Battery Installer Checklist for Homeowners
Before signing a home battery quote, the location approval, usable vs gross capacity, backup circuit scope, switchboard condition, warranty terms, and monitoring setup are all items that affect whether the battery performs as expected — and the quote price can change significantly once these are confirmed. This checklist helps you ask the right questions before money changes hands.
- Usable capacity ≠ total capacity — confirm usable kWh (not gross), which is what you actually get in daily use.
- Backup circuits are optional and must be specified — not all battery installations include a backup power capability; if blackout protection matters, confirm it is in scope.
- SAA accreditation and relevant battery endorsement should be current for STC-linked solar/battery work; keep this separate from the state electrical contractor licence.
- Location approval from your DNSP (distribution network) and local council (if a retaining wall, boundary clearance, or Class 1A building is involved) may be required — confirm whether this is the installer's responsibility or yours.
Before the site visit: what to prepare
Before meeting with battery installers, have the following ready:
- Your latest electricity bill (supply charge, tariff type, daily kWh, solar export volume)
- Your inverter make and model (if you have existing solar — battery compatibility depends on this)
- Preferred battery location (garage, side of house, inside) — note if it is in a fire separation zone or near a habitable room
- A note on whether blackout protection matters and which circuits you would want to keep running
The homeowner checklist: questions to ask before signing
Installation and credentials
- SAA accreditation and relevant battery endorsement — ask for the details and verify them on the current SAA register
- State electrical contractor licence — confirm licence number and verify with state authority
- Public liability insurance — ask for the policy number and Certificate of Currency; cover levels vary, so confirm the amount in writing
The battery itself
- Usable capacity in kWh — not just "10kWh" which is gross; confirm usable (e.g., 10kWh usable for most lithium systems at 100% DoD, but some LFP systems reserve a buffer)
- Continuous and peak power output (kW) — a 10kWh battery with 3kW continuous cannot run a 3.5kW air conditioner alone
- Cycle life warranty — treat cycle and capacity figures as product-specific; confirm the current warranty trigger, retained-capacity threshold and exclusions
- Operating temperature range — confirm the exact battery model limits and any heat derating in the current product documentation
Location and installation
- Proposed location and clearance compliance — confirm required clearances from windows, doors, ventilation openings and ignition sources under AS/NZS 5139
- DNSP notification or approval — some DNSPs require notification or approval for battery installations above a certain capacity; confirm whether this is included
- Council or building permit — required in some states for battery installations in certain locations; confirm whether the installer is handling this
Backup power scope
- Is backup included? — whole-home backup and partial-home (selected circuits) backup are different in cost and wiring complexity; confirm what the quote includes
- Which circuits are backed up? — if partial backup, confirm the circuit list in writing (e.g., lights, fridge, communication — but not air conditioning or oven)
- Automatic transfer switch or manual changeover? — automatic is more expensive but requires no action during a blackout
Solar integration
- Inverter compatibility — AC-coupled (compatible with any inverter) vs DC-coupled (requires matching inverter) have different costs and performance; confirm which applies and why
- Any software or firmware update required on existing inverter — some inverter brands require a firmware update for battery integration; confirm whether this is included
Monitoring and handover
- What monitoring is included? — battery management system app access, any smart meter or home energy monitor
- Handover walkthrough — confirm the installer will walk through the system operation, app setup, and emergency shutdown procedure
- Emergency shutdown procedure in writing — required for household safety; this should be a document left with the battery
Use this checklist before signing any battery quote. The two items most often missing from low quotes are backup circuit wiring and DNSP approval handling — both can materially change the final cost if not included. Confirm usable capacity, SAA accreditation/electrical licensing, and backup scope in writing before agreeing to price.
Browse home energy products to understand battery management and monitoring options before your installer site visit.