AS/NZS Solar Installation
Adding solar to an existing property often exposes switchboard deficiencies that predate the solar project entirely.
Adding solar to an existing Australian or New Zealand property frequently exposes switchboard deficiencies that have existed for years — the new solar circuit has to be installed to current standards, and if the existing switchboard doesn't meet those standards, an upgrade becomes part of the project whether it was originally planned or not.
| Issue found | Why it surfaces during a solar install |
|---|---|
| Outdated fuse-based protection (rewireable fuses) | No longer compliant with current switchboard standards; must be replaced when new circuits are added |
| Insufficient spare capacity | No physical space or busbar rating for the new solar circuit breaker |
| Missing or inadequate RCD coverage | Existing circuits may predate current RCD requirements that now apply to the whole board |
| Undersized busbar for back-fed solar current | Older boards weren't designed with export current flowing back through the busbar in mind |
Budget and schedule for a switchboard condition assessment as part of any solar quote on an existing property — treating the switchboard as a fixed, unquestioned given can lead to an unpleasant mid-project surprise once the actual installation begins.
Engr. Jason Morales — Founder, SolarEnergyPH & OhmWorks