New solar & battery requirements: May 2026 changes

From 1 May 2026, significant changes to solar and battery installation requirements will reshape how renewable energy systems connect to Western Australia’s grid. Whether you’re a solar installer preparing for compliance or a homeowner planning your clean energy investment, understanding these updates is essential.

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Key Changes: 1 May 2026

Increased inverter capacity limits

Households and small businesses on standard connection services can now install inverters up to 30 kVA (or an aggregate of 30 kVA across multi-inverter sites). This capacity covers rooftop solar, batteries, and other inverter-based sources combined.

What this means: Single-phase connections gain a substantial 15 kW increase in allowable installed generation capacity, bringing them more in line with existing three-phase arrangements. This change opens the door for homeowners who want larger solar arrays or comprehensive solar-plus-battery configurations.

Remote disconnection capability requirements

 All new and upgraded systems must include the ability to be remotely disconnected and reconnected by your electricity retailer. Systems without this capability must be export-limited to 1.5 kW.

This requirement, commonly called emergency solar management, already applies to most residential systems participating in the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS). The installer must configure this capability during installation.

For Homeowners: If you’re already receiving DEBS payments, your system likely meets this requirement. Ask your installer to confirm your current system’s compliance status before planning any upgrades.

Updated inverter standards

All inverters must comply with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 with the grid code set to “Australia Region B.” This Australian and New Zealand standard governs how grid-connected inverters operate, ensuring consistent behaviour across all installations.

Timeline and Transition Arrangements

Milestone
Date
Requirements commence
1 May 2026
Applies to
All new installations and system upgrades from this date

The requirements apply to installations commissioned on or after 1 May 2026. Existing systems that aren’t being upgraded continue operating under their current arrangements.

What Homeowners Should Know

Will my existing system need changes?

If you’re not upgrading your current solar or battery system, these requirements don’t mandate changes to your existing installation. However, if you’re planning any modifications, such as additional panels, battery additions, or inverter replacements, the new requirements will apply to the upgraded components.

Cost implications

The remote management capability requirement may affect equipment selection and commissioning processes. Most modern inverters sold in Australia already support the necessary communication protocols, but installation and commissioning costs may include additional setup time for configuring remote management functionality.

When obtaining quotes, ask installers to confirm that pricing includes all compliance requirements for the new standards.

Verifying your installer's compliance

Reputable installers will be familiar with these requirements well before the May deadline. When selecting an installer, ask specifically about their process for meeting the new Western Power technical requirements and how they’ll configure remote management capability through your electricity retailer (Synergy for most residential customers).

Future opportunities

These requirements establish the foundation for participating in new energy products. Once compliant systems are installed, you may gain access to virtual power plant programs, flexible export arrangements, and other retailer products that compensate you for providing grid services.

Compliance Guide for Installers

Critical technical requirements

Installers must ensure all new and upgraded installations meet these specifications:

  • Inverter capacity: Up to 30 kVA aggregate for sites on standard connection services
  • Inverter compliance: AS/NZS 4777.2:2020, grid code set to “Australia Region B”
  • Remote management: Systems must support disconnection/reconnection by the customer’s retailer, or be export-limited to 1.5 kW
  • Configuration responsibility: Remote disconnection/reconnection capability must be set up at the point of installation

Retailer-specific processes

If you’re not upgrading your current solar or battery system, these requirements don’t mandate changes to your existing installation. However, if you’re planning any modifications—such as additional panels, battery additions, or inverter replacements—the new requirements will apply to the upgraded components.

The CSIP-AUS protocol

The WA Government’s interoperability statement promotes the Common Smart Inverter Profile – Australia (CSIP-AUS) as the preferred communication protocol. While the new rules don’t specifically mandate CSIP-AUS, the government encourages retailers to adopt this open-source protocol for managing compliance.

CSIP-AUS offers several advantages: it’s nationally consistent with other Australian states and territories, it’s already supported by most solar and battery equipment sold in Australia, and its open-source nature reduces costs for equipment manufacturers.

Essential Resources

Next Steps

For Homeowners: If you’re considering solar or battery installation, now is an excellent time to begin planning. Contact a qualified installer to discuss how the new requirements affect your options and what opportunities for grid participation might become available after May 2026. McKercher Corporation’s team at PSW Energy or Perth Solar Warehouse can help you navigate these changes and design a system optimised for both current performance and future opportunities.

For Installers: Review the updated Western Power technical requirements and familiarise yourself with Synergy’s DER Functionality Requirements before the 1 May deadline. Ensure your team understands the commissioning processes for enabling remote management capability, and confirm that your equipment is CSIP-AUS compatible.

McKercher Corporation is committed to helping Western Australians navigate the evolving renewable energy landscape. Contact PSW Energy or Perth Solar Warehouse for local expert guidance on compliant solar and battery installations that position you for the opportunities ahead.

