Solar and battery guides
What materials does a solar installation need?
A complete installation needs more than panels and a battery. This checklist explains the main equipment and supporting materials, so you can understand your proposal and prepare your property. The final quantities depend on the system design and site visit.
| Materials and equipment | Solar + battery | Battery only |
|---|---|---|
| Panels and roof mountingPanels, rails, clamps and roof attachments. | Required | Not needed |
| Solar wiringSolar cables, compatible connectors and array protection; combiner boxes where needed. | Required | Not needed |
| Inverter and batteriesCompatible equipment, battery supports, cables and communication connections. | Required | Required |
| Electrical protectionBreakers, fuses, disconnects, surge protection and grounding, as designed. | Required | Required |
| House connectionsAC wiring, conduit, boxes and connections to selected backup circuits. | Required | Required |
| Property-specific workTrenching, roof repairs, electrical upgrades or a new equipment area. | If specified | If specified |
| Optional additionsMonitoring accessories or a generator connection, if included in the design. | If specified | If specified |
Start with the type of system
Solar with battery backup needs panels, mounting, an inverter, batteries and the wiring and protection that connect them to your home. Battery-only backup leaves out the panels and their roof equipment, but still needs an inverter, storage, electrical protection and connections to the selected circuits.
1. Panels and mounting
For a solar system, expect solar panels, mounting rails, panel clamps and roof attachments, or a suitable ground-mounted structure. Roof penetrations need appropriate sealing. The mounting approach depends on the roof material, condition and layout.
Solar cable and compatible panel connectors link the array to the inverter. Combiner boxes may be needed depending on the arrangement of the panels. For coastal properties, the suitability of exposed mounting and enclosure materials also matters.
2. Inverter and battery equipment
The inverter manages power conversion; the battery stores energy for later use. The equipment must be compatible with the home’s electrical supply, the intended loads and each other. Include battery cables, terminals, any required busbars and the specified communication cables in the materials list.
Batteries may need a rack, cabinet or wall mounting. Plan a suitable equipment location with access for maintenance and the clearances and ventilation required by the manufacturer. Monitoring equipment and a network connection should be specified if included.
3. Protection, grounding and house connections
The electrical design determines the DC and AC disconnects, breakers, fuses and surge protection. Grounding and bonding conductors, connections and any required earth electrodes are also part of the installation. These items protect the system and allow equipment to be isolated for service.
On the house side, expect AC cable, distribution boards or breaker-panel changes, and connections for the circuits selected for backup. Conduit, cable trunking, junction boxes, enclosures, cable glands, fixings and labels complete the cable routes.
Cable sizes and protection ratings are selected for the actual equipment, loads and cable routes. A general checklist cannot replace the electrical design or serve as a shopping list with universal sizes.
4. Extras that depend on the property
Long cable runs, underground conduit, trenching, roof repairs or a new equipment area can add materials and work. A generator connection may require transfer equipment and controls if it is part of the agreed design. Future expansion should be discussed before equipment is ordered.
What should your quote make clear?
Ask for equipment models and quantities, the mounting and electrical materials included, and the circuits that will receive backup. Delivery, installation labour, any engineering or permits, testing, commissioning, warranty terms and support should be identified alongside the materials.
Clarify who handles roof or civil work, changes to existing house wiring and any items excluded from the price. We confirm the scope for your property before ordering; there is no single materials package that fits every home.