Australia’s small-scale renewable energy sector is about to experience another surge in demand – this time for batteries. With Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 now amended, solar batteries are officially eligible under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
For solar installers, this marks a significant milestone and a shift in compliance, accreditation and documentation expectations.
With solar batteries now eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STC), accredited installers have a new opportunity to expand their offerings – but strict documentation, safety, and installation compliance will be crucial to maintaining accreditation and securing rebates.
Eligibility and accreditation
Under the new framework, only Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited designers and installers can carry out eligible solar battery installations. Each system must use Clean Energy Council (CEC) listed products, meet all Commonwealth, state and territory electrical safety standards, and comply with SAA supervision and installation rules.
Installers must ensure that all products (including batteries, inverters and modules) remain on the CEC approved list. Products that no longer meet program standards may be removed, effecting STC eligibility.
For mixed systems, encompassing solar photovoltaic (PV) and batteries installed together, installers must submit separate on-site verification photos for each system.
Evidence and onsite verification
To claim STCs, installers must provide clear, verifiable evidence of on-site attendance and installation. Each system installation must include:
- Geotagged and time-stamped photos at three stages: Setup, mid-installation, and testing/commissioning.
- A final completion photo matching the test date on the electrical certificate of compliance.
- Photos showing serial numbers on each battery and inverter that align with details in the REC Registry.
Returning to the site post-installation to stage photos is prohibited. Missing or incomplete evidence can result in STC claim rejection.
Phased rollout and timing
The rollout will be gradual to maintain system integrity. Retailers and registered agents should expect processing delays while systems are established. Likewise, installers can anticipate high demand and longer wait times for new solar battery orders and installations.
Solar batteries partially installed before 1 July 2025 must demonstrate energy storage or discharge capability on or after that date to remain eligible. Systems tested prior to 1 July will not qualify.
Daily installation limits
The Solar Accreditation Australia’s (SAA) transitional period ended on 31 August 2025, and daily installation limits are now strictly enforced:
- No more than two installations per installer per day, whether PV or batteries.
- Each count may include two batteries, two PV systems, or one of each.
- Installers can apply for exemptions directly through SAA, but only under exceptional circumstances.
Documentation and Compliance
Installers and designers must submit a written compliance statement confirming that:
- All accreditation and safety requirements were met.
- Approved products were used.
- Evidence of on-site attendance and supervision has been provided.
False or misleading statements can lead to removal from the program, loss of licence, or prosecution.
Information from installations will be shared with AEMO’s Distributed Energy Resources (DER) register to improve grid safety, planning and data quality.
For more information and detailed requirements, click here.