02/09/2026
Selling a home with a solar setup is no longer as simple as showing off a working system. The compliance rulebook has shifted significantly, meaning sellers and estate agents need to account for stricter standards and additional paperwork.
What Has Changed for Solar Compliance?
Certificate of Compliance (CoC): Every solar installation legally counts as electrical installation work and requires a valid CoC. Any modifications, such as adding extra batteries, adding panels, or upgrading an inverter, require a brand-new CoC.
Maintenance Manual Requirement: For setups installed after June 2026, an operational and maintenance manual aligned with standard IEC 62446-1:2018 must be provided to the owner to ensure proper testing and safe operation.
Structural & Fire Safety Checks: Depending on the setup, sellers may need structural engineering certification to prove the roof can support the weight, as well as additional fire engineering reports.
Verification of Installers: Certificates must be issued by a contractor registered with the Department of Employment and Labour. Buyers and agents are actively verifying these credentials on provincial registers.
Expanded Defect Disclosures: Unregistered work, disabled safety features, or electrical defects must be explicitly disclosed in the seller’s defect disclosure documentation.
Key Advice for Home Sellers
Start Early: Bring up solar compliance when listing the property rather than waiting for a buyer or conveyancer. This gives you time to handle remedial work and budget for expenses without delaying the registration process.
Timing the Inspection: While compliance should be discussed upfront, actual official inspections should be completed after the sale to ensure the CoC remains current throughout the transfer.
READ MORE ➡️ Article link in our BIO (Linktree)
