Key Information in relation to Residential Solar Systems – 2012
1. Key Information
Standard Lead Times
Standard lead times for the commencement of solar system installations are generally between 6 – 8
weeks from confirmation of a contract between PowerSmart and the client. It is the responsibility of
the client to communicate with PowerSmart in order to schedule the system installation with
consideration to factors which influence the installation schedule and are outside of Powersmart’s
control. PowerSmart does not assume any responsibility for delays to the installation schedule
caused by third parties.
Payment Schedule
A non refundable deposit of 10% the full quotation is required to secure the order and installation
schedule. The full balance is due upon successful installation, inspection and commissioning by a NZ
registered electrical inspector. Once the system is inspected and ready for connection to the
network PowerSmart will provide the customer and Electrical Certificate of Compliance (COC), which
is the last stage of the solar power system installation.
Please note that there may be a delay between the provision of the COC for the solar power system
and the installation of the additional import/export meter required by your energy retailer.
PowerSmart does not own, perform or control the installation of the export meter and it is not part
of the solar power system provided. As such, full payment for the system cannot be withheld or
delayed once PowerSmart provides the customer with a signed and complete COC.
Scope Exclusions
PowerSmart’s proposed system prices are inclusive of all DC and AC cabling and components to
provide a compliant solar system that is connectable to the relevant electricity network. Any
additional work required to existing meter boards, electrical switchboards, distribution panels, or
any household wiring is not included in the scope of the solar power system installation unless
otherwise clearly indicated in writing.
PowerSmart provides inverters with monitoring capabilities and does not assume responsibility for
connection of these systems to household networks or the provision of display equipment to access
and display any data unless otherwise agreed in writing. PowerSmart will configure and leave
inverters in a state of readiness to connect to the customer’s network but will not be held
responsible for the actual connection and configuration of the customer’s network. It is the
responsibility of the customer to confirm that their wireless signal is available at the inverter
installation site.
Additional Fees
PowerSmart provides thorough and inclusive pricing for our solar power systems with little
exclusion. However, your local network operator may charge a nominal application fee in order to
consent to connection of the system. In addition, your electricity retailer may charge a nominal fee
for the additional import/export meter required for the solar power system. Both these, and any
fees charged by the local authorities for consent to install the solar system are not included as part
of PowerSmart Quotes unless otherwise indicated in writing.
Solar System Layout and Location
PowerSmart provides draft solar system layout diagrams showing the location of the solar power
system on the roof with each of our quotations. By accepting the quotation the customer is also
accepting the location of the solar array shown in the drawings provided. In some cases our
installers will make slight adjustments to the location of the solar power system in order to better fix
to the building framing points available. As long as these adjustments are kept reasonably
consistent with the site of the array shown on the system layout diagrams PowerSmart cannot be
asked to move the array at any time after installation of the solar panels and framing.
2. Solar Power System: Scope of Works
2.1 General Inclusions and Exclusions
1. PowerSmart or our subcontractors will comply fully with local authority conditions of
approval, all New Zealand and Australian standards where applicable, and other local
statutory requirements applicable to solar power system design and installation.
2. All workers will undertake a formal site safety induction conducted by PowerSmart’s
Installation Manager or subcontractor and will hold the site induction prior to commencing
works on site.
3. PowerSmart or our subcontractors will provide all necessary personal safety equipment
which must be used as required by law.
4. PowerSmart or our subcontractors will provide all necessary scaffolding, hoisting, back
propping, shoring, materials movement and access in compliance with ACC requirements.
Access to on site storage may be requested to be provided by the client.
5. PowerSmart or our subcontractors will comply with noise, and hours of work restraints, and
environmental guidelines.
6. PowerSmart will provide all necessary vertical and horizontal transport, loading, unloading,
and materials handling requirements.
7. PowerSmart or our subcontractors will maintain a clean and safe worksite at all times.
8. Reasonable access to ablutions to be provided by the client.
9. PowerSmart and the client must inform each other of any conflict between the proposal
documentation and existing conditions before proceeding with any variation to the works.
