The safety regulations around solar installations changed in 2022, and the updates have increased installation times and equipment costs, which have had a small but noticeable impact on prices.
With installers now expected to utilise physical roof-edge barriers rather than harnesses, the time and cost for solar panel installation has increased.
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What This Means For You
Whether you’re a customer, solar installer, or solar retailer, this is your starting point to understanding the changes.
Are you buying solar for your home?
Always ask the retailer and installer whether the quote includes the physical roof-edge barrier hire. While many businesses will include these costs, others tack on surprise fees. Ask for a line-by-line quote.
Do you run a solar installation business?
You should familiarise yourself with the SafeWork NSW guidelines before updating your workflow and quote process. The guidelines also provide printable templates for the relevant forms to ensure the relevant processes are followed and to form part of your due diligence legal trail.
How installers are handling the change
It’s been a bit of a heache. THere is a big difference in time and cost to set up roof barriers, compared to slipping on a harness and getting to work. Some installers are renting the equipment like Kennards Hire to rent a physical roof-edge barrier. Others are contracting a company to install the barrier before work begins and to remove it after the job is complete. Either way, it’s easy to see where the extra costs come from.
Harness vs Barrier: What's the Difference?
What's Safer?
Which method is still legal under NSW law?
| Control Step | Pre-update | Post-update |
| Risk Control | Personal harness | Physical roof-edge barrier |
| Compliance Level | While a harness complies with the legislation, it is too often misused due to poor training. | Fully aligns with the SafeWork NSW preferred method of working. |
| Setup Time | Minimal, clip the harness into the roof anchor, and go. | It takes an additional hour (up to two) to install and remove the physical roof-edge barrier. |
| Required Equipment | Roof anchor point and harness kits for each installer. | The guardrail system and edge barrier equipment. |
| Suppliers | Most PPE suppliers. | Kennards or similar equipment hire companies. |
| Who completes the setup? | The installer | The installers or the equipment hire company’s specialist. |
| Safety Risk | High due to its reliance on training and human behaviour. | Low due to it physically preventing falls. |
| Required Documentation | A basic SWMS with notes on the harness. | A more detailed SWMS, including a risk assessment. |
| Inspector Notes | You may face higher fines in the event of an accident if the use of harnesses is deemed unwise or an act of non-compliance. | Utilising a physical roof-edge barrier is considered the best practice and viewed as an act of full compliance. |
How have install costs increased?
Because of the updated safety legislation, the cost of installation has increased by 7 – 12% for most installers. Not all the costs are passed onto the customer, some companies are eating the costs to stay competitive with prices, but it’s definitely had some impact for the customer.
Why the Rule Changes Matter
SafeWork NSW Inspectors issued fines of more than $200,000 to businesses and 400+ notices after inspections between 2021 and 2022. The majority of those notices were issued due to falls from height. Their inspections found that the majority of sites were failing to utilise the harness system correctly, or the controls in place were not sufficient to keep workers safe.
Ultimately, physical controls are the preferred method in the risk hierarchy, rather than relying on human behaviour. If installers fail to follow the new safe working legislation, they leave themselves open to fines of up to $3,600, and repeated non-compliance could lead to serious legal issues.
What the Current Law Requires
Can you still use harnesses?
Yes, but it’s viewed as a last resort when a barrier isn’t reasonably practicable.
Where can I read the full guidelines?
How Installation Works Under the New Legislation
The entire installation process should only take a day or two, depending on the size of the property and the number of panels set for installation.
The installer will arrive, complete any relevant paperwork, and start setting up the necessary equipment, including physical roof-edge barriers. Once work begins, the installers will install metal rails and attach your panels before installing the inverter and cabling.
How to Track the Cost and Time Impact
The new legislative changes add an hour or two to each solar installation project, and the cost of barrier hire runs up to $600, which should be included in the quote an installer provides, but ask for a line-by-line quote to ensure everything is calculated properly.
If you’re an installer, you should set up a sheet to calculate the percentage of jobs that require these additional steps and costs. It should help you decide whether to invest in the safety equipment or hire it as needed.
How to Ensure Your Project Meets Compliance and Safety Standards
- A compliant quote should include the full scope of work, pricing breakdown, product specifications, timeline estimate, and the business license number.
- Safety documentation should include Safe Work Method Statements, risk assessments specific to the job, emergency procedures, PPE requirements, hazard identification, hazard mitigation, and the relevant safety checks, maintenance logs, and training records for workers.
- The best way to avoid disputes and ensure a seamless process is to document everything, set clear expectations, always comply with regulations, and hold periodic self-audits.
Final Thoughts
While the 2022 legislation change added time and cost to the installation process, it also made rooftop installations safer. Whether you’re a solar installer or a homeowner, understanding the change is key to compliance and compliant quotes.
Do you want a comprehensive quote that includes everything without hiding safety fees? Go Solar Quotes can connect you to verified installers across NSW who meet the compliance standards.