Nicole Bilman Appointed CEO of PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse

PSW Energy, Perth Solar Warehouse, today announced the promotion of Nicole Bilman from General Manager to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 2 February 2026. Nicole’s appointment reflects a track record of measurable performance and disciplined execution, including expanding from 10 to more than 50 employees and achieving internationally recognised ISO certifications through Bureau Veritas. PSW North remains on track to open late Q1 2026.

Nicole joined PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse over five years ago as the Administration Manager, advancing to General Manager before being appointed as CEO. During her tenure, she played a key role in shaping a business focused on quality, efficiency, and customer experience. She successfully scaled operations while enhancing internal systems, compliance, and leadership capabilities. This progression highlights the company’s commitment to recognising performance and developing leadership talent from within as PSW evolves into one of Western Australia’s most trusted providers of renewable energy solutions.

A key milestone under Nicole’s leadership has been the successful attainment of ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management). These certifications demonstrate a deliberate focus on governance, risk management, and repeatable processes—standards increasingly expected by customers, industry partners, and institutional stakeholders across the energy sector.

To ensure continuity and stability, Nicole will maintain similar day-to-day responsibilities in the short term while building out her executive team over the next six months. This dual focus is designed to preserve operational momentum, deepen functional leadership, and position the business to sustain growth without compromising service delivery or quality outcomes.

With more than a decade of experience across the electrical and renewable energy industries, Nicole combines practical sector knowledge with strategic leadership, operational discipline, and a people-first approach to team empowerment. In her role as CEO, she will continue to strengthen PSW’s capability to deliver dependable clean energy solutions at scale, deepen key industry partnerships, and support Western Australia’s accelerating shift toward electrification and distributed energy. PSW customer-facing acknowledgement ›

Customer Service Platform Upgrade, 24–31 January 2026

McKercher Corporation is undergoing a significant upgrade in how we manage customer inquiries, projects, and support. Over the Australia Day period, we will be transitioning from our existing Customer Management System to a new, enhanced platform designed to improve service speed, visibility, and consistency.

This update is relevant to two key audiences: our customers, who depend on us for timely support and clear communication, and our internal team, who will navigate this change while continuing to deliver excellent service. Our goal is simple: to set clear expectations for the short term and outline the tangible improvements you can expect once the new platform is live.

Migration timeline

The migration window is scheduled across the Australia Day period, from Saturday 24 January to Monday 26 January 2026. (Australia Day is observed on Monday, 26 January 2026; our migration window spans the public holiday period to reduce disruption to normal business operations.)

Following the technical migration, staff inductions and familiarisation will continue through to Friday, 30 January 2026. During this phase, we will actively bed down workflows, confirm data integrity, and ensure every team member is confident in using the new tools.

What to expect during the transition

We are planning carefully to minimise disruption, but some interruptions may occur during two distinct periods:

1. Technical migration period: 24–26 January 2026. During the cutover, some services may be intermittently unavailable or slower than usual. This can include delays in our ability to:

  • Retrieve account history quickly (quotes, job notes, previous correspondence)

  • Respond to enquiries at our usual turnaround time

  • Provide real-time updates while data is being synchronised

2. Staff familiarisation period: 27–31 January 2026. As our team completes inductions and transitions day-to-day work into the new platform, you may notice:

  • Slightly longer response times for non-urgent enquiries

  • Extra verification questions (to confirm details while we refine new dashboards and workflows)

  • Minor process changes in how we log, track, and close requests

We recognise that even small delays can be inconvenient. We are being transparent because clear expectations protect customer trust and support our team to deliver consistent outcomes during change.

Why we are doing this

This migration is a strategic investment in customer service excellence, predominantly for PSW brands (PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse). Our existing systems have served us well, but they have limitations: fragmented information, manual handovers, and reduced visibility across teams can slow responses and make it harder to deliver the level of service consistency we want to be known for.

The new platform is designed to remove those bottlenecks and improve the customer experience in practical, measurable ways.

What improves for customers and staff

Faster response times for customer enquiries. By consolidating customer information into a single platform and improving internal routing, our team will be able to locate job details, history, and next steps more quickly. This reduces time spent searching across systems and increases time spent solving the actual issue.

Integrated chat support for real-time assistance. Where appropriate, customers will be able to use integrated chat to get faster answers to simple questions, receive updates, or get triaged. For staff, this creates a clearer context, better continuity, and fewer missed handovers.

Personalised dashboards tailored to individual customer needs (G2). Customers and internal teams will benefit from dashboards that present the most relevant information upfront—job progress, key milestones, required actions, and service notes—reducing back-and-forth and improving clarity.

