Evidence of Existing Solar PV for Battery-Only Jobs
This page explains why Formbay now requests evidence of an existing solar PV system when submitting a battery-only Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) claim.
The purpose of these additional photos is to help demonstrate that the battery is installed alongside an eligible solar PV system, supporting faster processing and reducing requests for additional information.
What you need to know
When creating a battery-only job in the Formbay app, you will now be prompted to provide evidence that an eligible solar PV system already exists at the installation address.
These prompts have been introduced to help demonstrate eligibility and provide the supporting evidence that may be requested during claim assessment or audit.
Key points
- This only applies to battery-only claims.
- The requirement for an eligible solar PV system has always existed under the scheme.
- No new eligibility requirements have been introduced.
- These additional photos simply provide clearer evidence that the existing PV system is installed at the property.
- Providing this evidence during installation can help reduce processing delays and follow-up requests.
For more information on battery eligibility requirements, refer to the Clean Energy Regulator guidance:
Rooftop solar and solar battery retailers — Clean Energy Regulator
Why we're collecting this evidence
Under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, a battery installation is only eligible where it is connected to an eligible solar PV system.
For battery-only installations, the solar PV system may have been:
Because no new PV installation is being submitted with the battery claim, additional evidence helps demonstrate that an eligible solar PV system already exists on site.
Providing this information upfront helps:
- Confirm an existing solar PV system is present.
- Demonstrate that the battery forms part of an eligible solar and battery system.
- Support claim assessment and compliance checks.
- Reduce requests for additional information.
- Minimise processing delays.
Our goal is to make eligibility requirements easier to demonstrate by collecting practical evidence during installation—not to introduce new compliance obligations.
Evidence Required
The following photos will be requested for battery-only jobs.
1. Existing Solar Panels
Capture: A clear photo showing the existing solar panels installed on the property.
Tips
- Capture enough of the array to clearly identify that solar panels are installed.
- Avoid photos that are blurry or taken from excessive distance.
- Where possible, include surrounding features that help identify the installation location.
2. Existing Solar Inverter
Capture: A clear photo of the existing solar inverter connected to the PV system.
Tips
- Include the complete inverter in the frame.
- Ensure the manufacturer label is visible where practical.
- Avoid obstructing the unit with equipment or vehicles.
3. Switchboard (Before Battery Installation)
Capture: A photo of the switchboard before the battery installation begins.
Tips
- Capture the switchboard in its existing condition before any battery-related work has commenced.
- Ensure the image is clear and well lit.
- Include enough of the switchboard to show the existing electrical installation.
What makes good evidence?
Good evidence clearly demonstrates that the existing solar PV system is installed at the same property where the battery installation is taking place.
Where possible, ensure your photos:
- Are clear, well lit and in focus.
- Show the solar panels, inverter or switchboard clearly.
- Relate to the same installation address as the battery installation.
- Include enough context to demonstrate the equipment is installed on site.
- Are captured during the installation visit and uploaded before submitting the job.
What this means for installers
There has been no change to the eligibility requirement that a battery must be installed alongside an eligible solar PV system.
These additional photo prompts simply make it easier to demonstrate that requirement when submitting a battery-only claim.
Capturing this evidence during your installation visit helps reduce the likelihood of processing delays, requests for additional information, or follow-up site visits.
Our commitment
Formbay will continue to:
- Monitor feedback from industry and the Clean Energy Regulator.
- Improve the submission process by collecting evidence at the right time.
- Reduce unnecessary delays through clearer guidance and practical workflows.
- Support installers and retailers with straightforward, evidence-based compliance requirements.
If you have feedback on these new photo prompts or suggestions for improving the onsite experience, we'd love to hear from you.