If you are planning to install solar, you may be surprised to hear that during busy periods the wait time can stretch to three or four months from quote to installation. This is now common across many parts of Australia, especially during summer and after rebate changes.
This guide explains exactly why solar installation timelines blow out during peak season, what happens behind the scenes, and what homeowners can do to reduce delays.
What is considered peak season for solar in Australia?
Solar demand follows a predictable annual pattern.
Peak season usually runs from:
- Late spring through summer
- Around government rebate changes
- After electricity price increases
- During periods of extreme power bill shock
The busiest months are typically:
- October to March
- July to August when new rebates launch
- After major electricity tariff increases
During these periods, some installers receive more enquiries in one month than they would normally receive in a full quarter.
The short answer: why installs take longer
When solar demand surges, four main bottlenecks appear:
- Network approval queues grow
- Equipment stock becomes limited
- Qualified installer capacity is capped
- Metering and retailer processes slow down
Even the best organised installers cannot bypass these industry-wide constraints.
The full breakdown: where the delays really happen
1. Network connection approvals slow down
Every solar system must be approved by the local electricity network before it can legally connect to the grid.
This is handled by your Distribution Network Service Provider such as:
- Ausgrid
- Endeavour Energy
- Energex
- SAPN
- Powercor
- AusNet
During peak season, these networks receive tens of thousands of new connection applications.
What normally takes 5 to 10 business days can stretch to 20 to 30 business days in busy periods.
Some areas also have export limits due to grid congestion, which can trigger additional technical assessment and further delays.
2. Equipment supply chains tighten
Solar is now a global industry, and Australia competes with Europe, the US, and Asia for stock.
During peak periods:
- Tier 1 panel manufacturers allocate stock months in advance
- Inverter supply becomes constrained
- Battery systems are often placed on allocation
If a particular inverter or battery becomes popular, it can sell out nationally within weeks.
Installers then have two choices:
- Delay installs until stock arrives
- Re-design systems with alternative equipment and re-submit approvals
Both options slow projects down.
3. Qualified installer capacity is limited
Solar installation is not like roofing or painting. It requires:
- CEC accredited designers
- Licensed electricians
- Rooftop safety compliance
- Grid compliance documentation
There is a national shortage of experienced solar electricians. Good installers do not hire unqualified labour just to move faster.
During peak season:
- Install calendars fill weeks or months ahead
- Wet weather causes rescheduling
- Safety restrictions reduce daily job capacity
A quality installer may only complete two to four installs per crew per week depending on system complexity.
4. Metering and retailer processes add more waiting
After your system is installed, your electricity retailer must arrange a meter reconfiguration so your exports can be measured correctly.
This involves:
- A metering provider
- A field technician visit
- Retailer processing queues
During busy periods, metering changes can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Until this is complete, some systems are restricted from exporting power.
5. Rebates create demand spikes
Government rebates strongly influence demand.
When rebates change or new incentives launch, demand surges overnight. This includes:
- Federal STC changes
- State battery rebates
- Virtual power plant incentives
- Feed-in tariff changes
Many homeowners rush to lock in systems before rebates drop or funding caps are reached.
This creates sudden booking backlogs across the industry.
Is a 3 to 4 month wait normal?
In peak season, yes.
A realistic peak season timeline often looks like this:
- Quote acceptance: Week 1
- Network approval: Weeks 2 to 6
- Stock allocation: Weeks 4 to 8
- Installation booking: Weeks 8 to 12
- Metering and export approval: Weeks 12 to 16
This is not poor service. It is the result of demand exceeding industry capacity.
Why the best installers often have the longest wait lists
The installers with the longest wait times are often the most reputable.
These companies:
- Use qualified in-house crews
- Refuse to cut corners on compliance
- Use Tier 1 equipment
- Follow safety standards strictly
Fast installs are not always good installs. Many rushed systems fail inspections, breach network rules, or suffer early inverter failures.
A longer wait with a quality installer usually means fewer problems long term.
Red flags: when delays become a problem
While delays are normal, poor communication is not.
Warning signs include:
- No updates for weeks at a time
- No explanation of approval or stock status
- Constant date changes without reason
- Pressure to pay in full before approvals
A professional installer should be able to tell you:
- When your connection application was lodged
- Whether stock is secured
- Your place in the install queue
- Expected install window
How to reduce your solar installation wait time
While you cannot control the market, you can improve your position in the queue.
1. Approve quickly once confident
Delaying your decision by weeks can push you into a busier install window.
2. Be flexible with install dates
Providing a range of available dates helps schedulers fit you in faster.
3. Confirm product availability
Ask if your panels and inverter are in stock or allocated.
4. Choose established installers
They have better supplier relationships and priority stock access.
5. Avoid rebate rush periods if possible
Booking just before or after major rebate changes can save months of waiting.
The reality of solar demand in Australia
Australia installs more rooftop solar per capita than any country in the world. More than one in three homes now has solar.
As electricity prices continue to rise and batteries become mainstream, demand will only increase.
The industry is scaling, but skilled labour, grid infrastructure, and equipment supply cannot expand overnight.
This means peak season delays are now part of the solar landscape.
Delays are frustrating, but they are temporary
Waiting months for solar is frustrating, especially when power bills are high. But a properly designed and compliant system will operate for 25 years or more.
A short delay now is better than rushing into a poor installation that causes decades of issues.
If your installer is transparent, communicative, and professional, you are in good hands.
Thinking about installing solar?
Ask for a tailored quote and realistic timeframe based on current network approvals, stock availability, and installer capacity in your area.