Enhanced reporting capabilities for better insights. Better reporting improves decision-making. It will help us identify response-time trends, recurring issues, workload peaks, and service improvements with far greater accuracy. Internally, that means we can proactively fix problems rather than react to them.

Better data security to protect customer information. The new platform includes strengthened security measures and more robust access controls. This supports safer handling of customer data and clearer accountability across the organisation, aligning with the business’s Cybersecurity and Personal Data Management Policy.

Improved user interface for easier navigation and usability. For staff, usability matters: a cleaner interface reduces errors, improves speed, and supports consistent customer outcomes. For customers, it helps make interactions smoother and more intuitive.

Managing risk and maintaining service standards

We are approaching the migration with a “service-first” mindset. This involves carefully validating data in stages, conducting internal checks to ensure the integrity of customer records, and implementing structured inductions to promote consistent usage across teams.

If anything seems off during the transition—such as missing details, delayed updates, or issues with how requests are being handled—we want to be informed right away. This will allow us to address the problem promptly and enhance the process immediately.

Guidance during 24–31 January 2026

For customers:

  • If your matter is urgent, please contact us using your usual direct channel, and clearly mark the request as urgent so it can be prioritised.

  • If your request is non-urgent, you may experience a slightly longer turnaround during the transition window. We appreciate your patience and will respond as promptly as possible.

  • If you are expecting a specific update (quote, scheduling confirmation, documentation), please allow extra time across 24–31 January 2026.

For staff:

  • Follow the new workflow guidance during the induction period, even if it feels slower initially—consistency early is what drives speed and reliability later.

  • Escalate issues as soon as they are identified. Early reporting improves outcomes for customers and reduces repeat problems.

  • Keep customer communication clear and proactive. If a delay is likely, set expectations early and confirm next steps.

Our commitment

McKercher Corporation is committed to delivering reliable, professional customer service—especially when we are upgrading the very systems that support it. This migration is not a change for its own sake; it is a deliberate step to make service faster, more transparent, and more dependable.

Thank you for your patience across 24–31 January 2026. We will share updates as the migration progresses and will continue focusing on what matters most: clear communication, secure handling of information, and excellent customer outcomes.

Solar panel prices set to rise 15–20% across Australia (Q1/Q2, 2026)

If you are considering rooftop solar and waiting for “the right time,” the next few months may not be the bargain window they once were. McKercher Corporation is currently forecasting a market-wide increase of approximately 15–20% in residential solar panel pricing across Q1 and Q2 2026, driven by a convergence of global supply chain pressure, higher manufacturing input costs, and a major policy change affecting exports from China.

This is not a McKercher Corporation-specific change. It is a broader pricing reset forming across the supply chain, from factories and exporters through to importers, distributors, and installers.

What is driving the increase

  • China VAT changes are lifting export costs (from 1 April 2026): China is the dominant manufacturing base for solar PV products, and a confirmed policy change will remove VAT export rebates for photovoltaic products from 1 April 2026. This effectively raises the export cost base and can flow into global wholesale pricing, particularly as suppliers reprice forward orders and buyers adjust procurement plans.
  • Input costs have become more volatile: Solar panels are manufactured at scale, but they are not immune to commodity and component cost swings. Recent industry reporting highlights rising cost pressures from key inputs—silver, for example, is a significant cost component in modern modules and cell manufacturing. When these upstream costs climb, manufacturers either absorb margin compression or pass costs forward through the supply chain.
  • Supply constraints and production decisions can tighten availability: Even when global nameplate capacity is high, “effective supply” can tighten quickly due to plant shutdowns, production curtailments, new standards, or coordinated output reductions upstream—particularly in polysilicon, a critical input to most PV supply chains. When upstream capacity tightens, it restricts downstream throughput and supports higher prices.

Secondary factors compounding the situation

Pricing is rarely driven by one lever. The following factors tend to stack, amplifying the headline drivers above:

Currency movements: Panels and components are often priced against USD, and upstream costs are influenced by AUD/USD and AUD/CNY movements. A softer Australian dollar increases landed costs, even if the factory price is unchanged. 

Shipping and freight: Global logistics disruptions and container volatility can raise delivered costs and introduce delays. Shipping costs are an input that installers and distributors cannot ignore when margins are tight. [UNCTAD]

Global demand surges: If other markets accelerate purchases (due to policy deadlines, subsidy timing, or grid constraints), they compete for the same inventory and manufacturing slots—tightening supply for Australia.

Inventory holding costs and finance/insurance: When funding and insurance costs rise, the expense of carrying inventory increases. This tends to show up as higher wholesale and retail pricing, particularly during repricing cycles.

What this means for system purchasers

If you are close to making a decision, timing may materially affect what you can install for a given budget. In many cases, a 15–20% increase on equipment pricing can translate into a smaller system size, a narrower equipment choice set, or reduced room in the budget for upgrades (such as optimisers, monitoring, or premium mounting solutions).

