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SAA Newsletter - October 2025

Update: Installation Limits

We’ve completed industry consultation on Installation Limits, including surveys, ride alongs, regulator engagement, field assessments, and compliance data analysis.

Findings show a roughly even split in industry opinion: around half support changes, while the other half prefer the current settings. Regulators generally favour keeping existing limits.

We’re now carefully reviewing options, from maintaining the status quo to introducing limited exceptions — in consultation with regulators to ensure any changes are practical and effective.

Current limits remain in place:

• Maximum of two systems per day

• Exemptions for multiple systems at one location

For details, see sections 3.4 and 3.5 of the SAA-Requirements document.

Thank you to everyone who shared feedback — your input has been invaluable. We’ll continue to keep stakeholders informed with regular updates as this review progresses.

Update from the Clean Energy Regulator 

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

Latest priorities

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

Non-compliant labelling

Insufficient or missing labelling is still the most common problem we find during inspections of solar battery installations under the SRES inspections program. As an SAA accredited installer, you are required to understand and follow all labelling rules.

Refer to the Australian Standards, especially:

• AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 – for connecting energy systems to the grid
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 – for general wiring rules.

Reminder about eligibility requirements

If you are participating in the program, please take the time to read the eligibility criteria for solar batteries. A reminder that:

• solar batteries must be installed in a single job with a new or existing solar PV system with a capacity of 100 kW or less
• only one solar battery can be claimed per premises
• solar batteries must be new – a used solar battery reinstalled at a new premises is not eligible, even if it hasn’t claimed STCs before.

Stackable batteries

The Clean Energy Council approved battery list includes stackable solar battery models which are made up of multiple battery modules/cells.

When installing stackable batteries, make sure you collect geotagged and timestamped photos of all the module serials as well as the control unit serial. We require the serial numbers for all modules that make up a CEC listed model.

Installation limits

Installers must follow the installation limits outlined in the SAA requirements which allow no more than 2 installations per installer in a single day.

A solar battery and solar PV system installed together at the same premises counts as 2 installations.

Make sure you are not exceeding your installation limits to avoid missing out on STCs. If you exceed the installation limit, we can’t provide you with an exemption.

The transitional arrangements allowing a solar battery and solar PV system installed together at the one address to be considered 'one ready to commission system' ended on 31 August 2025.

On-site verification photos

You must take geotagged and timestamped photos (‘selfies’) at each phase of installation including:

• job setup
• mid-installation
• testing and commissioning.

Remember – you must take your final selfie on the date you commissioned the system so that it matches the date of test on your electrical safety certification. You can’t return to site on another day to take selfies if you forgot to take them.

Standards Alert ⏰

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