Industry update: Solar panel (PV) installation tips – wiring and wiring systems

Published:: Tuesday 23 May 2023 at 1:10 pm

Installers: Some opportunities for improvement have been identified through independent audits of solar panel (PV) installations in the Solar Homes and Solar for Business programs.

One opportunity for improvement relates to wiring and wiring systems not being adequately protected.

Your installation may be selected for a safety and quality audit and must comply with all aspects of the standards. This includes complying with the updated AS/NZS 5033:2021 Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays, published on 19 November 2021.

The updated requirements became mandatory on 20 May 2022 and are reflected in our Solar PV Audit Checklist (version 3.1). Please refer to this audit checklist in your review of the following installation tips.

Wiring and wiring system installation tips

Checklist reference: Wiring 4

Checklist question: Where PV d.c. wiring systems are not installed directly behind and adjacent to PV modules, have they been identified by distinctive labels with the word "SOLAR" at intervals not exceeding 2m and are they visible after mounting?

Standards reference: AS/NZS 5033:2021 Clause 5.3.1.1.

Please take care to ensure that, if relying on the manufacturer's labelling, it is visible after mounting and not be spaced at intervals greater than 2m.

Checklist reference: DP 4

Checklist question: Is any PV d.c. wiring located in a ceiling space between a disconnection point and a load break disconnection device, not installed within 0.6m above the surface of the ceiling unless it is within 1m from the internal surface of an external wall?

Standards reference: AS/NZS 5033:2021 clause 4.4.5.2.3 (a) and figure 4.6.

We strongly recommend that installers review AS/NZS 5033:2021 clause 4.4.5.2.3 (a) and figure 4.6. This outlines the measurements for wiring systems between disconnection points and the inverter which must be adhered to.

Technical mentoring and support

Our technical mentoring and support initiative is a terrific opportunity aimed at helping increase compliance with standards. Free on-site technical mentoring is provided by experts within the industry while you are installing solar panel (PV) and battery systems. Access to support for 30 days by phone or email is available after.

We may recommend installers whose installations have been found to be non-compliant take part in technical mentoring and support.

See Audits and Technical mentoring and support.