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).
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
