The Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety has released updated guidance clarifying compliance responsibilities when installing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) alongside existing photovoltaic (PV) arrays. This update outlines how contractors must distinguish between a repair and an alteration, ensuring each system meets applicable safety standards under AS/NZS 3000:2018 and AS/NZS 5033:2021.
Overview
The Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety has clarified compliance obligations for installing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with existing photovoltaic (PV) arrays, emphasising the distinction between repairs and alterations under AS/NZS 3000:2018 and AS/NZS 5033:2021. Repairs must meet the standards applicable at the time of the original installation, while alterations—such as adding a BESS—must comply with current standards. Electrical contractors are responsible for verifying the safety of existing PV systems before integration, including checks on wiring, earthing, and isolation equipment. Systems installed before 2015 may require upgrades to meet present requirements.
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Key Points
- Repairs vs. Alterations: Adding a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to an existing PV array is considered an alteration, not a repair — meaning the entire installation must comply with current standards AS/NZS 3000:2018 and AS/NZS 5033:2021, rather than the standards in place at the time of the original install.
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Safety Verification Required: Before connecting a BESS, electrical contractors must perform a thorough safety verification of the existing PV system, checking wiring, earthing, and isolation to confirm compliance and safe operation.
- Older Systems May Need Upgrades: PV arrays installed before 2015 may require significant upgrades to meet modern safety and disconnection requirements, while post-2015 systems generally align more closely but must still be verified before integration.
Repairs vs. Alterations: Understanding the Difference
A repair involves restoring an existing system to its original operational state. In this case, the work must comply with the standards that applied at the time of the original installation. By contrast, an alteration—such as adding a BESS or reconfiguring a PV system—constitutes a modification of the existing installation. Alterations must comply fully with current standards, ensuring the system meets today’s safety and performance requirements.
Safety Verification and Compliance Obligations
Before connecting any BESS to an existing PV array, electrical contractors are required to verify the ongoing safety and compliance of the PV system. This includes inspection of wiring integrity, earthing arrangements, and isolation equipment. Systems installed before 2015 may need additional upgrades, as earlier standards did not require certain earthing and disconnection measures now mandated by AS/NZS 5033:2021. Post-2015 systems, while generally closer to compliance, must still undergo full verification to confirm safe integration.
Our Commitment to Compliance and Safety
At Perth Solar Warehouse, we are committed to meeting all regulatory obligations and maintaining the highest standards of electrical safety. Our installation teams follow rigorous compliance verification procedures, ensuring every BESS integration aligns with both regulatory requirements and best-practice electrical safety.
By adhering to these standards, we protect our customers, our workforce, and the long-term integrity of every renewable energy system we deliver.
