Solar and batteries get a lot of attention. The actual install work and what your electrician does is sometimes glossed over by the sales pitch. Here is the real story.
What gets installed
Roof-mounted solar panels (usually 6 to 13kW for a residential install). Inverter on a wall (garage, laundry, or outside). Possibly a battery (10 to 14kWh for a typical home). New circuit breakers and an export-monitoring device in your switchboard.
What the electrician's role is
Most solar companies have a salesperson who handles the customer side and a roofer who installs the panels. The actual electrical work, the bit that involves your switchboard and meter and connecting everything to your house wiring, is done by a licensed electrician.
What that electrician does: wire the inverter to the switchboard, install metering and export control, ensure isolation switches are accessible, certify the work for SA Power Networks. This is the part that can go wrong if not done well.
What can go wrong if it is done badly
Inadequate cable size between panels and inverter (reduces output and can be a fire risk over time).
Missing or wrong isolation switches (makes future maintenance dangerous).
Poor earthing or bonding (safety issue).
Incorrect SA Power Networks application (delays in approval, possibly forced retrofitting).
How to vet your solar installer
Ask who does the actual electrical work and check their CEC accreditation. Reputable solar installs are done by Clean Energy Council accredited installers and signed off by licensed electricians.
Check warranties separately for panels, inverter, battery, and installation. Each can be different.
Ask to see the SA Power Networks application before it is submitted. Confirms everything is being done properly.
Battery considerations
Batteries are a separate decision from panels. Most solar systems work fine without a battery. Adding one later is possible but more expensive than including it upfront.
SA has some of the best battery economics in Australia because of high electricity prices and good solar generation. Payback is typically 6 to 10 years for a quality battery.
What Adelaide pricing looks like
6.6kW solar (panels and inverter, professional install): $5,500 to $8,500 after rebates.
10kW solar: $8,500 to $13,000 after rebates.
13kW battery (Tesla Powerwall or equivalent): $14,000 to $18,000 after rebates.
What we do
We work with several reputable Adelaide solar installers and can recommend who to talk to. We also handle the electrical compliance and switchboard work for solar systems being installed by other companies.