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Solar System Installation Mount Gravatt, Brisbane

Getting Solar Ready: A Mount Gravatt Switchboard & Solar Installation Story

Are you tired of watching your electricity bills climb higher and higher each quarter? Installing a solar power system is one of the smartest investments you can make to take control of your energy costs. But before you can start enjoying the sun’s free energy, there’s one crucial component of your home that must be ready: your switchboard.

For one homeowner in Mount Gravatt, the journey to solar power began with an essential electrical safety upgrade. This project highlights a common but critical step that ensures a safe and successful solar system installation.

The Problem: An Outdated Switchboard Standing in the Way

The homeowner contacted us for a quote on a new solar system, eager to start saving money and reduce their carbon footprint. During our initial on-site inspection, we identified a significant roadblock. The home’s switchboard—the main electrical control centre that houses your fuses and circuit breakers—was outdated.

What are the signs of an outdated switchboard?

  • It may still use old-fashioned ceramic fuses instead of modern circuit breakers.
  • It often lacks individual safety switches (RCDs) for all circuits, which are essential for protecting against electric shock.
  • There simply isn’t enough physical space or capacity to add a new, dedicated circuit for a solar system.

Connecting a powerful, modern solar system to an old switchboard is like trying to run a high-speed electric car using an old, frayed extension cord. It’s not just inefficient; it’s unsafe. To proceed with the solar system installation in Mount Gravatt, a full switchboard upgrade was the first and most important step.

close multimeter view during testing on solar panel system at a property in Mount Gravatt

The Solution: A Two-Part Process for Safety and Performance

After we walked the homeowner through our findings and provided a detailed, up-front quote, they gave us the green light. Our licenced electricians completed the project in two key phases.

Phase 1: The Switchboard Upgrade

Before any panels touched the roof, we focused on the home’s electrical heart. We carefully removed the old switchboard and installed a brand new, compliant one. This wasn’t just a simple swap; the upgrade involved:

  • Installing a new main switch and modern circuit breakers.
  • Ensuring every single circuit in the home was protected by its own dedicated safety switch.
  • Adding surge protection to safeguard the home’s appliances—and the new solar system—from power surges.
  • Creating a safe, dedicated connection point ready for the solar inverter.

Phase 2: The 5kW Solar System Installation

With a safe and robust electrical foundation in place, our team installed a brand new 5kW solar system. We tailored the system design to suit the home’s roof space and the family’s specific energy consumption patterns, ensuring they would get the best possible return on their investment. The system was then fully tested and commissioned, a final quality check to guarantee every component was operating perfectly and safely.

The Benefits for the Homeowner: More Than Just Lower Bills

With the project complete, the Mount Gravatt homeowner now enjoys the full benefits of a solar system, supported by the safety and security of a modern switchboard.

  • Greatly Improved Safety: The new switchboard provides superior protection against electrical faults, shocks, and fires for the entire home.
  • Significant Bill Savings: The efficient 5kW solar system is now actively generating free, clean electricity, drastically reducing their reliance on the grid.
  • Increased Property Value: A modern switchboard and a quality solar system are highly sought-after features that add real value to a property.
  • Long-Term Reliability: A professionally installed system, supported by the right electrical infrastructure, is built to perform reliably for decades.
  • Peace of Mind: The homeowner can relax, knowing their entire electrical system is safe, compliant, and working efficiently.

Electrical test on a solar panel array using an analog insulation resistance tester at a property in Mount Gravatt

Why Choose Fallon Solutions?

For over 60 years, Fallon Solutions has been a trusted name in electrical services across South East Queensland. We take a comprehensive approach to every solar system installation. We don’t just put panels on your roof; our licenced electricians assess your entire electrical system to ensure the work is done safely and correctly, from the switchboard to the solar array. Want to learn more about our solar services, visit our solar trade area.

Stop Paying Peak Rates

Installing solar power is a fantastic decision, but doing it safely is paramount. As this Mount Gravatt project shows, ensuring your switchboard is up to the task is a critical first step for a successful and long-lasting solar investment.

If you’re in Mount Gravatt and considering making the switch to solar, contact the expert team at Fallon Solutions today. We can provide a comprehensive assessment and quote for a safe and efficient solar system installation. Call us on 1300 054 488 or send us an enquiry here.