Solar energy is booming across Australia. More households than ever are switching to solar to cut down power bills, do their bit for the planet, and take advantage of government rebates while they’re still around.
With sunny skies in most parts of the country, going solar just makes sense. But before panels go up on your roof, you might be wondering how long the whole process actually takes.
The short answer? It depends. From getting a quote and waiting on approvals, to the day your panels are finally installed and switched on — there are a few steps in between.
Some people get it done in a week. Others wait over a month. If you’re curious about what really goes into installing solar panels in Australia — and how long each part of the process takes — you’re in the right place.
We’ll walk through every step, from start to finish, so you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to plan for it. Let’s break it down, Aussie-style.
Why More Australians Are Switching to Solar
Australia is one of the best places in the world for solar. There’s no shortage of sun here. Most areas get more than enough daylight to make solar panels worth the investment.
Places like Queensland and Western Australia are especially ideal because they get clear skies and high solar exposure almost all year.
That’s a big reason why so many homeowners are getting panels installed on their roofs. But it’s not just the sun that’s pushing people to make the switch.
The Australian solar rebate system has made it a lot more affordable. These rebates come through Small-scale Technology Certificates, or STCs.
When you install an eligible solar system, you earn STCs based on how much clean energy it’s expected to generate. The more you get, the less you pay up front. And in most cases, your installer handles all of this paperwork for you.
Electricity prices aren’t helping either. Power bills have been climbing year after year, and people are getting fed up with unpredictable costs. Solar gives you more control. Once your system is running, you’re making your own energy, which means less reliance on the grid and more long-term savings.
Here’s what a lot of people don’t know: solar pays itself off quicker than expected. In places with high feed-in tariffs and strong sunlight, some households see a full return on investment in just a few years.
That kind of payoff is hard to ignore.
And when you throw in battery storage, the savings stack up even more — especially during blackouts or peak energy times.
So it makes sense why rooftops across Australia are starting to look a lot shinier.
Timeline Overview: How Long It Typically Takes
Installing solar panels doesn’t actually take as long as people think.
In most homes across Australia, the physical installation usually takes 1 to 3 days. That’s the bit where tradies come out, set up the scaffolding, attach mounts, fix the panels to your roof, and install the inverter.
But there’s more to it than just getting the panels up. What stretches out the timeline is everything that happens before the team shows up with the gear.
Things like:
- Getting quotes from different solar companies
- Booking a site inspection
- Waiting on approval for grid connection
- Sorting through paperwork for rebates and incentives
All of that can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how fast your installer moves and how quickly you sign off on things.
Some households get the whole process done in under two weeks. Others might wait 4 to 8 weeks, especially if they need a switchboard upgrade or roof repairs first.
The size of your system also plays a role. A small 6.6kW system for a standard house takes less time than a large multi-array system for a rural property.
If you’re going commercial — say for a business or warehouse — expect it to take longer. Bigger systems mean more panels, more wiring, and more planning. It’s not unusual for a full commercial install to stretch over a couple of weeks, especially if it includes battery storage or EV charging stations.
Installer availability can also affect your timeline. During peak months like summer, some companies are booked out weeks in advance.
So while the actual hands-on work might only take a day or two, the full journey — from quote to switch-on — usually takes anywhere between 2 and 6 weeks for most homes in Australia.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but once the panels are up and running, most people agree it’s worth the wait.
Step-by-Step Process of Installing Solar Panels in Australia
Step 1: Getting Quotes and Choosing a Provider
The first step is getting a few quotes from different providers. Don’t rush it. Compare pricing, system size, warranties, and what’s actually included.
Make sure the installer is Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited—this matters for both quality and rebate eligibility.
Ask upfront if the quote includes everything: panels, inverter, labour, electrical work, and connection to the grid.
Good questions to ask include:
- How long have you been installing solar?
- Who handles the rebate paperwork?
- What brands do you use?
- How soon can you start?
Take your time and choose someone you trust.
Step 2: Site Assessment and Roof Inspection
Once you’ve chosen a provider, they’ll book a site assessment to check if your roof is suitable for solar. They’ll look at the roof’s condition, pitch, and orientation to figure out where panels should go.
Shading is a big one—trees, chimneys, or tall buildings nearby can reduce your system’s performance.
They’ll also check for structural issues like sagging, rust, or old tiles that might need replacing before the install.
If anything’s off, they’ll let you know what needs fixing. This step helps avoid problems later and makes sure your system runs efficiently once it’s installed.
Step 3: System Design and Approvals
After the site check, the installer designs a system that matches your home’s layout and energy usage. This includes the number of panels, inverter type, and where everything will be placed.
They’ll then submit a grid connection application to your Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP). This step is required before your system can be connected to the power grid.
Some homes may also need council approval, especially if the property is heritage-listed or in a strata complex.
Your installer usually handles all the paperwork, but it’s good to check where things are at so nothing gets delayed.
Step 4: Scheduling the Installation
Once your approvals are sorted, the installer will book in a date. In quiet periods, you might get scheduled within a week. But during peak demand seasons—like summer or end-of-financial-year deals—it could take a few weeks.
Weather delays are common too. Heavy rain or strong winds can push back your install date.
If your home needs electrical upgrades—like a new switchboard or meter box—the installer may need to coordinate with a licensed electrician or your energy provider.
Clear communication helps here. Stay in touch with your installer so you’re across any updates or changes to the schedule.