At the same time, it is important to keep perspective: solar remains one of the most reliable household investments in Australia. Even with a temporary pricing lift, households can still achieve strong long-term value through lower grid consumption, improved bill predictability, and greater resilience against future retail electricity price movements.

Front-line recommendation

If you are actively evaluating solar, we suggest three practical steps:

1. Request a quote sooner rather than later to secure current pricing where possible.

2. Confirm equipment availability and lead times, not just the headline system price.

3. Prioritise quality and aftercare. Market urgency is not a reason to accept poor design, rushed installation, or weaker warranties.

Next step: lock in clarity before prices move. The solar panel price increase is set to be realised commercially in Q2 2026.

McKercher Corporation is closely monitoring market conditions and will continue to provide timely and transparent guidance as supplier pricing evolves in Q1 and Q2. If you would like to explore your options and potentially secure today’s pricing within Western Australia, please contact either PSW Energy or Perth Solar Warehouse to schedule a consultation and receive a quote. Acting sooner gives you greater control over system design, product selection, and installation scheduling before broader price increases take effect.

References

  1. Shaw, V. (2026, January 9). China to abolish solar export tax rebates in April. PV Magazine.

  2. Jowett, P. (2025, December 29). Silver hits record high of $83.62 an ounce. PV Magazine.

  3. Bu, S & Woo, R. (2026, January 9). China to scrap export tax rebates for photovoltaic and battery products. Reuters
  4. Bellini, E (2026, January 13). Solar module prices lagging behind soaring silver costs. PV Magazine.
  5. Chen, X., & Jackson, L. (2025, September 17). China threatens to shut down polysilicon plants if new energy standards can’t be met. Reuters

Kleenheat Spark Installation Partnership Agreement

The Kleenheat Spark program has launched in Perth, Western Australia, through a strategic primary partnership between Kleenheat and Perth Solar Warehouse, as a leading local installation partner.

This collaboration brings together Kleenheat’s expertise in energy and product assurance with Perth Solar Warehouse’s established installation skill-set and local market leadership. Together, through the Kleenheat Spark program, they provide a reliable electrification solution for households in Western Australia.

Key points

  • Kleenheat Spark delivers complete home electrification packages, including solar panels and batteries, backed by Kleenheat’s product assurance and installed by Perth Solar Warehouse, ensuring consistent quality from product selection through to installation and support.
  • The Kleenheat Spark offering is an exclusive product line developed specifically for this program and is not available through through Perth Solar Warehouse's retail channel, combining Kleenheat’s energy expertise with one of Perth’s most reputable large-scale solar installers.
  • Unlike standard solar offers focused primarily on upfront cost, Kleenheat Spark packages are designed for reliability, scalability, and future electrification needs, providing Western Australian households with a confident, long-term energy solution.

The Kleenheat Spark program offers comprehensive home electrification packages, including solar panel systems and battery storage solutions, available to customers across Western Australia with immediate convenience.

Each package is designed to deliver a streamlined experience, combining carefully selected products with professional installation and ongoing support. Kleenheat conducts thorough due diligence across all offerings to ensure performance, quality, and long-term reliability.

A Partnership Built on Quality

Perth Solar Warehouse has been appointed as a primary partner for installation, delivery, and support for Kleenheat Spark in Western Australia. The electrification packages offered through this collaboration are part of an exclusive product line that is not available through Perth Solar Warehouse’s standard retail channels.

This exclusivity ensures that customers receive solutions that meet Kleenheat Spark’s assurance standards while also benefiting from Perth Solar Warehouse’s locally proven experience and strong reputation. It is important to note that alternative installation partners who meet Kleenheat’s high qualification standards may also be considered for the program.

Leading Electrification Solution for WA Homes

Kleenheat (a Wesfarmers company) combines the strengths of local organisations to offer one of the strongest residential electrification product lines available in Western Australia. This program demonstrates a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, forward-thinking energy solutions that help households transition to more electrified and efficient homes.

Learn More About Kleenheat Spark

Customers in Western Australia interested in solar energy, battery storage, or comprehensive home electrification solutions are invited to learn more about the Kleenheat Spark program. This exclusive partnership can help meet your energy needs.

Discover the benefits of the Kleenheat Spark program and explore how a professionally delivered, fully assured electrification solution can work for you. Visit Kleenheat Spark for more information.

