Visual Defects of a Solar Installation (Part Two) – Common Defects

Not every defect is obvious. This course takes a deeper look at the common — and commonly overlooked — issues that affect the compliance and safety of a solar installation under AS/NZS 5033:2021 and AS/NZS 3000:2018, so the small things stop costing you rework.

Some defects won’t trigger an immediate failure, but they still breach the standard or best practice — and they’re exactly the kind of thing that leads to a targeted audit or a pattern of non-compliance across your jobs. Because they’re subtle, they’re also the ones most installers never get shown.

Made for licensed electricians, solar installers, designers and compliance professionals, this course builds on Part One with real examples of the issues inspectors pick up that others miss, the clauses behind them, and the changes to your installation practice that make them go away.

What you’ll learn

• The visual defects that breach the standards without causing immediate failure
• How seemingly minor issues lead to targeted audits or systemic non-compliance
• How to apply AS/NZS 5033:2021 and AS/NZS 3000:2018 to real installations
• Practical changes that reduce rework and inspection failures
• What inspectors look for — and why it matters

Course content

Introduction: the defects that get overlooked

Why subtle issues matter, and how they escalate.

Commonly overlooked defects, with examples

Real installations, the clause behind each issue and what compliant looks like.

Applying the standards on site

Turning AS/NZS 5033:2021 and AS/NZS 3000:2018 into installation habits.

Knowledge check

A short quiz to claim your CPD points.

This course includes

• 15 CPD points (SAA accredited)
• 30 minutes of on-demand video
• Certificate of completion
• Real defect examples from inspections

Your presenter

Pat Southwell — Licensed Electrical Inspector

Pat inspects solar and battery installations across Victoria every week as a Licensed Electrical Inspector, with more than 7,000 inspections behind him. He co-hosts the Solar Sidekicks podcast and has trained over 1,000 installers through Southwell Solar Training.