10. PowerSmart or our subcontractors assume responsibility for damage caused to the building
which can be directly attributed to the works.
2.2 Trade Specific Inclusions and Exclusions
Except as maybe expressly excluded in this proposal, PowerSmart shall supply all labour, plant,
materials, and equipment necessary to carry out the works in accordance with the contract
including, without limitation, all incidental and ancillary items and performance of work necessarily
inferred for completion of the works.
The extent of the contract works shall include or exclude the following.
2.3 Solar Power System
1. The scope of work includes the supply, installation, and commissioning of the grid connected
solar power system. Once the system is commissioned, PowerSmart’s obligations are
limited to those under our standard system warranty and the respective component
manufacturers’ warrantees. General and ongoing maintenance items such as cleaning,
physical/visual inspections, and performance monitoring are considered the sole
responsibility of the system owner.
2. PowerSmart provides a standard internal process to all customers inclusive of all system
quotes whereby we help the customer prepare and submit all relevant notices/forms to the
relevant legally constituted authorities which include Councils, Network/Lines Companies,
and Electricity Retailers. The payment of any fees for those authorities is not included unless
clearly indicated in writing.
3. Powersmart carries relevant insurance policies and assumes all responsibility for loss,
damage, or failure of system components during shipping, supply, installation, and
commissioning of the system.
4. Powersmart will procure all system components as per quotation and ensure all components
are new and meet relevant New Zealand and Australian Standards. We design systems to
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exceed the basic requirements for quality installations and to meet or exceed what is
deemed as ‘industry best practice.’
Powersmart will employ suitably qualified personnel for requirements (a) – (d) below.
Licenses, accreditation documents, and resumes are available on request.
a. Mounting of PV solar panels, mounting brackets and inverters as required and
quoted.
b. Laying all electrical cables associated with the works and as quoted.
c. Terminations of all wiring associated with the works and as quoted.
d. Provision of all equipment required for installation including any access, safety, or
lifting equipment as required.
Each solar module is to be confirmed as tested by the manufacturer before leaving the final
stage of the production line and test reports provided to PowerSmart with each shipment.
PowerSmart assumes responsibility for final commissioning of the PV system demonstrating
full operation. A successful inspection by a NZ registered electrician and the provision of an
Electricity Certificate of Compliance (COC) shall be considered the final stage demonstrating
full operation of the PV system and the point where responsibility for the system and all
liabilities transfers to the system owner.
All works will meet relevant New Zealand and local government regulations and standards.
The solar power system design is to be performed by Australian CEC accredited system
designers. The solar power system design must conform to AS/NZS 5033 and the inverter
must be approved under AS 4777 for grid connection. All electrical work must be performed
in accordance to AS/NZS 3000. The mounting structure is to be engineered according to
AS/NZS 1170. All standards listed include their relevant parts and associated standards.
PowerSmart will supply the customer with an operational and maintenance manual upon
completion of the works.
2.4 System Details – Photovoltaic Modules
1. The solar modules shall be a commercially proven product and have a minimum
workmanship warranty of 5 years and we warranted to provide at least 90% of their rated
output at standard conditions for a minimum of 10 years and 80% for a minimum of 25
years. The modules shall have a temperature degradation coefficient of no more than
0.45%/C* and must be certified to IEC61215. All modules must also be on the Clean Energy
Council’s accredited solar modules list.
2. Datasheets and warranty statements for the solar modules are to be provided.
3. The following minimum information will be shown on the manufacturer’s label attached to
each panel:
a. Manufacturer’s name,
b. Module model identification,
c. Module serial number,
d. Rated power at standard conditions,
e. VOC,
f. ISC,
g. Date of manufacture, and
h. Country of manufacture.
2.5 Mounting Rails
1. Methodology for the mounting of PV modules by means of mounting rails (or brackets) must
be able to accommodate both flush and tilt mounting to achieve the best orientation to the
sun.
