New Mandatory Solar Battery Photo Requirements from March 2026
Posted: Feb 8
From 1 March 2026 the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) will require additional photographic evidence for all solar battery installations submitted under the SRES. These changes affect the standard site photos inspectors expect to see and are essential for smooth claim processing.
What’s changing (high level)
The CER is expanding the set of required photos to focus on three main areas of labelling and signage at the installation site:
- Meter box labels
- Switchboard & isolation labels
- Solar battery unit labels
Field verification apps and job management tools are being updated to include the new photo categories — installers should expect new “photo buckets” and descriptions in their onsite apps soon.
1. Meter box labels
- Main battery label — the circular green reflective emergency-services label (minimum 100 mm diameter) showing the battery UN number (for example UN3480).
- PV label — the standard circular green PV label where applicable.
- Other compliance labels — any additional labels required by Australian Standards or state regulations.
Photo guidance tip: Capture a clear, legible close-up of the label(s) and a wider shot showing their position on or adjacent to the meter box so the location is obvious.
2. Switchboard & isolation labels
- Warning and isolation labels — labels placed on the switchboard or the outside of the meter box that provide clear shutdown references.
- Shutdown procedure — an emergency shutdown procedure label that is fully legible in photos.
- Alternative supply — specific labeling where an alternative or backup supply is present.
Photo guidance tip: Include images showing the label text legibly and where it sits relative to the switchboard and isolators.
3. Solar battery unit labels
- Safety signs — risk-specific warnings such as Toxic Fumes, Battery Explosion, Arc Flash, etc., mounted on or adjacent to the battery.
- First aid & chemical hazard signs — clear chemical exposure / first aid instructions for battery-related hazards.
Photo guidance tip: Photograph each unique sign close enough to read, and at least one wider shot showing sign placement on the battery enclosure or rack.
Key reminders
- These are mandatory photo evidence requirements for SRES submissions from 1 March 2026 — include them with your documentation to avoid delays.
- Always cross-check the CER’s official guidance and any relevant Australian Standards or state requirements before finalising site photos.
- Make sure labels are fitted, correctly worded, and legible — poor or missing labelling is a common cause for rework.
How Koalabel can help
Koalabel has supplied compliant labelling and solar label kits across Australia and New Zealand for over 15 years. We provide:
- Pre-configured solar battery label kits designed to meet current Australian requirements (example product codes use the KLB prefix).
- Reflective emergency-services labels sized to the CER minimums and printed with UN numbers as required.
- Clear, durable switchboard and first-aid signage suitable for battery installations.
- Advice and installer-friendly kits to speed up compliant installs and reduce rework.
If you’d like training, compliant label kits or guidance on meeting the new photo requirements, get in touch with Koalabel — details are available on our website.
Final note: This post summarises the new CER photo expectations but is not a substitute for the CER’s official documents and Australian Standards. Always refer to the CER guidance and applicable state regulations for the definitive requirements.