Quick Answer
Yes. The 0.8T or 1T mini excavator is ideal for solar cable trenching — typically 200–300mm wide and 500mm deep. Both machines fit through residential gates and don't require a licence in NSW.
## Excavator Hire for Solar Panel Installation Trenching in NSW Solar panel installations increasingly require underground cable runs from the roof to the inverter, battery storage, or switchboard — particularly for battery storage systems (Tesla Powerwall, SolarEdge, Enphase) where the battery is located away from the inverter. A mini excavator makes solar cable trenching fast, clean, and significantly cheaper than manual excavation. ### When Is Trenching Required for Solar? Trenching is required when: - The inverter or battery is located in a detached garage or outbuilding - Underground cable runs are required to avoid visible surface conduit - Battery storage systems require a dedicated cable run from the roof to the battery location - Ground-mounted solar arrays require underground cable runs to the building For standard rooftop solar with the inverter on the same building, trenching is typically not required. ### Solar Cable Trench Specifications Standard solar cable trench requirements (as per AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules): - Minimum depth: 500mm for direct burial cable; 300mm for conduit - Width: 200–300mm - Conduit: 20mm or 25mm PVC conduit (supplied by the solar installer) ### Machine Selection The 0.8T or 1T mini excavator is ideal for solar cable trenching. Both machines: - Fit through standard residential side gates - Don't require a licence in NSW (under 3 tonnes) - Can complete a standard solar trench (10–30 metres) in 1–2 hours ### Dial Before You Dig Before any solar cable trenching, call 1100 or visit dialbeforeyoudig.com.au. Solar trenches often run through areas with existing underground services. ### Combining Solar Trenching with Other Work Solar installers and electricians often combine solar cable trenching with other small excavation tasks — EV charger cable runs, garden lighting conduit, or irrigation pipe installation — using the same machine for the full day hire. Call BuildHire on 1300 157 882 or book online at buildhire.com.au to arrange your solar trenching hire.
Solar cable in conduit must be a minimum of 300mm deep. Direct burial cable requires 500mm minimum depth under AS/NZS 3000.
The 0.8T or 1T mini excavator is ideal — compact enough for residential sites, no licence required, and fast enough to complete a standard solar trench in 1–2 hours.
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