Whether you're harnessing solar energy for your home, upgrading an off-grid setup, or ensuring uninterrupted power for your business, a dependable solar battery installation is key. At Hybrid Solar Solutions Australia, we specialize in professional solar battery installation services across Australia, delivering high-performance energy storage solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Installing a solar battery system can be more complex than it appears.
In Australia, all solar battery installations must adhere to the AS/NZS 5139:2019 standard, which outlines the safety and compliance requirements for battery energy storage systems. As a homeowner considering the installation of a solar battery at your property, it's essential to understand some of the key requirements:
- Compliance with national safety standards
- Proper system location and ventilation
- Fire safety and access clearances
- Qualified installer certification
- Correct system sizing and compatibility with your solar setup
Partnering with a certified installer ensures your solar battery system is safe, efficient, and fully compliant with Australian regulations.
Understanding Habitable vs Non-Habitable Rooms for Solar Battery Installation
According to AS/NZS 5139:2019, specifically clauses 4.2.4.2 and 5.2.4.2, the placement of solar batteries must consider the type of room nearby. Habitable rooms (marked in red) include areas used for living, sleeping, or regular human occupancy, such as bedrooms, lounges, and studies. Non-habitable rooms (marked in green) include spaces like garages, laundries, storage rooms, and utility areas.
Key Compliance Requirement : To comply with Australian safety standards, solar batteries must not be installed: Within 600mm of any vertical side of a window or building ventilation that opens into a habitable room.This regulation is in place to reduce fire risk and ensure the safety of occupants.
When installing a solar battery outdoors, the type of home construction significantly influences placement and safety compliance. Following the AS/NZS 5139:2019 guidelines is essential for both safety and regulatory approval.
Construction Type Considerations:
Brick Homes:
- Brick is a non-combustible material, offering greater flexibility in solar battery placement.
Weatherboard Homes:
- Weatherboard is combustible. A non-combustible barrier, such as fire-rated cement sheeting, must be installed between the battery and the house wall to comply with safety standards.
Installation Scenarios (Refer to Images):
> Image 1 – Top Left
Solar batteries must not be installed within 600mm of any entry or exit point, including doors and main walkways.
> Image 2 – Top Right
If a battery is installed adjacent to a habitable room, a non-combustible barrier must be placed behind it. This barrier must extend 600mm on either side of the battery and 900mm above it.
> Image 3 – Bottom Left
Batteries cannot be installed outside a habitable room if there is an openable window or vent within the clearance zone. However, installation is permitted against non-habitable rooms, even if there is an openable window or vent nearby.
> Image 4 - Bottom Right
For corner installations near habitable rooms :
- Maintain a minimum 300mm clearance from the corner.
- Install a non-combustible barrier extending 600mm on both sides and 900mm above the battery.
Proper placement and compliance are essential when installing a solar battery system indoors. Below are key requirements based on Australian standards to ensure safety and regulatory adherence:
1. Battery Installation Zone
Indoor solar batteries must be installed within a designated Battery Installation Zone. This area must:
- Be well-ventilated
- Not be a habitable room (e.g., garages are acceptable)
- Allow for safe egress in case of emergency
2. Separation from Ignition Sources
Solar battery systems must be safely distanced from ignition hazards such as:
- Hot water units, gas meters, or vehicles
- Maintain at least 600mm clearance, or
- Use a certified non-combustible barrier (e.g., fire-rated wall)
Note for Victoria :According to ERAC gas distribution rules, there must be a 1000mm clearance radius from gas meter vents and 1500mm clearance in the direction of gas discharge.
3. Vehicle Clearance
Solar batteries must not be installed where they are at risk of vehicle impact.If there is potential for collision, install a protective barrier or bollard to safeguard the system.
4. Wall Requirements
If mounted on a combustible wall (e.g., plasterboard), the installation must include:
- A non-combustible backing board, such as fire-rated cement sheeting
- Secure fixing that supports the battery’s weight and prevents tipping
5. Ventilation & Airflow
The installation area—especially garages—must provide adequate ventilation to prevent the build-up of heat or gases.Some battery types (e.g., lead-acid) require natural or mechanical ventilation for safe operation.
6. Signage & Labelling
All solar battery systems must display appropriate safety signage, including:
- Battery system identification labels
- "No Smoking" signs, if required
- Emergency shutdown procedures clearly visible and accessible
7. Emergency Access
Ensure that solar batteries:
- Do not block emergency exits or access points
- Have adequate clearance for routine servicing and emergency disconnection
🚫 Not Permitted
- Installing solar batteries in habitable rooms (e.g., bedrooms, living rooms)
- Obstructing garage exits or walkways
- Installing batteries within restricted clearance zones without required protective barriers
