A Solar Installers Guide to WE Share

  1. Introduction

Welcome to the WE Share initiative. This guide outlines key processes, expectations, and support for solar installers participating in our pilot programs.

WE Share is a community-driven initiative working to support neighbourhood-level transitions to clean energy. Solar installation is one part of a broader approach that includes education, engagement, and infrastructure coordination.

To support safe, efficient delivery, WE Share is working with partners to introduce a Mechanical–Electrical task demarcation model. This structure ensures licensed professionals can focus on the high-value, compliance-critical aspects of the job — without being pulled into lower-skill or non-electrical work like prepping, racking assembly, or on-site prep.

The goal is a smoother install process, less downtime, and stronger project delivery — all within a structure that maintains quality, safety, and compliance. This guide will walk you through what to expect, how roles are divided, and where support is available.

  1. WE Share Overview

The WE Share pilot includes a carefully structured installation framework that introduces a Mechanical–Electrical task split. This approach is designed to support high-quality delivery, ensure safety and compliance, and enable licensed electricians to focus on their areas of professional expertise.

This dual-stream model is not only about technical coordination — it also creates structured opportunities for community engagement and workforce participation, particularly in mechanical roles that do not require electrical registration. This balance helps reduce project delivery costs and improve efficiency without compromising safety.

WE Share’s broader purpose is to enable locally driven clean energy transitions. Solar installation is just one part of this larger community facilitation model, which also includes education, engagement, and coordination of resources.

Key installation principles within the pilot include:

  • Grouped installations to maximize cost efficiency.
  • Standardized systems and components.
  • Emphasis on industry best practice and compliance.
  • A strong commitment to quality assurance and safety.
  1. Role of the Installer

As a WE Share solar installer, your responsibilities include:

  • On-site installation of solar PV systems and/or batteries.
  • Ensuring all mechanical and electrical work meets New Zealand standards.
  • Collaborating with the solar solution provider’s coordination team for scheduling, logistics, and delivery management.
  • Upholding quality, safety, and professionalism on every site.

The installation process is governed by a clearly defined Mechanical–Electrical demarcation model:

  • Mechanical Work: Roof mounting, equipment positioning, basic cable routing (non-live), and onsite preparation tasks may be performed by trained mechanical installers. These individuals do not carry out any live work or handle regulatory compliance.
  • Electrical Work: All wiring, testing, inverter and battery connections, and compliance certifications (e.g. Code of Compliance) must be carried out solely by a licensed electrical practitioner. Electrical installers are responsible for the final inspection, commissioning, and system sign-off.
  1. Compliance Requirements

All installation work is subject to role-specific boundaries, and only licensed electrical practitioners may perform or sign off regulated electrical work. Mechanical installers must not conduct any tasks outside their defined scope, including live wiring, inverter connection, or regulatory inspections. Breaches of this demarcation may compromise site compliance and will trigger escalation protocols.

All installations must align with the following standards:

  • AS/NZS 5033 (PV Arrays)
  • AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules)
  • AS/NZS 4777 (Inverters)
  • SEANZ Best Practice Guidelines (installers must be SEANZ-accredited or working under the direct supervision of a SEANZ-accredited provider)

A licensed electrician must perform and sign off all work requiring compliance certification. WE Share takes no responsibility for unauthorised or non-compliant installations.

  1. Installer Conduct Guidelines (Pilot Framework)
  • Adhere to health and safety protocols.
  • Follow assigned job scope; avoid overreach beyond qualifications.
  • Maintain professional communication with residents and site teams.
  • Submit documentation as required to the solution provider or site lead.
  • Report any safety or compliance issues immediately to the solar solution provider’s site supervisor, and copy in WE Share coordination where relevant for program oversight.
  1. Program Support & Delivery Responsibilities

While WE Share does not manage site logistics or installations directly, it plays a facilitation role at the program level.

WE Share coordination will:

  • Facilitate high-level communication between program stakeholders and support the general flow of project information.
  • Provide program-level induction materials related to WE Share protocols, values, and pilot procedures.

The solar solution provider will:

  • Supply all technical documentation, system specs, and schematics relevant to the job.
  • Manage installation schedules and equipment delivery.

Installers are expected to:

  • Confirm readiness prior to job commencement.
  • Raise any unexpected site variations or scope changes directly with the site lead. Do not proceed with unauthorised deviations from plan.
  • Ensure all tools, PPE, and support staff are fit for purpose.
  • Complete site QA checklist prior to departure.

Note: Any post-installation QA, commissioning verification, or VPP coordination is managed by the solution provider or designated technical lead — not by WE Share or the installer.

  1. Safety & Escalation Protocol

Installers must stop work and contact coordination if:

  • Scope creep or cross-trade interference is observed.
  • Site safety is compromised.
  • Equipment is damaged or missing.

All incidents are to be logged using the WE Share escalation form (available via your solution provider or coordinator). Safety is non-negotiable.

  1. Pilot Feedback & Continuous Improvement

WE Share welcomes installer feedback to refine the program. Submit feedback via the pilot report form or through direct comms with project coordinators.

Thank you for being part of the WE Share installer team. Together we’re accelerating clean energy adoption with integrity, care, and innovation.

Please note: WE Share provides program-level coordination only and does not hold responsibility for delivery, contracting, or compliance. These responsibilities remain with the designated solar solution provider.