Battery storage compliance in Australia sits at the intersection of three standards: AS/NZS 5139:2019 (the battery installation standard), AS/NZS 5033:2021 (the PV array standard, where solar is co-installed), and AS 4777.2:2020 (the inverter grid connection standard). For installers, the practical challenge is ensuring all three are addressed simultaneously for solar-battery installations.
AS/NZS 5139:2019 Key Requirements
Installation Location
AS/NZS 5139:2019 sets requirements for where battery systems can and cannot be installed:
Prohibited locations (battery must not be installed):
- Directly above or below a sleeping area without fire-rated separation (typically 60 minutes fire rating)
- In locations without adequate ventilation (as required by the battery manufacturer)
- In escape route pathways
- Areas where exposure to extreme temperatures exceeds the battery’s operating range
- Locations where thermal runaway products (gas, heat, electrolyte) cannot be safely contained
Common compliant locations:
- Garage: compliant if fire separation from living areas meets the applicable building code requirements (often achieved by existing garage-to-house separation)
- External wall mounting: in a suitable weather-rated enclosure with clearances
- Dedicated storage room: with appropriate ventilation
- Utility room: subject to fire separation and ventilation requirements
The garage question: Garages are the most common Australian battery installation location. Whether the existing garage-to-house fire separation is adequate for battery storage depends on the battery capacity and local council’s interpretation of the building code — check for large systems.
Electrical Requirements
DC wiring: Battery terminals are a DC circuit — must be installed with appropriate DC-rated components, short-circuit protection, and isolation. DC wiring requirements from AS/NZS 5033 apply where the battery shares wiring with the PV array.
AC wiring: The inverter-to-switchboard connection follows AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules.
Disconnection: Battery systems must have accessible disconnection means — both DC (battery isolation) and AC (inverter isolation at the switchboard). Emergency shutdown must be achievable by a person unfamiliar with the installation.
Protection coordination: The battery inverter’s protection settings must coordinate with the existing solar inverter (for co-installations) and the grid connection protection required by AS 4777.2.
Labelling
Required labels for battery installations include:
- Battery isolation point label
- Warning labels (DC voltage, Li-ion fire risk)
- Emergency information (contact numbers, shutdown procedure)
- System capacity information
- Labels at the main switchboard indicating the location of battery isolation
Commissioning Tests
Before energising the battery system:
- Verify insulation resistance of battery cabling
- Confirm earth continuity
- Test emergency shutdown function
- Verify inverter settings (charge/discharge settings, export limit configuration, VPP settings if applicable)
- Record battery system capacity and initial state of charge
CEC Battery Installer Accreditation
CEC Battery Installer Accreditation is separate from CEC Solar Installer Accreditation and requires:
- Current CEC Solar Installer Accreditation (a prerequisite)
- Completion of additional training units specific to battery storage and AS/NZS 5139:2019
- Passing an assessment on battery installation requirements
- Annual renewal (included in the overall CEC accreditation renewal process)
The training covers: battery chemistry types and their specific safety considerations, AS/NZS 5139:2019 installation requirements, DC electrical safety for BESS, thermal runaway risks and mitigation, and emergency response for battery incidents.
Why it matters: State government battery incentive programmes (Victoria Solar Homes, and the now-exhausted SA Home Battery Scheme) require CEC Battery Installer Accreditation. Without it, the customer cannot access subsidised battery loans through these programmes.
DNSP Requirements for Battery Storage
DNSPs have varying requirements for battery storage:
| DNSP | Battery Notification Required | What to Submit |
|---|---|---|
| Ausgrid (NSW) | Yes — separate form for batteries added to existing systems | Battery model, capacity, inverter compatibility, export capability |
| Endeavour Energy (NSW) | Yes | Technical specifications |
| SA Power Networks | Yes | Battery specifications, including VPP participation details |
| Energy Queensland | Yes | Battery specifications — include in solar application for co-installations |
| Western Power (WA) | Yes | Battery specifications, export limit configuration |
| Victorian DNSPs | Yes — varies by DNSP | Battery specifications |
For batteries added to an existing solar installation (retro-fit), the DNSP notification is separate from the original solar connection. For new solar-battery co-installations, both should be included in the initial connection application.
Export from battery: Some DNSPs restrict whether battery storage can export to the grid (as opposed to discharging to self-consumption only). Check the specific DNSP’s requirements — some require that batteries are configured for self-consumption only and cannot export, while others allow battery export within the overall export limit.
Battery Safety: Thermal Runaway
Lithium-ion batteries carry a risk of thermal runaway — a self-sustaining exothermic reaction that can result in fire. AS/NZS 5139:2019 addresses this through installation location requirements. Installers should also:
- Follow battery manufacturer installation instructions precisely
- Never damage battery cells during installation (dropping, piercing, or crushing can trigger thermal runaway)
- Ensure the installation location has adequate ventilation and is accessible for emergency services
- Advise customers on what to do in case of fire: evacuate, call emergency services, do not attempt to extinguish a lithium battery fire with water
State Battery Incentive Programmes
Victoria Solar Homes Program: Interest-free loans for battery storage installation in eligible Victorian homes. CEC battery accreditation required. Check solar.vic.gov.au for current availability.
SA Home Battery Scheme: Subsidised loans for battery storage — subsidies have been exhausted. Legacy participants continue operating under their agreements. New applicants cannot access the subsidised loan component as of 2026.
Other states: Check current state government energy websites for any active battery programmes. These programmes change frequently.
Pro Tip: Assess the Installation Location Before Quoting
A battery installation that requires building work (additional fire separation, ventilation, or structural reinforcement) will be more expensive than a straightforward garage mount. Assess the proposed installation location during the site survey and include any required building work in the quote. Discovering post-sale that the proposed location is non-compliant under AS/NZS 5139:2019 creates significant problems — especially when state incentive programme timelines are involved.
Design Solar-Battery Systems That Comply with AS/NZS 5139
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Frequently Asked Questions
What standard governs battery installation in Australia?
AS/NZS 5139:2019 (Battery Energy Storage Systems). For co-installations with solar, AS/NZS 5033:2021 and AS 4777.2:2020 also apply.
Do I need separate accreditation for batteries?
Yes — CEC Battery Installer Accreditation is separate from solar installer accreditation and requires additional training units. It is required for state government battery incentive programmes.
Where can I install a battery system?
Compliant locations include garages (with appropriate fire separation), external enclosures, and dedicated rooms with ventilation. Prohibited locations include directly above/below sleeping areas without fire-rated separation.
Do batteries create STCs?
No. STCs are only for generation systems (solar, wind, hydro). Batteries may qualify for state government incentive loans (VIC Solar Homes) but not STCs.
Do I need to notify the DNSP for a battery installation?
Yes — all DNSPs require notification for battery additions or co-installations. Requirements vary by DNSP. Include battery specifications in the DNSP connection application for co-installations.
