Installing a solar battery is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for your home energy system. It gives you energy independence, backup during outages, and better control over rising electricity costs.
But here’s something many homeowners don’t realise — battery installation isn’t truly complete until it’s properly tested.
A professional SAA Accredited battery installer should walk you through system checks before leaving your property. These tests ensure your battery works safely, communicates correctly with your solar system, and actually delivers the savings and backup performance you expect.
Here are five important tests every homeowner should confirm before the installer leaves.
1. Charging and Discharging Test — Is Your Battery Actually Working?
The first and most basic test is verifying whether the battery charges and discharges properly.
Your installer should demonstrate:
- The battery charging from solar energy during sunlight hours.
- The battery supplying power back to your home when solar generation drops.
This confirms that:
- Energy is flowing correctly.
- The inverter and battery communication is working.
- Your home is actually using stored energy.
Ask your installer to show this through the monitoring app or inverter display.
If the battery isn’t cycling correctly, you may experience poor savings or unexpected grid usage later.
2. Monitoring App Setup — Your Window Into Energy Savings
Modern batteries come with smart monitoring platforms that allow you to track:
- Solar generation
- Battery charge level
- Home energy consumption
- Grid imports and exports
Before installation is signed off, ensure:
- The app is installed on your phone.
- Your login credentials are working.
- You understand what each graph means.
A good installer should explain how to read daily energy flows.
Without monitoring access, it becomes difficult to identify performance issues or maximise savings.
3. Backup Power Test — What Happens During a Blackout?
If your battery includes backup capability, this test is extremely important. Many homeowners assume backup automatically works — but that isn’t always the case.
Ask your installer to simulate a power outage.
During this test:
- The grid supply is temporarily disconnected.
- Essential circuits switch to battery power.
You should confirm:
- Lights stay on.
- Essential appliances continue running.
- Transition happens smoothly.
Backup configuration depends on switchboards and wiring, so testing ensures everything has been connected correctly.
4. Safety and Compliance Check — More Important Than You Think
Battery systems operate with high voltage energy storage. Proper safety compliance protects both your home and insurance coverage.
Before the installer leaves, confirm:
- Isolation switches are clearly labelled.
- Emergency shutdown procedure is explained.
- Safety signage is installed where required.
Australian standards require compliant installation practices to reduce fire risk and ensure emergency responders can safely access the system if needed. Professional installers should also provide compliance documentation.
5. Documentation and Warranty Registration — Protect Your Investment
Many warranties only activate after proper registration.
Make sure you receive:
- Battery warranty documents.
- Installation certificates.
- Electrical compliance paperwork.
Ask whether warranty registration has already been completed or if you need to submit details yourself This step protects you if servicing or replacement is required later.
Bonus Tip: Ask Questions Before Signing Off
A reliable installer should never rush you through handover.
Take a few minutes to ask:
- How long should the battery last each night?
- What happens during extended cloudy weather?
- Who do you contact for support?
Understanding your system helps you maximise long-term performance.
Why Proper Testing Matters
Battery systems are long-term investments designed to operate for years.
Skipping proper testing can lead to:
- Reduced savings.
- Backup failure during outages.
- Communication errors between devices.
A careful handover ensures your system delivers the independence and peace of mind solar batteries are meant to provide.
Thinking About Adding a Solar Battery?
At Arise Solar, our team focuses on transparent installation processes and customer education — because a well-informed homeowner gets the best results from solar.
If you’re considering battery storage or want expert advice tailored to your home, our specialists are ready to help.