New Photographic Evidence Rules for Solar Batteries Commencing March 1, 2026

Starting from March 1, 2026, solar battery installations throughout Australia will need to meet new photographic evidence requirements due to updated compliance rules from the Australian Government Clean Energy Regulator. These changes aim to enhance safety, improve installation standards, and strengthen regulatory oversight under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

Contents

Key points

  • New requirements start 1 March 2026. Installers must submit clear, geotagged and time-stamped photos of critical solar battery labelling, or risk delayed or rejected STC claims.
  • Photo obligations are expanding. Mandatory labelling photos are in addition to existing on-site verification images and must match installation timelines and compliance certificates.
  • Preparation is critical. Installers should review labelling compliance now and update workflows ahead of detailed guidance due by 31 January 2026.

For solar installers, designers, and accredited electricians, the message is clear: photographic evidence is no longer just a means of proving that an installation took place. It has become a vital compliance tool, and failing to meet the new standards could delay or prevent claims for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).

McKercher Corporation is closely monitoring these changes and encourages industry professionals to prepare in advance of the March deadline.

What is Changing

The most significant update is the requirement for mandatory photographic evidence for critical labeling and signage on every solar battery installation. Starting from March 1, 2026, installers must take clear, geotagged, and time-stamped photographs demonstrating that all required labels and safety information are correctly installed and visible.

These images must be included as part of the installation’s compliance documentation. They will be submitted alongside existing on-site verification photos and will contribute to the Clean Energy Regulator’s assessment when determining whether a Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) claim can proceed.

If the required images are missing, unclear, incorrectly timestamped, or inconsistent with other documentation, the regulator has confirmed that STC claims may be delayed or outright rejected.

Who is Affected

The new requirements apply to everyone involved in the design, installation, and retail of solar battery systems seeking eligibility under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). This includes accredited battery installers, system designers, licensed electricians, and retailers who submit or rely on Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) claims.

Only installers and designers accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) are allowed to perform this work. Installations must also adhere to all relevant electrical safety laws in each state and territory, as well as Commonwealth regulations and applicable Australian standards. Additionally, only batteries and inverters listed by the Clean Energy Council (CEC) may be used. Non-compliant products risk being removed from the approved list.

Why is There Tightening Photo Evidence

According to the Clean Energy Regulator, the enhanced photo requirements are a direct response to ongoing compliance issues related to missing, incorrect, or poorly installed safety labels. These critical labels are essential for protecting homeowners, emergency services, line workers, and future technicians. However, audits have revealed that labeling standards are not consistently met.

To improve safety outcomes and reduce confusion during compliance checks, the regulator now requires photographic evidence of compliant labeling and signage. The use of geotagged and timestamped images also enhances the integrity of the evidence by confirming when and where each installation stage took place.

What Installers Must Now Photograph

Starting in March 2026, installers will be required to provide photographs of the following:

1. The exterior of meter boxes, ensuring all critical labelling is visible.
2. Switchboards and internal covers, with shutdown procedures clearly displayed.
3. The front and sides of the solar battery, showing all mandatory labels.

These images must be clear, legible, and taken at the installation site. This requirement is in addition to the current need for on-site verification photos taken throughout the installation process, including:

– Job setup
– Mid-installation
– Testing and commissioning
– Final completion

The completion photo must correspond to the test date indicated on the electrical certificate of compliance, and all photo metadata should align with the documented installation timeline. Installers are not allowed to return to the site after completion to take retrospective photos or adjust documentation to match the timelines.

Practical implications for day-to-day compliance

In practical terms, these changes mean that installers must adjust their workflows to ensure that labeling is completed accurately and photographed before leaving the site. Capturing photos should be considered an essential part of the installation process rather than a mere administrative task to be done afterward.

Installers should also note that separate on-site verification photos are required when solar PV systems and batteries are installed simultaneously. Additionally, serial numbers for batteries and new inverters must be photographed to match the entries in the REC Registry. For battery systems consisting of multiple modules, images of both the main unit and the individual modules are necessary.

If the provided evidence does not clearly demonstrate all required stages of installation, the regulator has indicated that claims for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) may be denied.

Key Dates and Transitional Arrangements

The new labelling photo requirements will come into effect on 1 March 2026. However, there are important earlier dates that installers need to keep in mind. Batteries that are partially installed before 1 July 2025 must be tested on or after that date to qualify for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Any installations that are tested before 1 July 2025 will not be eligible for STCs.

Additionally, the Clean Energy Regulator has confirmed that detailed guidance regarding the new photo requirements will be released by 31 January 2026. This will provide installers with a brief window to finalise any necessary updates to their processes before the new requirements take effect.

Further Guidance

The Clean Energy Regulator and Solar Accreditation Australia remain the primary sources of official guidance on accreditation, installation limits and compliance obligations. Installers should also continue to consult Safe Work Australia’s advice on managing risks associated with rooftop solar and battery installations.

McKercher Corporation will continue to share regulatory updates and practical guidance as additional details become available. By staying informed and preparing early, installers and accredited electricians can avoid compliance delays and continue delivering safe, high-quality solar battery systems under the SRES.

