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January 2026

Battery and Solar PV labelling compliance

New training courses coming soon

Inspection results show labelling is one of the most common reasons for substandard installations.

So, the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) have partnered to develop two new training modules.

The free online courses will be released over the next two months and will attract continuing professional development (CPD) points when finalised.

The courses will address key findings from the CER’s inspections program and include references to relevant Australian Standards, along with checklists and online resources for the most common non-compliances that are identified.

Update from the Clean Energy Regulator 

We are 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.

Latest priorities

Here are the latest priorities for solar battery installations under the SRES.

Guidance now available for new solar battery photo requirements commencing 1 March 2026

We’re implementing additional photo requirements for solar battery installations. This is to address common issues with critical labelling.

From 1 March 2026 you’ll be required to take clear, geotagged and timestamped photographs of compliant critical labelling and signage for each solar battery installation.

Read our new Solar battery photo guide to prepare for this change. It includes detailed information about what photos are required and how to provide them.

You must provide these photos to us as part of your compliance paperwork.

These photos will complement existing mandatory on-site verification photos.

Solar battery inspections results are now available

In December 2025, we published initial inspection results for solar battery installations. We’ll continue to update this page regularly as the number of inspections on solar battery installations increases.

Results show that the most common reason for installations not meeting installation requirements is due to missing or non-compliant labelling.

Accredited installers under the SRES are legally required to ensure that every installation is safe, compliant and meets Australian standards and state or territory requirements.

To provide installers with visibility of what inspectors are assessing during an inspection, we’ve published a Solar battery inspections checklist. This is not an exhaustive list of all installation requirements and is specific to our inspections program only. Installers must still comply with Australian standards and state and territory requirements.

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.

Battery installation and safety advice issued for Victorian inspections

Energy Safe Victoria has released advice covering - Battery Installation – Neutral continuity and multiple earthed neutral (MEN) Connection.

Energy Safe's audits of battery installations have identified 2 main non-compliances creating hazards in multiple mode inverter (MMI) installations:

1. MMIs installed without continuity between the main neutral bar and the alternative supply circuit neutrals, negating a fault return path.
2. Residential properties have a MEN connection at the main switchboard as required but were also found to have a second MEN created at the MMI alternative supply output port neutral connection.

Installation of an MMI that provides an alternative supply (stand-alone/backup power) in the event of a grid outage has the potential to create electric shocks.

Energy Safe audits indicate a number of installers are not aware of the minimum safety requirements set out in the regulations and standards, and the safety risks created by these situations.

Grounding lug and Thin PV Module Compliance

The CER’s audit program is continuing to observe incorrect installation of the grounding lug on solar PV systems. The issue can lead to electrical hazards and may be a fire hazard.

Don’t get caught in a situation where you have to cover the cost of replacing damaged PV modules due to this installation practice. The issue is easily avoided by mounting earthing lugs on the side of the rail.

The issue

Ground lug installed on the top of the rail causing direct contact with the underside of the thin PV module.

Associated risks

Exposure to live conductive parts of the thin PV module causing a short circuit to earth. Damage to thin PV modules.

How to fix it

Check after installation to ensure ground lugs are not touching underside of module. Relocate to side of the rail if contact has been made. Remember, panels can flex and move with the wind.

Avoid it in the future

Always install ground lugs on the side of the rail, never on the top!

Above left: incorrect installation of a ground lug. Above right: damage to a thin PV module, caused by incorrect ground lug installation.

Special consideration process for system sign-off

SAA’s limited-time special consideration for breach of installation limits (signing-off more than two systems in a day) is attracting plenty of applications.

However, it’s important to check your eligibility and only apply if you meet all requirements and can provide all requested information.

Relief will only be considered where it can be demonstrated that the installer has substantively complied with installation limits for all aspects of the work other than the commissioning or sign-off date.

SAA is unable to progress applications with missing information, and it is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain and provide all necessary documentation.

Be sure to carefully review the rules and conditions if you are considering submitting an application.

Installation limit reminder

Confused about the installation limit? Our video explains it in simple terms, addresses some misconceptions and provides practical examples.

For clarity:

• Each technology counts as one installation:
  • PV system = one installation
  • Battery system = one installation
• If a PV and a battery are installed at the same address, that is two installations.

The day of sign-off is the STC claim date regardless of when the balance of the system was installed.

Amendment released to AS/NZS 5139

Standards Australia has issued an Amendment to AS/NZS 5139 Electrical installations—Safety of battery systems for use with power conversion equipment.

AS/NZS 5139:2019 Amd 1:2025 was published on 19 December 2025. It includes several updates aimed at enhancing safety and clarity.

The amendment includes minor updates to requirements for labels and signs, provides clarification of emergency information, clearer requirements for protection of safety data sheets (SDS), clarification of battery system types that certain labels apply to.

A new appendix has also been added for calculating short circuit current of a battery.

All accreditees are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the amendment.