How do building regulations effect the installation of a solar power system in Darwin?

The Australian building regulations are the strictest in the world, particularly in the Northern Territory where conditions are harshest. For instance, putting solar panels on a roof requires the same process as building an extension or veranda. The building permits, maximum feet spacing, and freight costs of materials add up to make it more expensive than in other regions, but the peace of mind and safety are worth the investment.

<br/>For residents in the top end, the harsh climate requires a thorough certification and engineering process to ensure the solar panels can withstand extreme heat, humidity, rain, and strong winds. The system is designed to meet the needs of the household, with excess energy being fed back into the grid and drawn upon at night. Mr. Jakarna serves as the battery.

The most important thing, we have the strictest building regulations in the world. Not just in Australia, in the world. So, it comes down to if we're going to put solar on someone's roof we have to go through the same process. If you're going to build an extension, put a new veranda on we've got all our structural engineering in place, our certification, and at the end I hand over all the information. We had Cyclone Tracy which is 45 years ago that absolutely destroyed Darwin and that's why we have tough building regulations.

I always get this question. Oh, my sister has put a system on in Brisbane and only costs $6,000. Yes, if I lived in Brisbane, I could do the same but here in Darwin we've got building permits, and then we've got to put on all our feet the maximum of 400 apart so, that all adds up. Everything that we buy in Darwin has a freight component now. So, you add 5 cents per Watt on a panel to get it from Melbourne to Darwin. So, yes if I lived in Brisbane I could do the same price.