Clean Energy Regulator: Solar Battery Installers and Designers

Strengthening Trust Through Security With a Unified Cybersecurity and Data Protection Commitment

At McKercher Corporation, protecting our customers’ information is fundamental to our business practices. As energy and solar services become increasingly digital, so too does the responsibility to safeguard personal data and critical systems. That’s why we are proud to announce the successful integration of a unified Cybersecurity and Personal Data Management Policy across PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse—a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to security, privacy, and transparency.

Contents

Key points

  • Unified, high-standard protection across the group: PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse now operate under a single, executive-approved cybersecurity and personal data management framework, ensuring consistent, strong safeguards for customer information across all services.
  • Clear, customer-focused data security commitments: The policy delivers practical protections—such as encrypted data, strict access controls, rapid incident response, and respect for customer privacy rights—designed to keep personal and energy data secure, transparent, and responsibly managed.

Why This Matters for Customers

For customers, data security is not just an abstract idea; it’s about having confidence. It means knowing that personal details, billing information, and energy usage data are handled carefully, protected from misuse, and managed responsibly throughout their lifecycle. By bringing together PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse under a single, comprehensive policy approved by executive management, McKercher Corporation has set consistent high standards across its entire portfolio.

This integration ensures that whether you are installing solar systems, managing energy services, or interacting with us online, you will benefit from the same strong protections every time.

What the Integrated Policy Delivers

Our unified policy is grounded in clear, customer-focused principles: collecting only the information we need, using it for legitimate purposes, maintaining its accuracy, and retaining it only as long as necessary. Concrete safeguards support these principles to effectively protect our customers. Some key commitments include:

  • Strong access controls so only authorised staff can access sensitive information, using role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication.

  • Encryption of data, both when it’s stored and when it’s transmitted, helps protect information even if systems are targeted.

  • Clear data classification rules that apply the highest level of protection to payment details, account numbers, and energy system data.

  • Regular reviews and audits, including security testing and annual policy reviews, are conducted to ensure that protections remain effective as technology and risks evolve.

  • Mandatory staff training, ensuring employees and contractors understand how to handle customer data securely and recognise potential threats such as phishing.

These measures are not theoretical. They are embedded into daily operations, from how smart meter data is collected and stored, to how billing systems are protected, to how access is immediately revoked when roles change.

How This Protects Customers in Real Life

Imagine reviewing your energy usage or updating payment details online. Under this policy, information is transmitted through secure, encrypted connections, stored in protected systems, and accessed only by staff who genuinely need it to perform their job duties. If a third-party service provider is involved, they must meet the exact rigorous security expectations and contractual obligations.

And if something does go wrong? McKercher Corporation’s PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse have a formal incident response plan aligned with recognised international best practices. Potential incidents are detected, contained, investigated, and resolved quickly. Where personal data is affected, customers and regulators are notified promptly, with clear guidance and support.

Transparency and Customer Rights

Transparency is just as important as security. Customers have the right to know what data we hold, why we retain it, and how they can exercise their rights, such as accessing, correcting, or requesting the deletion of their personal information when appropriate. Our integrated approach guarantees that these rights are consistently upheld across both PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse.

The integration of this policy is not a finish line; it’s a foundation. Cybersecurity and privacy are ongoing commitments, and McKercher Corporation’s brands will continue to review, improve, and invest in protections that keep pace with change.

For prospective and existing customers alike, this unified policy reflects who we are: a forward-thinking sustainable energy group that takes responsibility for safeguarding trust, data, and the systems that support modern energy solutions.

Full Policy [PSW Energy]: Cybersecurity and Personal Data Management Policy ›

Alignment Notice [Perth Solar Warehouse]: Cyber Security Notice ›

Sigenergy Supports Australian Installers Through an Unprecedented Period

The Australian solar installation industry has recently experienced one of its most challenging periods in recent memory. The surge in demand generated by the Cheaper Home Batteries Program created significant momentum in the market, but it also placed substantial pressure on installers nationwide.

Contents

Unprecedented order volumes, combined with global supply chain constraints, resulted in delays in product arrivals that disrupted installation schedules and strained operational capacity. Many installers had to manage customer expectations while dealing with circumstances beyond their control in the initial six months of Australia’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program and its now confirmed state of change.

At McKercher Corporation, we collaborate closely with both manufacturers and installers, and we have witnessed firsthand the impact this period has had on the industry in achieving forecast capacity while committing to increased resources.

