Why Switchboard Checks Are the Most Important Part of a Battery Installation

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With battery rebates driving record demand, more South Australian households are adding battery storage to their homes. But while most attention is placed on battery size, brand and rebate amounts, there’s one critical element that often determines whether a battery installation is safe, compliant and frustration-free:

Your switchboard.

In our experience, this is where many battery installs go wrong — and where homeowners are most likely to be caught out.

If Your Home Isn’t Brand New, a Switchboard Upgrade Is Often Required

If your home is more than a couple of years old, there’s a strong chance your switchboard was never designed to accommodate a battery system.

Electrical standards have changed significantly in recent years, particularly around:

• Battery isolation and protection
• Safety switch (RCD) coverage
• Circuit separation
• Bidirectional power flow
• Backup power operation

Even homes with existing solar often fall short of today’s battery compliance requirements.

This doesn’t mean your switchboard is unsafe — it simply means it may not meet the standards required to legally and safely install a battery.

Why Switchboard Compliance Isn’t Optional

When a battery is installed, Australian electrical standards require:

• Proper isolation points
• Correct safety switch protection
• Adequate circuit grouping
• Clear separation between backed-up and non-backed-up loads

If these requirements aren’t met, the system:

• May not pass inspection
• May not operate as expected during outages
• Can pose safety risks
• Can expose the homeowner to costly rectification later

In short, battery installs must meet today’s standards — not the standards that applied when your home was built.

Where Many Customers Get Caught Out

This is where we’re seeing a growing issue across the industry.

Many quotes are generated without a proper electrical assessment, meaning:

• The switchboard isn’t checked upfront
• Compliance requirements are overlooked
• The battery is priced attractively — but incompletely

Then, on the day of installation:

• The installer identifies the switchboard doesn’t comply
• The customer is told an upgrade is required to proceed
• Additional costs are introduced on the spot

At that point, the homeowner feels pressured — the install team is already there, time has been booked, and expectations have been set.

That’s not how it should work.

Our Approach: No Surprises on Install Day

At Unified Solar Solutions, every battery quote starts with an electrician checking the switchboard — not after the sale, but before your quote is finalised.

We:

• Assess your switchboard against current battery standards
• Identify whether upgrades are required
• Allow for this in the system design and pricing upfront

This means:

• No hidden costs
• No awkward conversations on install day
• No compliance shortcuts
• No pressure decisions

If an upgrade is required, you know before you commit, not when it’s too late to change course.

Why This Matters for Battery Performance Too

A compliant switchboard isn’t just about safety — it directly affects how your battery performs.

Without the correct setup:

• Only some circuits may work during outages
• High-load appliances may not run as expected
• Battery capacity can be unintentionally limited

A well-designed switchboard ensures your battery does what you expect it to do — especially when you need it most.

Batteries Should Be Designed as a System, Not a Product

A battery isn’t a plug-and-play appliance. It’s part of a broader electrical system that includes:

• Your switchboard
• Your circuits
• Your appliances
• Your future electrification plans (heat pumps, EVs, induction)

Focusing only on battery size or rebate amounts, without addressing electrical readiness, is where many installs fall short.

Designed Right. Installed Once. Done Properly.

At Unified Solar Solutions, we combine:

• Qualified electricians
• Proper upfront inspections
• Compliant system design
• Clear, honest pricing

We also help customers access every rebate they’re eligible for, while ensuring the system is safe, compliant and future-ready.

A battery should deliver peace of mind — not last-minute surprises.

If you’re considering a battery, or want confidence that your home is truly ready for one, we’re here to help.

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