Battery Installation Quality Crackdown: 62% of Inspected Installs Rated Substandard
The Clean Energy Regulator has ramped up inspections of battery installations after finding that 62.8% of checked systems were rated "substandard" — technically non-compliant but safe to remain operating. Here's what Perth homeowners need to verify with their installer.
Battery inspections conducted by the CER as of February 2026
Of finalised inspections rated "substandard" — non-compliant but safe
Deemed unsafe due to wiring issues — required immediate remediation
What the Inspections Found
Of the 350 finalised inspections, 0.9% were deemed unsafe (related to loose wiring connections and protection failures) and 62.8% were rated substandard. The "substandard" classification means the installation is technically non-compliant but safe to remain in operation — no immediate danger, but not meeting all required standards.
The most common issues found were:
- Incorrect or missing warning labels on battery systems
- Incorrect labelling of backed-up circuits
- Incorrect labelling for emergency services
- Loose connections in pre-assembled battery systems (unsafe category)
- Neutral continuity not maintained for circuits on alternative supply (unsafe category)
New Photo Requirements from March 1, 2026
In response to the quality issues, the CER has introduced expanded photographic evidence requirements effective March 1, 2026. Installers must now submit clear, geotagged, and time-stamped photos of critical battery labelling with every STC claim.
What Installers Must Now Photograph
- Battery unit serial number and nameplate
- Warning labels on the battery system
- Circuit labelling for backed-up loads
- Emergency services labelling at the switchboard
- Overall installation showing mounting and cable routing
The CER uses AI to assess submitted photos. Failure to provide required photos will result in delayed or rejected STC claims.
CER's Warning to Installers
CER Executive General Manager Carl Binning has put installers on notice: unsafe and non-compliant work will be identified, and the regulator will use its compliance powers. Consequences can include installers being removed from the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), effectively ending their ability to offer STC rebates to customers.
What Perth Homeowners Should Verify
Given the high rate of substandard installations nationally, Perth homeowners should take an active role in verifying their installation quality:
- Before installation: Verify your installer's CEC accreditation is current and they have specific battery installation endorsement (not just solar panel accreditation)
- During installation: Ask the installer to walk you through the warning labels and circuit labelling they're applying — this is the most common area of non-compliance
- After installation: Check that all warning labels are present and legible, emergency services labelling is visible at the switchboard, and backed-up circuits are clearly identified
- Documentation: Request a copy of the compliance certificate (Certificate of Electrical Safety or equivalent in WA) and photos of the completed installation
- Western Power approval: Confirm your installer has submitted the connection application to Western Power and received approval
Red Flags to Watch For
- Installer cannot provide their CEC accreditation number or it's expired when you check the CEC website
- No compliance certificate provided after installation
- Missing or illegible warning labels on the battery
- Installer reluctant to explain the backed-up circuit configuration
- Unusually fast installation (a quality battery install typically takes 4–8 hours)
- No photos taken during or after installation
Our Take
The high substandard rate is concerning but not surprising given the rapid growth in installations. The good news is that 0.9% unsafe is relatively low, and the CER's new photo requirements and inspection regime should improve quality over time. As a Perth homeowner, your best protection is choosing a qualified, experienced installer. Use our installer directory to find verified installers with confirmed CEC accreditation.
Find a Verified Installer
Browse our directory of CEC-accredited battery installers in Perth. Verified installers have confirmed credentials and quality track records.
Published: March 8, 2026
Sources: Clean Energy Regulator, SolarQuotes, PV Magazine Australia. Data current as of March 2026.
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