What Is Solassure? Why Solar Certification Matters in New Zealand
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels or a home battery, you’ve probably come across terms such as SEANZ, Solassure and certified solar installer.
But what do they actually mean?
With more New Zealand homes and businesses investing in solar energy, choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right solar panels, inverter or battery. A solar energy system is a long-term investment, so it makes sense to look beyond the equipment and consider the company designing and installing it.
What is Solassure?
Solassure is an independent quality assurance programme for solar and battery installations in New Zealand, powered by the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ).
SEANZ describes Solassure as New Zealand’s first independent quality assurance programme specifically for solar and battery installations.
The programme independently assesses participating providers across areas including:
Technical competence
Installation quality
Business practices
Customer service
Financial stability
When you see a solar company that is Solassure Certified, it provides an additional level of confidence that the business has been independently assessed and is committed to recognised standards of quality and good practice.
Why is Solassure important when choosing a solar installer?
Solar panels can look relatively straightforward from the ground. But a properly designed solar and battery system involves much more than putting panels on a roof.
There are electrical, structural, safety, compliance and performance considerations that need to be addressed during the design and installation.
Your installer needs to understand your electricity consumption, your property, your roof, your electrical installation and how the different components of the system will work together.
That is why who installs your solar system matters.
SEANZ explains that a professional solar designer and installer should assess your electricity requirements, recommend appropriate technology, design the system, install and commission it, and deal with relevant external requirements where necessary.
Solassure adds another layer of reassurance by looking at the business behind the installation, not simply the products being installed.
Does Solassure mean my solar system is safe and compliant?
Solassure should not be viewed as a replacement for New Zealand’s electrical safety and regulatory requirements. Solar installations still need to comply with the applicable legislation, regulations and electrical standards.
For example, grid-connected solar systems involve specific requirements around electrical installation, PV systems and inverters. SEANZ notes that solar PV work can involve high-risk prescribed electrical work and requirements under standards including AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 5033.
Instead, Solassure provides an additional quality assurance framework around the company and the way it operates.
For a customer, that distinction is important.
You are not simply buying solar panels. You are choosing a business that will design, install, commission and support an energy system that you may rely on for many years.
What is SEANZ?
SEANZ stands for the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand.
It is an industry association representing businesses involved in sustainable energy, including solar PV, battery storage and energy management systems.
SEANZ is independent of government and the electricity supply industry and works to promote and support sustainable energy solutions in New Zealand.
SEANZ members are also expected to operate under a Code of Conduct, with requirements around ethical business practices, standards and the quality of their work.
StarDelta is now Solassure Certified
We’re delighted to announce that StarDelta Electrical & Solar is now SEANZ Solassure Certified.
For us, this is not simply another certification to add to our website.
It is another way of demonstrating our commitment to doing things properly.
At StarDelta, we have always believed that good solar starts with good advice and good design, followed by quality installation and ongoing customer support.
Our own in-house electrical and solar installation team manages installations from start to finish. We don’t simply sell a package and pass the installation to someone else.
Becoming Solassure Certified gives our customers another reason to feel confident when choosing StarDelta for their solar or battery installation.
What should you look for when choosing a solar installer?
Price is naturally an important consideration, but it shouldn’t be the only one.
When comparing solar quotes, consider asking:
Is the installer experienced with solar and battery systems?
Who will actually carry out the installation?
Is the company appropriately qualified and experienced?
Does the installer belong to an established industry organisation?
Is the business Solassure Certified?
What happens if you need help after the installation?
A solar system can be expected to operate for decades. Choosing the company that designs and installs it deserves just as much attention as choosing the equipment on your roof.
Looking for a trusted solar installer in New Zealand?
If you’re considering solar panels, battery storage or a complete home energy system, talk to StarDelta.
We’re proud to be SEANZ Solassure Certified and to provide our customers with the knowledge, experience and support needed to make a long-term investment in solar with confidence.
StarDelta Electrical & Solar
Local people. Qualified electricians. Quality solar.