Sigenergy’s 2026 Installer Rebate

In response to these challenges, Sigenergy has introduced a dedicated installer rebate program for Australia, running from January to April, designed to provide tangible financial support during this high-pressure period. The rebate applies to Sigenergy battery modules installed between January and April and is structured as follows:

$300 rebate per 8 kWh battery module

$200 rebate per 5 kWh battery module

This tiered structure acknowledges the various system sizes used in residential and commercial projects, ensuring that support aligns with real-world installation scenarios. Most approved Sigenergy installers are likely booked as this period approaches, making this manufacturer-backed rebate program a valuable benefit following recent, less-than-ideal market challenges.

Advertised promotion condition 17/12/2025: *This promotion is valid for qualified installers in Australia only. Credit notes are issued per eligible unit and are subject to verification of installation. Sigenergy reserves the right to amend, suspend, or terminate this offer at any time. In case of any discrepancy, the decision of Sigenergy shall be final.

Assistance for Delays and Operational Strain

For installers affected by product arrival delays during the rebate rush, this program provides meaningful assistance. The rebate helps offset additional costs associated with rescheduling, extended project management, and the operational strain caused by compressed installation timelines.

Rather than being a short-term promotion, this installer-focused rebate is a clear signal that Sigenergy understands the realities of the Australian market and is prepared to stand alongside its installation network during challenging conditions.

What This Means for Homeowners

The rebate is primarily aimed at installers, but homeowners benefit significantly from it as well. By providing financial support to installers during a challenging period, Sigenergy helps ensure consistent service, high-quality installations, and ongoing project progress. This assistance can alleviate the pressure on installers, enabling them to focus on delivering reliable outcomes and effective communication to their customers.

In most cases, approved Sigenergy installers are already committed to installations that have been pre-purchased at this unprecedented time of demand, making further cost reductions for the systems unlikely. This situation ultimately contributes to smoother project delivery and dependable local support, which is an essential consideration for homeowners investing in premium energy storage solutions.

Commitment to the Australian Market

Sigenergy’s 2026 installer rebate highlights their ongoing commitment to Australia and their installation partners. It acknowledges that having strong technology is not sufficient; successful outcomes require resilient partnerships with installers and proactive market support.

As the industry stabilises following the surge in the Cheaper Home Batteries Program and its recent changes [December 13 2025 announcement], continued collaboration between manufacturers, distributors, and installers will be essential. Programs like Sigenergy’s early 2026 installer rebate demonstrate how proactive support can strengthen the entire sustainable energy industry.

Cheaper Home Batteries Program Expanded and What the December 13 Announcement Means

On December 13, the Australian Government announced significant changes to the Cheaper Home Batteries Program—an update that marks a major step forward for Australia’s clean energy transition. For households, businesses, and the renewable energy sector alike, the announcement confirms a substantial expansion of the program alongside targeted adjustments designed to ensure its long-term effectiveness. 

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Australia is already a global leader in rooftop solar, with more than 4.2 million rooftop solar PV systems installed nationwide. Until recently, however, battery adoption lagged behind, with only one in 40 households pairing batteries with their solar systems. Since the introduction of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, that figure has improved to one in 24 households—demonstrating growing confidence in battery storage as a practical and affordable solution.

The program has played a key role in accelerating this uptake by providing a government-funded discount of around 30 per cent on the upfront cost of installing small-scale battery systems ranging from 5 kWh to 100 kWh. Importantly, this discount applies to both new and existing solar PV systems, with no additional costs passed on to consumers.

Program Expansion

The December 13 announcement confirmed that the Cheaper Home Batteries Program has been expanded from $2.3 billion to $7.2 billion over a four-year period. This expansion is expected to support more than 2 million Australians in installing batteries by 2030, delivering approximately 40 gigawatt hours of additional storage capacity to the national electricity system.

This scale of investment reinforces the government’s commitment to making energy storage more accessible, reducing household electricity bills, lowering peak demand across the grid, and improving overall energy reliability for all consumers.

Understanding the Key Adjustments from May 1, 2026

While the expanded funding strengthens the program, two important adjustments will take effect from May 1, 2026. These changes relate to how support is calculated and distributed.

1. Changes to the STC Factor

The program is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator and uses Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) to calculate the battery discount. In simple terms, the STC Factor determines how much support a battery system is eligible for, based on its usable capacity—the amount of energy that can actually be drawn from the battery in normal use.

From May 2026, the STC Factor will undergo changes, reducing more frequently from an annual schedule to a six-month schedule, and at a higher rate. This adjustment reflects decreasing technology costs while still providing significant incentives for early adopters. Source: DCCEEW STC Factor Reduction/Transition Table 1 Reference, December 13, 2025.

2. Capacity-Based Support Tiers

Support will also be tiered based on battery size:

  • 0–14 kWh: eligible for 100% of the STC Factor

  • 14–28 kWh: eligible for 60% of the STC Factor

  • 28–50 kWh: eligible for 15% of the STC Factor

This structure is designed to ensure incentives remain focused on the battery sizes most commonly used by households and small businesses.

