Why isn't a general electrical SWMS enough for solar work?

Because the dominant hazard is different. On a solar job the thing most likely to hurt someone is the roof, not the wiring — and the wiring that is dangerous (live DC strings) behaves differently from AC. A SWMS built for switchboard work does not cover panel handling, roof access or string termination sequence.

Do I need a SWMS for a one-day residential install?

Yes. Duration does not change the categories: a one-day install still involves work above 2 metres and energised electrical work. The SWMS also has to be site-specific — roof pitch, access point, anchor locations — which is exactly what this builder asks you for.

Who signs the SWMS on a subcontracted solar job?

Everyone on the tools, including subbies and labourers passing panels. If a retailer or builder engaged you, give them a copy — the principal contractor must have every SWMS for high-risk work on their site before that work starts.

All templatesSolar

Solar panel installation SWMS template

Rooftop PV installation covering roof access, mounting and DC/AC connection.

Use this template See a finished example

Rooftop solar sits at the intersection of the two most serious residential construction risks: working at height and electrical work. A solar installation SWMS has to cover both — and the DC side deserves particular care, because panels are energised the moment light hits them and cannot be switched off like an AC circuit.

This template covers residential rooftop PV end to end: roof access, mounting, panel placement, DC cabling and the AC connection. It is the same worked example we publish as a complete document, so you can see exactly what the finished SWMS looks like before you start.

What this SWMS covers

The typical scope of work the document describes, step by step. The builder lets you add, remove and reword steps so the sequence matches your actual job.

1Arrive and inspect site
2Set up exclusion area
3Access roof
4Deliver materials to work area
5Install mounting system
6Install solar panels
7Electrical connection
8Testing and commissioning

Hazards and example controls

The controls below are starting points ordered by the hierarchy of control — the builder helps you adapt them to the site and add your own.

Fall from roof during mounting and panel placement

Install edge protection or use a harness with rated anchor points
Plan panel layout to keep workers away from the roof edge
Keep the roof clear of loose fixings and offcuts underfoot

Electric shock from live DC conductors

Treat all PV wiring as live in daylight; cover panels if isolation is needed
Terminate DC connectors before plugging strings together
Only licensed electrical workers to make the AC connection

Manual handling of panels onto the roof

Use a panel lifter, hoist or two-person pass line to the roof
Stop panel lifts in high wind — a panel is a sail

Falling tools and materials onto occupants

Exclusion zone below the work face, agreed with the occupant
Tether tools when working above access paths

High risk construction work

Risk of falling more than 2 metres
Work near energised electrical installations

Rooftop solar triggers the fall category (roof work above 2 metres) and the energised-electrical category (live DC whenever the sun is up, plus the grid connection). Both appear on every job, which is why generic 'electrical' paperwork misses half the risk profile of a solar crew.

All 18 high-risk categories explained

Common questions

Why isn't a general electrical SWMS enough for solar work?: Because the dominant hazard is different. On a solar job the thing most likely to hurt someone is the roof, not the wiring — and the wiring that is dangerous (live DC strings) behaves differently from AC. A SWMS built for switchboard work does not cover panel handling, roof access or string termination sequence.
Do I need a SWMS for a one-day residential install?: Yes. Duration does not change the categories: a one-day install still involves work above 2 metres and energised electrical work. The SWMS also has to be site-specific — roof pitch, access point, anchor locations — which is exactly what this builder asks you for.
Who signs the SWMS on a subcontracted solar job?: Everyone on the tools, including subbies and labourers passing panels. If a retailer or builder engaged you, give them a copy — the principal contractor must have every SWMS for high-risk work on their site before that work starts.

Build your solar SWMS now

Start from this template and answer a few questions about the job — state, site, crew, method. Preview the whole document free; pay only when you download the PDF.

Use this template See pricing

Related templates

Before you start

Users are responsible for reviewing and adapting the SWMS to the actual worksite, work methods and applicable regulatory requirements before work begins.