Complete Solar Installation Guides

Expert advice for Adelaide homes and businesses from thermal management specialists

📋 What You'll Learn

Getting Started with Solar in Adelaide

Step 1: Assess Your Energy Needs

Before diving into solar panels, understand your current energy consumption:

Review 12 months of electricity bills

Identify peak usage times

Note seasonal variations (Adelaide summers vs winters)

Consider future changes (electric vehicle, pool, home extensions)

💡 REQ Energy Tip

Adelaide homes typically use 20-30% more electricity in summer due to air conditioning. Factor this into your solar system sizing to maintain year-round savings.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Property

Not all roofs are created equal. Here's what matters:

Roof Orientation & Tilt

Roof Direction

North-facing

Performance

100% (Optimal)

Best Use Case |

Maximum annual production

Roof Direction | North-facing

Performance | 100% (Optimal)

Best Use Case | Maximum annual production

Roof Direction | North-facing

Performance | 100% (Optimal)

Best Use Case | Maximum annual production

Shading Analysis

Even partial shading can dramatically impact performance:

Trees: Consider future growth, not just current size
Buildings: Neighboring structures, additions
Roof features: Chimneys, vents, TV antennas

⚠️ Common Adelaide Mistake

Many homeowners underestimate how large Hills trees grow. A small tree today could shade half your roof in 5 years. Consider this in your panel placement.

The Thermal Management Advantage

This is where REQ Energy's cooling systems expertise becomes invaluable. Most solar installers treat panels like static objects. We understand they're heat-generating systems that need thermal management.

How Heat Affects Solar Performance

Solar panels have a temperature coefficient - typically -0.4% per degree Celsius above 25°C. In Adelaide's 40°C+ summer days:

📊 Adelaide Heat Impact Example

Standard 6.6kW system on 42°C day:

Panel temperature: ~65°C
Temperature above optimal: 40°C
Performance loss: 16% (40°C × 0.4%)
Lost production: 1.1kW per hour

REQ Energy thermal-optimized system:

Panel temperature: ~55°C (10°C cooler)
Performance loss: Only 12%
Additional production: 0.26kW per hour

Our Thermal Management Strategies

1. Strategic Panel Spacing

We space panels for optimal airflow underneath - a technique learned from commercial refrigeration installations.

2. Mounting System Selection

Rails and mounting hardware that promote air circulation, reducing panel operating temperatures.

3. Micro-Climate Considerations

Understanding how your roof's materials, color, and design affect panel temperatures.

🔧 Industry Secret

Dark roof tiles can add an extra 5-10°C to panel operating temperature compared to light-colored roofing. We factor this into every design.

OUR SUPPORT

Proper System Sizing for Adelaide

Common System Sizes & Applications

5KW

Small Households

1-2 people, low consumption

6.6KW

Average Families

10KW

Large Households

High usage, pool, or future EV

13KW+

Maximum Residential

Single-phase limit in SA

Inverter Selection Guide

The inverter is the heart of your system. Here's how to choose:

Inverter Type

String Inverter

Best For
Simple, unshaded roofs

Pros

Cost-effective, reliable

Cons

Shading affects whole string

Inverter Type

Power Optimizers

Best For
Partial shading, multiple orientations

Pros

Panel-level optimization

Cons

Higher cost, more components

Inverter Type

Microinverters

Best For
Complex roof layouts

Pros

Maximum flexibility

Cons

Highest cost, roof access for repairs

Need Help Sizing Your System?

Our thermal management experts provide free, detailed assessments that consider your specific roof conditions and Adelaide's climate.

OUR SUPPORT

The Professional Installation Process

What to Expect During Installation

1

Pre-Installation

Site survey, permits, approvals

2

Day 1: Mounting

Rails, mounting hardware installation

3

Day 2: Panels

Panel installation, DC wiring

4

Day 3: Connection

Inverter, AC wiring, grid connection

5

Commissioning

Testing, monitoring setup, handover

WHAT WE OFFER

Our Best Selling Products

Leathered Granite

$65.00 $65.00

Calacatta

$20.00

Carrara white marble

$18.00 $20.00

Quality Installation Standards

What separates professional installations from amateur work:

Clean Energy Council (CEC) certified installers
Proper safety equipment and procedures
Weather-appropriate installation timing
Structural integrity assessments
Thermal expansion considerations
Cable management and UV protection
Grounding and electrical safety compliance

🚨 Red Flags to Avoid

Many homeowners underestimate how large Hills trees grow. A small tree today could shade half your roof in 5 years. Consider this in your panel placement.

Our Thermal Management Strategies

Essential Maintenance Tasks

Monthly Checks

Monitor production via app/website
Visual inspection for obvious damage
Check inverter displays for error codes

Annual Maintenance

Professional system health check
Panel cleaning (if needed)
Electrical connection inspection
Performance analysis and optimization

🧽 Cleaning Guidelines for Adelaide

Adelaide's dusty conditions mean panels may need cleaning 1-2 times per year. However, cleaning during extreme heat can cause thermal shock. Best times: early morning or late afternoon when panels are cooler.

Performance Monitoring

Modern systems provide detailed monitoring. Key metrics to watch:

Professional system health check
Panel cleaning (if needed)
Electrical connection inspection
Performance analysis and optimization

Our Thermal Management Strategies

Climate Challenges

Monthly Checks

Monitor production via app/website
Visual inspection for obvious damage
Check inverter displays for error codes

Annual Maintenance

Lower sun angles: Reduced production
Cloud cover: Variable daily output
Rain benefits: Natural panel cleaning

Local Regulations & Incentives

SA Power Networks Requirements

Grid connection approval needed for systems over 5kW
Export limitations may apply in some areas
Bi-directional meter installation required

Available Incentives (2025)

Federal STC Rebate: ~$2,500-4,000 depending on system size
SA Home Battery Scheme: Up to $6,000 for eligible batteries
Feed-in Tariffs: 5-10 cents per kWh exported

🏠 Popular Adelaide Suburbs for Solar

Based on our installations, these suburbs show excellent solar performance:

Eastern Suburbs: Burnside, Unley, Norwood - minimal shading
Northern Areas: Tea Tree Gully, Golden Grove - newer homes
Southern Suburbs: Brighton, Marion - good roof orientations
Hills Areas: Great potential but consider tree shading

Ready to Start Your Solar Journey?

Get a free, detailed assessment from Adelaide's thermal management experts. We'll evaluate your specific property and provide honest advice on the best solar solution.