A successful battery installation starts well before installation day.
A thorough site assessment helps installers identify potential issues early, design the right system for the property and reduce the risk of delays, additional costs or rework.
Before installing a home battery system, here are some of the key areas to assess:
1. Existing solar system
Confirm the existing inverter model, solar capacity, system configuration and compatibility with the proposed battery solution.
2. Household energy usage
Review the customer's consumption profile, major electrical loads and any planned additions such as EV charging, electric hot water or other electrification. This helps ensure the battery and inverter are appropriately sized.
3. Switchboard and electrical setup
Check the available switchboard space, phase type, main supply capacity, protection devices, metering arrangement and whether any upgrades may be required.
4. Grid connection and metering
Confirm the electricity distributor, existing meter configuration, export limits and any network connection, flexible export or dynamic export requirements that may apply.
5. Battery installation location
Assess the wall or mounting structure, available space, accessibility, environmental conditions and required installation clearances.
6. Site safety and compliance
Confirm that the proposed battery and inverter locations can meet relevant electrical, battery installation and safety requirements, including restricted locations and physical protection where required.
7. Cable and equipment layout
Plan the cable routes and determine suitable locations for the battery, inverter, meters and any other system components. Good planning here can significantly reduce installation time.
8. Internet connection
Confirm that the installation area has a suitable internet connection for commissioning, monitoring, firmware updates and ongoing system management.
9. Backup requirements
Discuss which circuits or appliances the customer wants supported during a power outage and confirm that the proposed inverter and battery system can support the expected backup loads.
10. Site photos and measurements
Record clear photos, equipment locations, cable routes, switchboard details, measurements and any potential installation challenges before finalising the system design.
Every property is different.
A good site assessment is not just about checking whether a battery will fit. It is about making sure the proposed system is suitable for the customer's energy needs, compatible with the existing electrical installation and practical to install safely and efficiently.