At Iselle Africa, we believe that an engineering project is only as good as its delivery. Our 5-step process ensures your system is safe, compliant, and optimized for your specific property.
Exact timelines vary by scope, approvals, and site readiness, but the sequence is consistent. This guide explains what happens in each phase, what the client should expect, and which outputs usually move the project into the next phase.
Phase 1: Technical Survey (Day 1)
We don't offer "off-the-shelf" kits. Every project starts with a mandatory site visit. Our engineers measure roof angles, check structural integrity, and perform a load-log to see exactly when you use power.
For electrical and hybrid projects, we also inspect the distribution board, earthing condition, cable routing possibilities, and where essential-load separation will happen. For water-heating projects, we assess roof placement, plumbing runs, pressure requirements, and maintenance access.
Typical output: site notes, measurements/photos, load assumptions, and key constraints to be solved in design.
Phase 2: Custom Engineering & Design (Week 1)
Based on the survey data, we create a technical proposal. This includes a 3D CAD drawing of the panel placement, a single-line electrical diagram, and a projected ROI (Return on Investment) calculation.
This is also where equipment choices and protection strategy are aligned to your goals. A strong design phase reduces costly changes during installation because cable paths, board integration, and protection points are considered before work starts on site.
Typical output: proposal/BoQ, design references (where applicable), scope notes, and recommended system configuration.
Phase 3: Material Procurement (Week 2)
Once the design is approved, we pull your specific components from our inventory. We only use Tier-1 global brands (like Victron, Growatt, and Longi) to ensure 20+ years of reliability.
At this stage, we also confirm compatibility across components and prepare the project for scheduling. For some projects, procurement timing can be affected by brand/model availability, scope changes, or client approval timing on optional items.
Typical output: confirmed materials list, installation scheduling window, and final scope alignment before mobilization.
Phase 4: Physical Installation (3-5 Days)
This is where the magic happens. Our team installs the mounting structure, panels, inverter, and batteries. We also perform the critical "DB Split"—separating your essential circuits from heavy loads.
The exact duration depends on system size, roof access, electrical rework complexity, and whether civil/plumbing modifications are required. Installation quality is not just speed; neat routing, safe terminations, correct protection, and labeling all affect future reliability and supportability.
Typical output: installed equipment, wired and labeled circuits, mounted hardware, and system ready for testing.
Phase 5: Commissioning & Training
Before handing over the keys, we perform a series of technical tests (earth resistance, string voltage, and polarity). Finally, we set up your mobile monitoring app and walk you through how to manage your new energy ecosystem.
Commissioning is the step that confirms the installation performs as designed. It is also where we document the baseline condition of the system and complete the formal handover process.
Typical output: test records, commissioning checklist, user orientation, and the project handover documentation pack.
Post-Installation: Monitoring
Our work doesn't end at commissioning. Every Iselle system is connected to our remote monitoring portal, allowing us to spot and fix issues before you even notice them.
Support scope depends on the system and service plan, but the principle is the same: issues are easier to resolve when the system was properly documented and commissioned from day one.
What can change the timeline?
- Scope changes after survey (e.g., larger backup requirement, extra circuits, new equipment)
- Roof/access constraints discovered during survey or installation
- Electrical board upgrades required for safe integration
- Client scheduling/approval timing and site access windows
- Procurement lead time for selected brands or models
What clients can do to keep projects moving
- Provide access to bills, meter area, and main DB during survey
- Share clear backup expectations (essentials only vs broader coverage)
- Confirm decision-makers for scope approvals early
- Keep site access and installation days coordinated in advance
If you want a faster understanding of the documentation you receive at handover, read the Handover Pack Explained guide. For support response and maintenance coverage after handover, see the after-sales support page.