Every property uses electricity differently. Before recommending a system, we consider the customer’s objectives, current electricity use, available installation area, existing electrical infrastructure and future energy requirements.
The aim is to provide a practical system that suits the property — not simply install the largest system available.
Solar and Battery Services
QEI can assist with:
- Residential solar system design and installation
- Commercial solar system design and installation
- Solar-array additions and expansions
- Existing-system upgrades
- Battery supply and installation
- Battery integration with suitable existing solar systems
- Electrical and switchboard assessments
- System monitoring and handover
- Coordination of required network applications
- Testing and installation records
New Solar Systems
A suitable solar system should be designed around the property and how electricity is used throughout the day. During the assessment process, we may consider:
- Current and expected electricity use
- Roof orientation and available installation area
- Shading and site conditions
- Existing switchboard and electrical capacity
- Proposed electric vehicles, air conditioning or other major loads
- Available network connection capacity
- Future battery requirements
- Monitoring and system-management preferences
Following the assessment, QEI will explain the recommended system configuration and any electrical or network work required as part of the installation.
Commercial Solar Systems
Commercial solar projects require careful assessment of the site’s electricity use, operating hours, available installation area and existing electrical infrastructure.
QEI can work with business owners, builders, facilities teams and property managers to assess the proposed installation and coordinate the electrical, solar and project requirements. The recommended system will depend on the site, the customer’s objectives and the applicable network requirements.
Solar-System Expansions and Upgrades
An existing solar system may not automatically be suitable for additional panels or battery integration. Before recommending an expansion, QEI will assess:
- Existing panels and inverter equipment
- Available roof space
- Current system capacity
- Electrical infrastructure
- Switchboard capacity
- Compatibility of proposed components
- Applicable network limitations
Where an existing system cannot be practically expanded, we will explain the available alternatives.
Battery Systems
Battery storage may help a property use more of its solar generation and reduce reliance on grid electricity during certain periods. The right battery arrangement depends on the property’s energy use, existing solar system, switchboard, available installation location and the customer’s objectives.
QEI can assess:
- Compatibility with the existing solar system
- Battery size and expected usage
- Proposed installation location
- Switchboard and protection requirements
- Backup-power expectations
- Circuits to be supported during an outage
- Monitoring and control requirements
Backup operation depends on the selected equipment and system design. Not every battery system automatically powers an entire property during a blackout. Before installation, QEI will explain what the proposed system can and cannot power during an outage.
Battery Integration with Existing Solar
In many cases, a battery can be added to an existing solar system. However, compatibility must be assessed before equipment is recommended.
The assessment may include the existing inverter, solar-panel arrangement, switchboard, network approval, proposed battery location and the customer’s backup requirements. Where the existing equipment is unsuitable for direct battery integration, QEI will explain the alternative options.
Switchboard and Electrical Assessment
A solar or battery installation may require changes to the property’s existing switchboard or electrical infrastructure.
As part of the assessment, QEI will review the relevant electrical equipment and identify any upgrades, protection devices or additional work required for the proposed system. Additional electrical requirements will be explained and included in the scope where possible.
Network Applications and Approvals
Some solar and battery installations require an application or approval from the relevant electricity network provider. QEI will explain and coordinate the process applicable to the proposed installation and identify any customer information or authorisations required.
Installation timeframes may be affected by external network-provider processing and approval periods.
Monitoring and Handover
Following installation, the system will be tested and commissioned. Where monitoring is available, QEI will explain how to access the relevant platform or application.
Customers will also be provided with suitable information about the installed system, its normal operation and any important manufacturer requirements.
Our Solar and Battery Process
1. Understand Your Objectives
We discuss what you are trying to achieve, such as reducing daytime grid use, preparing for future loads or adding battery storage.
2. Review the Property
We assess the electricity usage information, roof or installation area, switchboard and existing solar equipment.
3. Design and Quote
You receive a recommended system design with the proposed equipment, scope, inclusions and relevant assumptions.
4. Installation and Handover
The system is installed, tested and commissioned. Monitoring access and suitable documentation are provided at handover.
Equipment and Warranties
The proposed quote will identify the equipment recommended for the installation and the applicable manufacturer warranty information. Product warranties are provided by the relevant manufacturer and may be subject to product registration, correct operation and maintenance requirements.
QEI will explain the proposed equipment, monitoring arrangements and relevant warranty information before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a battery be added to an existing solar system?
In many cases, yes. Compatibility depends on the existing inverter, system design, available switchboard capacity and the battery product being considered. QEI will assess the existing installation before recommending an option.
Will a battery power my property during a blackout?
Only if the system has been designed and installed with suitable backup functionality. The number and type of circuits supported will depend on the equipment, battery capacity and overall system design.
Can an existing solar system be expanded?
Some systems can be expanded, while others may be limited by their inverter, panel compatibility, roof space, switchboard capacity or network approval. An assessment is required before this can be confirmed.
Who handles the network application?
QEI will explain and coordinate the application and approval process applicable to the proposed installation. We will also identify any information or authorisations required from the property owner.
Do you install solar and batteries for commercial properties?
Yes. QEI provides solar and battery services for residential and commercial properties.
What information should I send with my enquiry?
A recent electricity bill, property address, photographs of the switchboard and existing solar equipment, and a brief description of your objectives will help with the initial review.
Discuss a Solar or Battery Project
Send through the property details, a recent electricity bill and information about any existing solar equipment. QEI will review the requirements and explain the next step.
Have a Job to Price? Talk to QEI.
Send through the job details or call the office. We’ll review the scope, explain the next steps and provide a clear, practical quote.