Victoria’s Premium Feed-in Tariff (PFiT), once offering a hefty 66 cents per kilowatt-hour for excess solar power generated by systems installed between late 2009 and the end of 2011, is coming to an end. [Read more…]
About Pat Southwell
Pat Southwell is a Licenced Electrical Inspector, solar installer and electrician based in metropolitan Melbourne who also travels all over regional Victoria. With experience as a Solar Victoria auditor, CER Inspector, and a background at the Clean Energy Council (CEC), Pat is well-known in the industry. He's a devoted family man, with five children, who enjoys playing park cricket in the summer.
From Wild West to Safe & Sound: The Evolution of Australian Solar
This article is for anyone who feels nostalgic about the early days of solar. Whether you own an old system or are an installer working on one, you might be thinking about how to maintain or upgrade it. We’ll look back at the past and see how much has changed, highlighting the improvements that have made solar installations safer and more efficient over the years. [Read more…]
Australian Solar Standards, Regulations, Rules & Guidelines Explained
Image credit: MC Electrical
Whenever we discuss new rules or solar standards on the SolarQuotes blog, we invariably get comments asking if these rules apply to the commenter’s situation.
This blog explains the hierarchy of national standards, state regulations, DNSP rules and SAA guidelines and what that means for everyone buying, using and especially working with solar energy. [Read more…]
What to Expect from Your Solar Inspector
Hi there! I’m Pat Southwell, and I’ve been a Licensed Electrical Inspector (LEI) in Victoria for nearly three years. If you’re a Victorian reader, you’re likely aware that all solar installations in our state are inspected. [Read more…]
Hidden Defects in Solar Battery Installations: What Inspectors Look For
Solar battery installation inspections are essential. They ensure systems are safe, compliant, and function optimally. [Read more…]
Four Things You Should Check Before Your Solar Installers Leave
Welcome back to our monthly chat. I’m Pat from Southwell Solar Inspections. In my line of work, I get to chat with system owners after the solar installation team has packed up and moved on. It’s a unique chance to hear how the system is running once the initial excitement has faded.
[Read more…]
Top 5 Solar Installation Mistakes From Not Reading The Instructions
Installing solar systems is more than just a job; it involves a deep understanding of numerous Australian standards and guidelines. Among these, AS3000 – The Australian Wiring Rules – stands out as the master standard for electrical work. Among a zillion other things, it mandates that all equipment installations adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. [Read more…]
From Sarking to Insulation: Hidden Solar Installation Blunders
When you get solar installed, any sub-standard work done in the roof cavity is hidden away — out of sight and out of mind — until the inevitable repercussions start to rear their ugly heads. [Read more…]
From Stink Pipes to Split Rafters: Avoid These Rooftop Solar Blunders
Think of me as a detective, but swap out crime scenes for rooftop and commercial solar setups. Here, the thrill isn’t in chasing down overt dangers but in uncovering the subtle, critical details often hidden in plain sight. It’s an adventure where precision meets the pursuit of an installation everyone can be proud of. [Read more…]
The Unseen Craftsmanship of A Good Solar Install: Array Cabling
Did you know that a staggering 90% of solar installation defects are found on the roof? [Read more…]
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