During recent meetings with industry stakeholders Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) and the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) became aware that some installers had not commissioned the “solar” portion of a battery and solar system at the same site, prior to 1 July. This was due to a misunderstanding that battery commissioning restrictions also applied to solar.

To help resolve the resulting backlog and support delivery under the Cheaper Home Batteries Scheme, SAA has made the following transitional arrangement for “Ready to Commission” systems from 1 July to 10 August 2025.

A “Ready to Commission” system is a battery system OR a battery and solar system at the same site that was physically installed before 1 July but not commissioned or energised.

During the period of 1 July to 10 August 2025, “Ready to Commission” systems can be commissioned and signed off within ONE of the following combinations per day:
• Two solar systems,
• Two battery systems,
• One solar system and one battery system,
• One solar system and two “Ready to Commission” systems,
• One battery system and two “Ready to Commission” systems or,
• Four “Ready to Commission” systems

This flexibility allows accreditees to manage workflow and complete installations of “Ready to Commission” systems.

For systems where physical install was completed after the 30 June.

A maximum of 2 installations per day will apply, in one of the following combinations:
• Two solar systems,
• Two battery systems or,
• One solar system and one battery system

This information is outlined in the SAA Requirements.

Please note the following important distinction when assessing installation limits and compliance under the program.
• For the purposes of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), a solar system and a battery system are counted as two separate installations—even if they share the same inverter.
• This separation is reflected in the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) claims process where:
o One claim must be submitted for the solar portion, and
o a separate claim must be submitted for the battery portion

Next Steps

SAA acknowledges feedback from the industry that some teams may safely exceed these limits. Once CER inspection data indicates strong compliance, they will reassess the current limits in consultation with Master Electricians Australia and the Smart Energy Council, including potential site visits.

SAA remains committed to working with industry to ensure a smooth and efficient implementation of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, while continuing to prioritise safety and quality.