April 2026

Featured image: Rooftop installation in South Australia.

Image courtesy of YES Group.

Mandatory battery training countdown

More than 3,000 accreditees holding grid-connected battery systems (GCBS) or standalone power systems (SPS) accreditation are yet to complete required mandatory training units released last July.

The courses address common safety and compliance issues identified through inspections, including under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP).

SAA Executive Manager Scheme Operations, Michael Edgar, encouraged accreditees to prioritise the training to ensure they have a strong grasp of safety and compliance requirements.

“The two training units must be completed by anyone who holds GCBS or SPS accreditation by 30 June to meet annual compliance requirements,” Michael said. “Those who don’t complete the required units by the deadline face suspension from the accreditation scheme."

The courses are:

• COM001: Parallel Earth & Neutral Connections - 5 CPD points.

• COM002: Fire Barrier Requirements & Habitable Rooms - 15 CPD points.
  
  

“Accreditees were given 12 months to complete this training to ensure they had every opportunity to count the courses towards their 100 continuing professional development (CPD) points for the year. However, we’re seeing some people who’ve achieved their points but not completed their mandatory components. If you hold SPS or GCBS accreditation, the courses are a requirement of your accreditation.”

Individuals who still need to complete the mandatory training can locate the courses on their dashboard when they login to CPD Hub.

Authorities on alert for consumer concerns

The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) are closely monitoring business practices and carefully considering reports from consumers and businesses related to solar battery rebate changes from 1 May.

The ACCC has urged consumers to watch out for businesses that:

• say the rebate is ‘ending soon’ all together
• promise one price, but deliver another
• ask customers to pay now to lock in the higher rebate before 1 May.

The ACCC is urging businesses to lodge a report if they witness any non-compliance with consumer law.

The Clean Energy Regulator has also warned that rebates are determined by the installation date, not when a contract is signed.

“Deceptive or misleading behaviour will not be tolerated and retailers who fail to comply with their obligations will be reported to fair trading bodies,” the CER advised in a media release.

Update from the Clean Energy Regulator 

We're responsible for administering the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). This includes reviewing small-scale technology certificates (STC) applications and supporting compliance with scheme requirements.

Solar battery inspection focus – overcurrent protection and inverter circuits

Through our analysis of solar battery inspection results, we’ve identified overcurrent protection as an area where installer understanding varies.

While required components are often present, protection is not always considered against the full range of operating and fault conditions that can happen once a system is connected.

What inspectors assess

Inspectors assess whether inverter output cabling is adequately protected if electrical conditions change or a fault occurs. This includes whether appropriate protection has been considered for realistic on‑site conditions. Refer to SB & Labelling 10, 20, 29, 30 & 31 in our solar battery inspection checklist.

Why inverter circuits need careful consideration

Inverter circuits can behave differently from traditional electrical circuits. Depending on system design, current may be supplied from more than one source at the same time. Under fault conditions, this can result in higher currents flowing through cabling than would be expected during normal operation.

Protection at a circuit level

Rather than focusing on individual components, consider protection for the circuit as a whole including:

• under what conditions could higher currents flow
• where could those currents originate
• what device is intended to interrupt that current if a fault occurs.

Operational controls, such as software limits and monitoring, support system operation but are not protective devices.

Applying a whole of circuit approach and drawing on established education resources can help installers avoid negative inspection findings and support safe, compliant installations.

Further learning and support

• Solar Accreditation Australia’s AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 Essential Learning Module – this training module is still available.

• Standards Australia’s explanation of the key updates for AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 

Update on critical labelling

Since 1 March 2026, installers have been required to provide clear photos of critical labelling for solar battery installations claimed under the SRES.

When assessing these photos, we’ve found the results are consistent with inspection program findings, with a high proportion of battery installs missing relevant signage. This includes common issues such as:

• missing ‘Hazardous D.C. Voltage’ signage
• non-compliant labelling of alternative supply circuits for systems that provide backup power.  

Ongoing failure to comply with the critical labelling requirements may result in failed STC claims and compliance action. If your claim is failed for non-compliant labelling, you can go back to site and rectify the issue and submit your STC claim again.

We’ll continue to monitor critical labelling photos to ensure installers are meeting all requirements to claim STCs.

More information

• Our solar battery inspection checklist for labelling requirements assessed under our inspection program
• Our solar battery photo guide
• SAA’s labelling resources and labelling support for grid-connected systems

Working with industry

We are committed to working with industry to support safe, high-quality battery installations under the SRES.

Visit the CER website for more information.

Fraudulent documents result in accreditation removal

SAA has observed a growing number of fraudulent documents being presented during applications for accreditation.

Verification checks are undertaken to confirm the accuracy and validity of documents provided to SAA.

Recent instances include altered dates on qualifications, as well as certificates from training providers that are no longer in business.

The provision of false or misleading information is taken seriously, as it undermines the integrity of the accreditation scheme and SAA’s regulatory obligations.

In instances where fraudulent documents are submitted SAA may close applications without further notice and determine applicants are ineligible to reapply for accreditation for a period of 12 months.

Issuing authorities may also take action where they become aware of fraudulent activity.

Update from LG Energy Solution

As you install new batteries, you may come across sites upgrading from LG Energy Solution batteries which have been available since 2016.

These may be branded LG or LG Chem and may be present as internal components of battery systems branded SolaX, Opal Storage, Varta, Eguana, Red Earth or in other unbranded systems.

Where installers come across such batteries, LG asks that you please:

1. Notify LG so the decommissioned battery can be collected by LG for free.
2. Advise LG of the battery serial number so they can determine if it is recall-affected. If the battery is newly located and recall-affected, LG will pay a $500 finder fee to the installer. Additionally, the customer may be entitled to a full refund of the original price paid for the LG battery.
3. If a battery is recall-affected please immediately switch it off and contact the LG Recall Centre.

Enquiries can be directed to LG Recall at 1300 677273 or productrecall@lgensol.com.au.

Details of the LG product recalls can be located here and here.

Stop by to see us at Smart Energy

SAA will be at Smart Energy in Sydney on 6-7 May, so if you’re at the event, stop by to see us at Booth #2B.

Smart Energy brings together more than 12,000 delegates from across the renewables sector.

SAA’s Executive Manager Standards and Development, Thomas Seymour, will be speaking at the event, providing an update on changing requirements and all things accreditation.

He’ll also deliver face-to-face sessions of the mandatory battery training units COM001: Parallel Earth & Neutral Connections and COM002: Fire Barrier Requirements & Habitable Rooms.

The units are required to be completed by the end of June by all individuals accredited for grid-connected battery systems (GCBS) and standalone power systems (SPS).

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