walks you through the day, and protects gardens, driveways, and access points.
- Panels and inverters may be delivered if they haven’t already arrived a few days prior.
- Roof mounting – We install rails and flashings, securing them to the rafters with weatherproof fixings.
- Panel installation – Panels are fitted and wired in full compliance with Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3000, AS/NZS 5033).
- Inverter installation – The inverter is mounted in a ventilated location, like a garage or shaded wall.
- Wiring and switchboard – We connect DC and AC cabling, install or upgrade isolators, and make switchboard modifications if required.
- Labelling and testing – All components are clearly labelled for safety and compliance.
- Monitoring setup – We connect your inverter to a mobile app so you can track performance from day one.
Our team keeps noise and disruption to a minimum and cleans up thoroughly before we leave.
For commercial solar system installations:
Commercial installs vary in size and complexity, but what doesn’t change is our process, precision, and professionalism.
These projects often span multiple days or weeks and are managed by your assigned DS Energy Project Manager, who oversees every detail. That means you have one experienced professional coordinating everything from scheduling and safety to contractor access and approvals.
For many businesses, this role is invaluable; it ensures minimal disruption to day-to-day operations, keeps the project on time and on budget, and provides a single point of contact for updates.
You can expect:
- Staged works to avoid disrupting business operations
- Specialised safety access for large or multi-storey buildings
- WHS-compliant teams trained in elevated work platforms, confined space, and complex logistics
- On-site toolbox talks, safety briefings, and daily progress updates
- Quality assurance checks at each milestone
- Full documentation for compliance, asset registers, and warranties
For further reading, you can check out some of our completed recent commercial solar projects.
Step 5: Going live
After installation, we commission your system and handle all final testing and compliance checks. This includes:
- Inverter configuration and voltage settings
- DC and AC isolator testing
- Connection to your monitoring platform
- Final inspection and documentation for your energy retailer
After installation, there may be extra steps needed before you can switch on your solar and start saving.
These processes are different in each state and territory.
However, once your retailer reconfigures your meter, you’ll begin exporting power and receiving feed-in credits where applicable.
Step 6: Ongoing support and maintenance
A solar system is a long-term investment, and long-term performance depends on regular maintenance.
That’s why we offer our Clean & Check Maintenance Program to all customers—residential and commercial.
Over time, panels can lose 15 to 20% of output due to dust, grime, tree sap, bird droppings, and more. Our Clean & Check service includes:
- Full system inspection (panels, isolators, inverter, cabling)
- Professional panel cleaning
- Safety and compliance audit
- A detailed performance and upgrade report
This program is especially valuable for businesses with ESG reporting requirements, or for sites where performance needs to be consistent
Optional battery storage
Battery storage can be included during your installation or added later. DS Energy supplies and installs systems from trusted brands including Tesla, LG, BYD, SolarEdge, Sungrow, Samsung and Sonnen.
For homeowners, batteries help store excess solar power for evening use or during blackouts. You can take advantage of the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
For businesses, batteries reduce peak demand charges, provide backup supply, and support grid independence or microgrid ambitions.
We’ll guide you through battery-ready system design from day one, so your system grows with your needs.
Read our articles for information on home battery safety, and whether a solar battery is worthwhile for your needs.
Solar System FAQs
Will my roof leak?
No. We use professional flashings and weatherproof fixings designed for Australian conditions.
Can I add a battery later?
Absolutely. We design most systems to be battery-ready from the start. However, as of July 1 2025, the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program is providing a 30% discount on the upfront cost of installing a battery with residential solar, making it a good time to consider installing one.
Do I need a new switchboard?
Only if the existing one doesn’t meet safety standards. We’ll check and advise upfront.
How long does it take from quote to switch-on?
Most installations are complete within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on approvals and weather.
Ready to Get Started With Your Residential or Commercial Solar System Installation?
If you’re ready to stop rising power bills in their tracks and harness the sun, it all starts with a call to the team at DS Energy. We’ve helped 1000s of Queensland households and Australian businesses take control of their energy, plan for the future, and feel confident every step of the way.
Once you get in touch, we’ll review your usage, assess your roof layout, and talk through future needs, like battery storage or EV charging, before giving you a clear picture of what your solar system installation could look like.
Every DS Energy system is designed with premium equipment backed by strong warranties, so you can count on performance long after install day. You’ll know how much solar you could generate, and what that means for your savings. We’ll guide you through product choices, rebates, and payback periods in plain language, and once your system is switched on, our support continues with monitoring, servicing, and the same expertise we bring to some of the largest solar systems across Australia.
Book your free consultation today and take the first step toward lower bills and a more energy-independent future.