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).

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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

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.

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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.