2. PowerSmart’s roof mounting system is to be compliant with AS/NZS 5033; solar modules will
be mounted in accordance to AS/NZS 1170.2 and with a minimum of 100mm between the
solar module framing and the roof to promote adequate ventilation behind the solar
modules.
2.6 Inverter
1. The inverter will be a commercially proven product compliant to AS4777 (for grid connection
of energy systems via inverters).
2. The inverter must specify the following minimum data output capabilities:
a. Current Power (Watts);
b. Peak power that day (Watts);
c. Daily cumulative electricity generation (kWh);
d. Total cumulative electricity generation (kWh);
3. Desirable outputs are specified to include:
a. Average voltage, current and frequency.
b. Output frequency with 15 minute recordings and calculations.
c. Ratings of 50Hz/240V for single phase and 415V for three-phase.
d. Operating efficiency greater than 92% at maximum output or greater than 95% peak
efficiency.
2.7 Data Collection Storage and Visualisation System
1. PowerSmart systems generally include inverters with the capability to provide system data
to a computer. This information is available to the system owner via an internet enabled
computer and/or wireless network and/or a wired network. The provision of an internet
connection at the inverter site, a working wireless signal, or a computer and/or display is not
the responsibility of PowerSmart. The integration of any inverter’s monitoring functionality
with the household network is not the responsibility of PowerSmart. PowerSmart or our
subcontractors will ensure the inverter is configured and ready for connection as per the
procedures described in the relevant installation manual.
2.8 Cabling
1. Powersmart will use high quality cable specifically designed for solar installations. The cable
is to be UV rated and double insulated. Additional DC cable protection will be provided as
necessary to be compliant with AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 3008.
2.9 Circuit Breakers
1. DC circuit breakers for isolation and protection of the inverter from the solar modules are
included.
2. AC circuit breakers for isolation and protection of the inverter from the grid are included.
2.10 Labelling
1. PowerSmart will include all signs and labels specified in AS4777.1:2005 and
AS/NZS5033:2005. The signs required include:
a. A warning sign in the electrical switchboard indicating that dual supplies exist and
both normal and solar supplies should be disconnected when working on the
switchboard;
b. A warning sign in the distribution board that the solar system is connected to and
also in every Distribution board back to and including the main switchboard; and
c. The PV system main switch in the switchboard should be labelled “SOLAR SUPPLY”.
2.11 Considerations for Expansion
1. System designs are generally done to maximise performance and compatibility and do not
necessarily allow for expansion on existing inverters. It is the responsibility of the client to
inform PowerSmart if considerations for future expansion are required in the solar system
design.
2.12 Maintenance
1. Ongoing maintenance of the solar power system is the sole responsibility of the customer.
2.13 Warranty
1. PowerSmart includes a standard 5 year defects liability period for our workmanship on the solar
power system in addition to the relevant component manufacturer’s warrantees:
2. PowerSmart also warrants that the mounting method complies with the requirements of Metal
Roof Manufacturers specifications for sealing method, dissimilar metal contact, and prescribed
gap between roofing material and the PV module framing.
Important Notice
This Key Information Sheet has been prepared by Powersmart for the purposes of assisting recipients
in understanding Powersmart’s solar system products and services. Powersmart believes the
information is correct at the time this Key Information Sheet is provided to you. While Powersmart is
under no obligation to notify any recipient should any of the Information cease to be correct after the
date it is provided to you, Powersmart will use its reasonable endeavours to do so.
No warranty is made as to the accuracy or reliability of the information and, to the maximum extent
permitted by law, Powersmart disclaims all liability and responsibility for any direct or indirect loss or
damage which may be suffered by any recipient through relying on anything contained in or omitted
from this Key Information Sheet, and each recipient waives all claims in that regard.
This Key Information Sheet is not intended in any manner, and should not be interpreted, as
representing or creating any proposal, commitment or offer of advice or services. This Key
Information Sheet has been prepared for information purposes only and does not take into account
the specific solar system requirements of any recipient.