Why is my solar installation taking so long?

The most common cause is the network approval stage, where your distribution network service provider (DNSP) has to check that your local grid can handle your system's export before approving the connection. This step is largely outside your installer's control. Missing electricity bill information, a complex roof design, or local grid capacity constraints in your area can all add extra time here.

Do I need council approval to install solar panels?

Most standard rooftop solar installations on regular freestanding homes don't need council approval. However, heritage-listed properties, some apartment buildings, and certain strata-titled properties may need sign-off or a building permit before work starts, so it's worth checking with your council or strata body early if any of these apply to you.

Can I use my solar panels before the inspection is done?

You may be able to use solar power generated for your own home's consumption before formal sign-off, but you shouldn't assume you're earning feed-in tariff credits for anything exported to the grid until a licensed inspector has signed off and your meter has been updated with permission to export. Check with your installer about what applies to your specific system. It's also worth knowing whether your solar panels work in a power outage, since most grid-connected systems shut down automatically when the grid goes down.

What should I have ready before installation day?

Clear, safe access to your roof, sorted parking for the installation team, pets kept away from the work area, and copies of your recent electricity bills on hand are the main practical things worth organising. If your property is heritage-listed or on a strata title, confirm any required approvals are already sorted before the day arrives.

Mariam Gabaji

Senior Utilities Editor & Tech Expert

Mariam Gabaji is a seasoned journalist and tech expert with 13 years of experience writing about consumer-focused topics. Her work is regularly featured in top media outlets including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, The Guardian, SBS, 7News, A Current Affair and Money Magazine. A finalist for the 2024 and 2025 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist, Mariam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.

A passionate advocate for helping Aussies save on household bills, Mariam specialises in demystifying the complex world of mobile services, electricity bills and internet costs. Her in-depth coverage includes Australia’s energy crisis, helping families navigate cost-of-living challenges, and tracking mobile and internet pricing trends to ensure consumers stay informed.

If you’re interested in a media interview with Mariam, please reach out to our PR team at aupr@finder.com.

Expertise

Energy
Mobile
Broadband
Consumer tech

Experience

Finalist in the 2023 IT Journalism Awards for Best Telecommunications Journalist
Contributor at Yahoo Finance
Co-creator of Finder's Financial Fitness Challenge
School Entrepreneur of the Year mentor in collaboration with Generation Entrepreneur 2022 & 2023
Annual Finder Innovation Awards judge for telco, solar and energy innovation categories
Invited contributor and thought-leader with London-based consumer and behavioural insights agency, Canvas8
Completed a Telecoms Technology course led by Dr Tony Eyers