Installation and Maintenance The installation comprises modules, the stainless steel frame on which they are placed, an inverter, a control system and an electricity meter. In the case of autonomous installations which are not connected to the Electricity Authority grid, batteries are also needed. The system is usually placed on the roof of a building but could also be placed on the ground as long as there is nothing blocking the sun’s rays. A 1kW system requires approximately 8 square metres for an inclined roof and 14 square metres for a flat roof. The modules blend in well with a building and the modules utilised by SunPower are aesthetically pleasing as they look like a mosaic made up of different shades of blue. The systems require minimal maintenance – panels should be periodically washed of dust and bird droppings and inverters should be checked monthly.