This answer follows the CER’s June 2026 guide to evidence requirements for solar battery installations. Read the current document before you rely on it, because the CER updates its guidance.
The two sets of photos
Battery installers submit two layers of evidence. The first has been required since 1 July 2025, when batteries became eligible under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. The second was added from 1 March 2026.
Existing on-site verification photos
- Job set-up, mid-installation, and testing and commissioning, geotagged and timestamped. The commissioning date should match the test date on the certificate of compliance or equivalent.
- Photos showing the serial number on each battery, and on the inverter if new, matching the numbers listed in the REC Registry.
- A photo of the main battery unit as well, if the battery contains individual modules within a CEC-listed model.
Critical labelling photos from 1 March 2026
- Meter box, or what is visible on approach: the circular green reflective emergency label, at least 100 mm across, showing the UN number for the battery chemistry (UN 3480 for lithium iron phosphate, for example).
- Switchboard and inside of the meter box cover: the emergency shutdown procedure and other labels required by the standards. If there is more than one switchboard, photograph each. For systems that provide backup power, include the alternative supply isolation labelling; for systems that do not, provide written evidence.
- Battery front and sides: warning signs in compliant positions, such as toxic fumes, risk of explosion or arc flash hazard as relevant to the chemistry. If you decide a sign is not needed, supply support such as the safety data sheet.
What the battery label photo should show
The brief for serial matching is simple: the serial on the battery must be readable in the image and agree with the registry. In practice that means a straight-on shot of the compliance plate in good light, with model number, serial number and rating all legible. If the plate is behind a cover, remove it for the photo. Shoot the battery module separately where the system has modules.
File and submission rules
- Original file formats only: JPEG, PNG or HEIC. PDFs and photos pasted into documents are not accepted.
- Metadata (location and time) must match the installation photos taken at each phase.
- One battery claim per email.
- Keep photos for five years.
Why the CER is strict
The CER says its audits and inspections found that non-compliant labelling is the most common reason battery installs fail to meet standards. It also says it uses artificial intelligence in assessing claims, as covered in the AI photo checking answer. Failure can mean delayed or rejected claims and compliance action.
What this means for installers
Set a fixed photo sequence for every job and name files by job. Our compliance desk checks photos, forms and serials before anything is lodged, which is cheaper than a rejection. For the wider process see the battery STC overview, the battery submission guide, and the STC photo requirements. Rates are on the pricing page.