Solar Installation Checklist
What to verify on the day

Before the installer arrives

• Confirm model numbers match your quote The quote should list exact model numbers for the inverter, battery, and panels. "Deye inverter" is too vague — it should say "Deye SUN-5K-SG03LP1-EU" or equivalent. If model numbers are vague, clarify before installation day. If you need help choosing the right system size or component mix, consult our solar system sizing guide.
• Agree the inverter and battery location in writing Ask the installer to check the exact model manuals and record the proposed location on the quote or site plan. An outdoor or IP-rated enclosure does not by itself make every exposed position suitable: verify the model's limits for direct sun and rain, temperature, moisture or flooding, airflow and clearances, nearby heat or flammable materials, mounting support and maintenance access. Requirements differ by product; the official Sunsynk W5.3 battery manual, for example, specifies conditions for that model. Do not approve a location based on another model's IP rating or clearances.
• Clear the roof access path Ensure the installer can safely reach the roof with a ladder. Move vehicles, furniture, or obstacles from the planned access route.
• Identify your DB board location The installer needs access to your distribution board. Confirm it has been assessed during the site survey. If the DB board needs upgrading, this should be on the quote.
• Note which circuits you want on backup Decide which circuits (lights, plugs, fridge, WiFi router) should be powered during load shedding. The installer will wire these through the inverter's backup output.

On delivery — check the equipment

• Photograph every equipment box before opening Model number and serial number must be visible in the photo. This is your evidence if a dispute arises later.
• Cross-reference inverter model with the quote Check the sticker on the inverter box matches the model number on your signed quote.
• Cross-reference panel wattage and brand The panel boxes should match the brand, model, and wattage quoted. If 550W JA Solar panels were quoted, that's what should be delivered — not 455W panels from a different manufacturer.
• Check battery manufacture date The label on the battery shows the manufacture date. Avoid stock older than 18 months — LiFePO₄ cells degrade slightly in storage, and warranty periods typically start from manufacture date, not installation date.

During installation

• Confirm panel orientation Ask the installer to confirm the compass azimuth bearing. North-facing should be between 345° and 15°. Anything beyond 30° off north should be discussed. Make sure the placement does not subject the panels to shading from nearby chimneys, trees, or vents (check our shading impact guide for assessment techniques).
• Confirm tilt angle Ask the installer what angle the panels are mounted at. This should match what was discussed during quoting and be close to your latitude (see our panel angle guide).
• Check roof penetration sealing If panels are mounted with penetrating fixings (tile hooks, bolts through IBR), ask to see each penetration point. Each one should be sealed with butyl tape, flashing, or silicone as appropriate. You can read more about typical mounting options for different roof materials in our roof types compatibility guide.
• Confirm DC isolator is installed A DC isolator switch must be installed between the panels and the inverter. It should be accessible and clearly labelled. This is a safety requirement, not optional.
• Confirm surge protection devices (SPDs) Type 2 SPDs should be fitted at both the DC (panel) and AC (grid) connection points. Gauteng's lightning-heavy summers make this non-negotiable.

At completion

• Test backup manually Ask the installer to switch off the main breaker (simulating a power cut) and confirm that your selected backup circuits work on battery/inverter power.
• Confirm Certificate of Compliance (CoC) Agree in writing when the completed CoC and attached test report will be delivered, and do not treat the job as complete without them. Check the issuer's registration number and signature. The national Electrical Installation Regulations, 2009 require inspection and testing by a registered person before a CoC is issued; they do not prescribe physical handover on installation day.
• Confirm SSEG registration paperwork Check your electricity supplier's rules before installation and keep its approval or registration documents with your CoC. Requirements and timing vary by municipality; for example, the City of Cape Town requires authorisation for embedded generation. A CoC does not by itself replace municipal authorisation.
• Set up the monitoring app The inverter monitoring app (Deye Cloud, SunSynk, Victron VRM, etc.) should be installed on your phone and verified as working before the installer leaves. You should be able to see real-time production and battery status.
• Walk through the shutdown procedure Know how to safely shut down your system in an emergency or for maintenance. This means: DC isolator → inverter off → AC isolator, in that order.
• Get warranty documents Obtain written warranty documents for the inverter (typically 5–10 years), battery (typically 10 years), and panels (typically 25 years performance warranty). These should include serial numbers.

Red flags — act on these immediately