Why the Program Still Matters

Despite these adjustments, the program continues to deliver an average discount of around 30 per cent across battery sizes. The benefits extend beyond individual households—widespread battery adoption helps reduce peak demand, lowers costs for all electricity users, and contributes to a more stable and resilient grid.

Learn More

This update provides an overview, but detailed technical guidance and practical implications are available through industry specialists. For comprehensive information, stakeholders are encouraged to consult the latest publications from Perth Solar Warehouse and PSW Energy, which provide in-depth explanations of the changes and their implications for consumers and installers alike.

McKercher Corporation remains committed to keeping stakeholders informed as Australia’s clean energy landscape continues to evolve.

Understanding the Tesla Installer Performance Score (TIPS)

Tesla Installer Performance Score Logo on a black background

Tesla has launched the Tesla Installer Performance Score (TIPS), a new, data-driven framework aimed at assessing and acknowledging the technical excellence and customer satisfaction of its installation partners. For certified technicians and installers, this system offers a clear perspective on how installation quality and customer experience can be translated into measurable performance.

TIPS is more than just a score; it serves as a collaborative framework for achieving mutual success. It helps Tesla and its partners align around consistent standards of quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

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The Tesla Installer Performance Score (TIPS) is a comprehensive measurement system that combines technical metrics and customer feedback to produce a single, objective performance score. It represents an evolution of Tesla’s earlier Pro Score program, integrating lessons learned to offer a more balanced and transparent approach.

Purpose of TIPS:

  • Establish a fair, consistent, and data-driven method for evaluating installer performance.
  • Strengthen partnerships through transparency and recognition.
  • Provide a predictable pathway for growth, with benefits linked directly to performance.

How the Score Works

Step 1: The Installer Score

Each installer’s score is calculated based on four key metrics, weighted to reflect their importance in overall quality:

Metric
Weight
Description
Installer Certification
22.5%
Completion and passing of the Powerwall 3 Final Exam in Tesla Workforce Management.
Device Commissioning Tests
26.25%
Successful completion of Backup, Internet, and Metering tests within 48 hours of commissioning.
Device Diagnostics
26.25%
Absence of post-installation errors such as negative load, solar disconnection, or wiring issues.
Customer Activation
25%
Timely registration of the system to the customer’s account and app login within 7 days.

Each technician’s weighted average contributes to the overall company score, with more installs giving proportionally greater impact.

Step 2: The Company Score

The Company Score is a weighted combination of:

  • Installer Average (80%) — reflecting overall technical excellence.

  • Customer Satisfaction (20%) — based on post-installation survey results converted to a 100-point scale.

This approach ensures a balance between technical performance and customer experience — rewarding both precision and professionalism

The Five Core Metrics Explained

  • Installer Certification:
    Confirms that each installer has passed the required Powerwall 3 competency exam. This ensures technical readiness and contributes to a perfect score on this metric.

  • Device Commissioning Tests:
    Measures success in system setup and commissioning. Passing the Backup, Internet, and Metering tests within 48 hours ensures reliability from day one.

  • Device Diagnostics:
    Tracks early system performance to identify issues like negative loads or Powerwall disconnections during the first operational week.

  • Customer Activation:
    Evaluates how smoothly the system is transferred to the homeowner. Key indicators include timely registration and the customer’s first app login.

  • Customer Satisfaction:
    Based on customer survey feedback collected 30 days post-commissioning. Reflects the overall experience across sales, installation, and aftercare

Implementation Timeline & ACCESS

  • October 2025: Initial communications and training resources.

  • Late 2025: Access to score previews and installer dashboards.

  • Q1 2026: Official launch of the TIPS program across all accredited partners

The early announcement gives teams more than 90 days to familiarise themselves with the new metrics and prepare before the system goes live. Initially, installers will receive performance insights through their Tesla Account Managers, who will share dashboards and score breakdowns during regular reviews.

Later in the rollout:

Partner Portal: A new dashboard will offer real-time access to company-wide and installer-level scores.

Tesla One App: Individual installers will be able to view their own performance metrics directly in the app

Support and Resources

Training and Certification: Available through Tesla Workforce Management.

Technical Documentation: Found in the Partner Portal and Energy Library.

Tesla Installer Performance Score: Quick Reference Guide (official)

Dedicated Support: Email questions to [email protected], copying your Account Manager on all inquiries

The Tesla Installer Performance Score (TIPS) is an important development aimed at aligning installation standards with Tesla’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. While there is no immediate action required, understanding how this system functions will help accredited technicians and installers prepare for its official launch in early 2026.

TIPS serves as a partnership tool—it measures excellence, recognises achievements, and ensures that every installation meets the high quality that Tesla customers expect.