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Commercial Solar Installation Guide

Your Solar Installation:
What to Expect

Your site is in expert hands. With over 1,100 projects delivered since 2012, Smart Commercial Solar is Australia’s most experienced commercial solar installer.

Whether you’re part of a national rollout or a standalone system upgrade, this page will help you understand what to expect — from site prep and delivery through to final commissioning and support.


Here's what YOU NEED TO KNOW.
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What's Being Installed

Your site may be receiving one or more of the following solutions as part of an integrated energy system designed to reduce emissions and save money.

Solar panels to generate renewable electricity
Battery storage to store excess energy
Commercial EV Chargers chargers to support electric vehicles

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Multi-Site Rollouts

A multi-site solar rollout involves solar installations across multiple locations for a single client. Unlike standalone installs, these projects require centralised planning but site-specific execution, with standardised processes that can adapt to varying roof conditions, electrical setups, and operational requirements across different locations.

The key difference is scale coordination - we're managing multiple project timelines simultaneously while maintaining quality and consistency across all sites.

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Safety & Communication

Our safety measures include comprehensive risk assessments for each site, daily pre-start meetings, and strict adherence to working at heights protocols. All personnel hold relevant certifications and we maintain edge protection systems where feasible.

Communication happens through multiple channels - we share final safety and design documentation at least one week before installation,  and maintain regular contact with site managers throughout the process.

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Installation Steps at a Glance

01

Site Readiness & Access Planning

We’ll coordinate with you to confirm access points, delivery schedules, a safety management plan, and any site-specific considerations before we begin.

02

Equipment Deliveries

Solar panels, inverters and other gear will arrive by truck. You’ll be notified in advance and told how many car spaces or loading zones are required.

03

Installation Begins

A general rule of thumb for how long we'll be on site is one week per 100kW installed. Most of the work happens on the roof and in switchboard areas. 

04

Onsite Safety Management

During installation, we’ll set up signage, barriers and exclusion zones as per the Safety Management Plan and Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS).

05

Brief Shutdown

Sites require a short electrical shutdown (2-4 hours) to complete final connections. We’ll coordinate with you well in advance to ensure this is minimally disruptive.

06

System Testing & Commissioning

We’ll carry out inspections and performance checks to make sure everything’s working exactly as designed.

07

Electrification & Handover

Once the system is switched on, we’ll give you a handover pack, access to your monitoring portal, and details for support.

 

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Your Team

Evert Willeumier

Program Head

Anastasi Kotoros

Project Lead

Tom Roche

Project Engineer

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Project Timing & Disruption

When will installation start at my site?

Your project manager will provide a tailored project timeline for your site, including start and finish dates. 

How long will the installation take?

Commercial solar installations typically taks between 1 and 3 weeks, depending on system size, roof access, and weather conditions.

Will operations be shut down? If so, for how long?

Most of the work is completed without impacting daily operations. If a short shutdown is needed for electrical works, we’ll coordinate timing with you in advance.

What hours will the installation crew be working?

Generally, between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. We’ll confirm exact hours closer to your site’s installation date.

Will there be noise, dust, or other disruptions?

Some noise is expected during specific stages (e.g. roof mounting), but we aim to keep disruption minimal. No heavy construction is involved. 

Site Access & Safety

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?

We’ll let you know if any areas — like car parks, driveways or internal spaces — need to be cleared or made accessible before work begins. 

Will contractors need access to internal areas?

Yes. Our team may need access to areas like switchboards, metering panels, or communications rooms. We’ll confirm what’s needed ahead of time. 

What safety protocols will be in place during the install?

All work complies with WHS regulations. We’ll use signage, barriers and exclusion zones to ensure safety for your team and ours. 

Will our staff need to do or change anything during the rollout?

Nothing major. We just ask staff to follow safety signage and avoid designated work zones while installation is underway. 

Logistics

When will deliveries arrive and what will be delivered?

We’ll provide notice ahead of time. Deliveries may include solar panels, mounting frames, inverters, and electrical equipment. 

How many pallets are arriving, and how much space do they need?

Typically, 4 to 6 pallets per site. Each pallet requires around 1.5 car spaces. 

How many car spaces will need to be blocked off? For how long?

We may need 3–4 car spaces for equipment and crew access, generally over 2–5 days. We’ll work with you to minimise impact. 

Will a crane or elevated work platform (EWP) be used?

Yes — depending on your roof layout and access. We’ll advise which days this equipment will be onsite and set up exclusion zones. 

Where will the installers park?

We’ll coordinate with you ahead of time to arrange suitable parking close to the work area. 

Communications

Who do I contact with questions or issues during the project?

You’ll be introduced to your site’s dedicated contact from the Smart Commercial Solar project team before work begins. 

How will I be kept informed of progress or changes?

We’ll send brief updates by email or phone as needed. Any major changes will be discussed with you directly. 

Can I share updates with my team or customers ?

Yes. We’re happy to provide approved messaging or visuals if you’d like to share updates internally or externally. 

After Installation

Will the system be tested and commissioned immediately?

Yes. Once installation is complete, we carry out final inspections, testing and system commissioning. 

Will I be shown how it works?

You’ll receive a handover pack with system documentation and login access to your monitoring platform. 

Will the system need ongoing maintenance?

Minimal routine maintenance is required. Our team monitors performance remotely and will flag anything that needs attention. 

Who maintains the system, and what do we do if there’s a fault?

Smart Commercial Solar handles both scheduled maintenance and issue resolution. If there’s a fault, we’re often the first to know via monitoring systems — but you can also contact us directly at any time. 

How will I know how much energy we’re generating and saving?

You’ll have access to a live monitoring portal that shows real-time performance, cost savings and carbon offsets.