Sequencing happens for ordinary reasons: the battery arrives before the panels, or the distributor approves one before the other. The scheme allows for it, but your records have to handle it.
What the program says about solar
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program works with new or existing solar. A battery does not need solar to earn STCs, and nothing in the federal rules says solar must come first. So a battery commissioned before the solar is not ineligible simply for that reason.
Where solar is required it is by other rules: some state schemes and VPP offers have conditions of their own, so check them before telling a customer what applies.
Where the risk really sits
- Two claims, two dates. The solar claim is based on the solar system’s installation date, zone and deeming period (5 years for 2026 installs, 4 for 2027). The battery claim is based on the battery’s installation date and the factor in force then. Neither borrows from the other.
- Evidence that describes the wrong system. Photos and serials for the battery should show the battery as installed and connected. If the system is later changed (a hybrid inverter replaced or panels added), the earlier evidence describes a configuration that no longer exists. Keep dated records for each stage.
- Hybrid and AC-coupled confusion. A hybrid inverter installed with the battery before the panels can blur what was installed when. Document which components were installed on which date, and which claim they belong to. See installation type: new, replacement or additional.
- Commissioning and connection approvals. If the battery is energised before the solar is connected, check the distributor’s connection requirements and sign-off, and note it on the job.
- The factor changeover. If either date lands near a changeover, the battery’s own installation date decides its factor. See which date counts.
A safe sequence
- Treat the battery and the solar as two jobs with two evidence sets.
- Photograph each at its own installation, with dates visible in the metadata or alongside.
- Keep the assignment forms separate and correctly dated.
- Do not describe a future solar installation as part of the battery claim.
- Confirm the final system layout in writing with the customer and the commissioning sheet.
What this means for installers
If the sequence is going to be unusual, say so in the job notes and tell your trader up front. When you lodge with us, the compliance desk reads the claim as a whole, photos, forms and serials, and flags anything that does not line up before it goes in. The rate on /pricing/ locks when a complete claim is lodged. See /start-trading/, the battery submission guide and the battery STC pillar page.