Step 5: Physical Installation Breakdown
The actual solar panel installation usually takes 1 to 3 days, depending on the size of the system and weather conditions.
Here’s a rough breakdown of what happens and how long each part takes:
- Scaffolding setup: 2–4 hours – safety is a priority before anyone touches the roof
- Roof anchor installation: about 1 hour – anchors are secured under the tiles to hold the system in place
- Mounting system placement: 1–2 hours – brackets and rails are attached to the anchors
- Panel installation: 2–3 hours – panels are fixed onto the rails and connected
- Inverter setup: 1–2 hours – usually installed in the garage or near the switchboard
- Electrical wiring: 2–4 hours – connecting the inverter, panels, and your switchboard
- Solar battery integration (optional): 2–4 hours extra – if you’ve chosen to store energy
Once everything’s in, they’ll run final checks to make sure the system is safe and ready to go.
Step 6: Final Checks and System Testing
Once installation is complete, the crew does a full system test to make sure everything’s working properly. They’ll check the inverter, each panel, and the overall wiring.
A licensed electrician will run a safety inspection to ensure the setup meets Australian standards. This includes verifying earthing, isolators, and circuit protection.
After that, they’ll finalise your grid connection. Depending on your energy provider, this may involve a smart meter update or remote activation.
They’ll also set up basic performance monitoring, either through an app or inverter display, so you can keep an eye on how much power you’re generating.
What Can Delay a Solar Panel Installation in Australia?
Delays can happen during a solar panel installation in Australia, and it helps to know what might slow things down:
- Roof repairs or replacements: If your roof is leaking, rusted, or too old, it needs fixing before panels go up. Installers won’t risk mounting a system on a weak surface.
- Permit and paperwork delays: Even though most installers handle the admin side, delays can happen with council permits, STC claims, or rebate forms if something’s missing.
- Bad weather: Rain, high winds, or storms make rooftop work dangerous. If the weather’s rough, installers usually reschedule for safety.
- Installer availability: During peak seasons like summer or tax-time promotions, popular providers get booked out. You might wait a few weeks for an available slot.
- DNSP delays: Your Distributed Network Service Provider needs to approve the grid connection. Some are quick. Others can take 2–3 weeks, especially in regional areas.
Do You Need Council Approval for Solar Panels in Australia?
In most cases, council approval isn’t needed to install solar panels on a standard home in Australia.
But there are exceptions. You may need approval if you live in a heritage-listed property, apartment complex, or a strata-managed building.
Off-grid systems or large commercial setups might also trigger planning checks.
Rules can vary by state. For example, NSW is generally lenient, while Victoria and Queensland may have more specific conditions depending on your location.
Your installer should know the local requirements and let you know if anything needs to be submitted. Always double-check to avoid delays.
How Long After Installation Will Solar Panels Start Working?
Your solar panels can start working the same day they’re installed, but full activation might take a bit longer.
If you’re connected to the grid, your energy provider may need to update or reconfigure your meter, especially if it’s not a smart meter. This process can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on your provider.
Once everything’s connected and switched on, your system will start generating power right away.
You’ll usually notice lower energy bills within the first month, especially if you’re using most of your electricity during the day when the sun’s out.
How Long It Takes If You Add a Solar Battery
Adding a solar battery usually adds a few extra hours or up to one full day to your installation.
The installer needs to mount the battery, wire it to your system, and sync it with the inverter. They’ll also run tests to make sure it charges and discharges properly.
In Australia, batteries are a smart choice if you want to use your own solar power during peak evening hours, avoid blackouts, or reduce how much you send back under lower feed-in tariffs.
It’s an extra cost, but many homeowners find the extra control and energy security worth it.
Tips for Speeding Up Your Solar Installation
Here are some simple ways to speed up your solar panel installation in Australia:
- Work with CEC-accredited providers: They follow industry standards, handle approvals efficiently, and make the rebate process smoother.
- Prepare your roof in advance: Fix any damaged tiles or rusted metal sheets before the inspection to avoid last-minute delays.
- Submit paperwork early: Get quotes, sign contracts, and complete grid connection forms as soon as possible to reduce wait times.
- Choose experienced local installers: They’ll already know your area’s DNSP requirements and council rules, which helps prevent hold-ups with approvals or compliance.
Key Takeaway
Getting solar panels set up might seem like a big job, but once you know the steps, it’s actually pretty straightforward.
The full process—quote, approvals, install, and final switch-on—can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to around six, depending on things like roof condition, paperwork, and how busy your installer is.
The actual install? That’s usually done in one to three days, and once it’s in, you’re ready to start saving on your power bills.
Picking the right team makes all the difference. A local crew who understands your area, handles the approvals, and doesn’t cut corners will save you a lot of time and stress.
We’ve helped plenty of Aussies go solar across WA, and we’re ready to help you too.
If you’re even just thinking about switching to solar, start by getting in touch with us at Off Grid WA.
We can give you a quote, answer any questions, and help you figure out the best setup for your place. No pressure—just solid advice and a clear plan for how to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to install a 6.6kW solar system in Australia?
A 6.6kW system usually takes 1 to 2 days to install once approvals are done.
Can I stay at home during the solar installation?
Yes, you can stay home. Most of the work is done on the roof and outside.
Is solar panel installation noisy or disruptive?
There’s some noise from drilling and moving gear on the roof, but it’s not too loud or constant. Most people find it manageable.
