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Solar & Battery Energy System Operation Guide

Congratulations on your PSW Energy or Perth Solar Warehouse solar and/or battery installation. You have invested in an alternative energy future, and this guide is designed to help you understand, operate, and maintain your system safely and effectively.

This Operation Guide replaces all previous versions and has been updated to include battery energy storage systems (BESS). It is intended as a first-line reference for the day-to-day operation of your system, and has been produced in alignment with good practice requirements established by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER), the Clean Energy Council (CEC), and relevant Australian Standards. 

Contents

1.

How your energy system works

1.1 Solar PV system

Your solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. This DC electricity travels through DC cabling to your inverter, which converts it to alternating current (AC) electricity compatible with your home or business and the electricity grid. 

1.2 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

If your installation includes a battery energy storage system, excess solar electricity that is not immediately consumed is stored in the battery for later use, such as in the evening or on overcast days. This reduces your reliance on grid electricity and maximises the value of your solar generation.

Depending on your system configuration, your battery may be:

  • DC-coupled: Battery connected on the DC side of the inverter (hybrid inverter configuration). Energy flows directly between panels and battery with minimal conversion losses.
  • AC-coupled: Battery connected on the AC side via its own battery inverter/charger. Common for retrofits to existing solar systems. 
1.3 Your system components
Component Function
Solar Panels (PV Modules)

Generate DC electricity from sunlight. Panels continue
generating whenever sunlight is present — even when
switches are turned off at the inverter. 

Inverter / Hybrid Inverter

Converts DC solar electricity to AC for home use; manages
battery charging and discharging in hybrid systems. 

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Stores excess solar electricity for use when panels are not
generating sufficient power. 

Battery Management System (BMS)

Electronic system within the battery that monitors cell
voltage, temperature, and state of charge to protect battery
health and safety 

DC Isolator (PV Array Isolator)

Switch located near the inverter or on the roof that
disconnects the solar array from the inverter. Panels remain live on the roof side.

Solar Supply Main Switch (AC Isolator)

Located at or near your electrical switchboard. Disconnects your solar/battery system from the household circuits and the
grid.

Battery Isolator / Disconnect Switch

Disconnects the battery from the system. Location varies by
manufacturer — typically near the battery unit or in the
switchboard. 

Smart Meter

Measures energy flows: solar generation, battery charge/discharge, grid import and export.

Monitoring System / App

Enables remote visibility of system performance, alerts and historical data via your smartphone or web browser.

1.4 How energy flows

Your system is designed to optimise self-consumption in the following priority order:

  • Solar generation powers your home or business loads first.
  • Surplus solar energy charges the battery (if fitted).
  • Any remaining surplus is exported to the grid (subject to your network and retailer arrangements).
  • When solar generation is insufficient, your battery supplies power.
  • When both solar and battery are insufficient, grid electricity is used. 

Important — Solar Panels Are Always Live. Solar panels generate electricity whenever light falls on them. Even when your inverter and all isolator switches are turned OFF, the panels themselves remain electrically live. The DC cables between the panels and the DC isolator switch carry live voltage in daylight. This is a fundamental property of all solar PV systems and cannot be switched off without covering the panels. 

2.

Your switchboard, isolators & safety labels

2.1 What you will find at your switchboard

Your switchboard is the central control point for your energy system. Following your installation, the following labelled switches and warning notices are required to be installed and clearly visible, in accordance with AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 and state electrical safety regulations:  

Legal Requirement. Labels and warning signs are mandatory under Australian Standards and state electrical safety regulations. Do not remove, cover, or deface any label on your system or switchboard. If a label becomes unreadable, contact PSW Life Support to arrange replacement. 

2.2 Locating your system components

On the day of handover, your installation technician will have shown you the location of each switch and isolator. If you are uncertain of any component location, refer to your personalised PSW Project Hub documentation or contact PSW Life Support. 

3.

Normal system operation

3.1 Daily operation — Solar only systems

Under normal operating conditions, your solar system is fully automatic and requires no daily intervention. At sunrise, your inverter will begin converting solar energy and will automatically cease at sunset or when ambient light is insufficient.

You will know your system is operating correctly when: 

3.2 Daily Operation — Battery Systems

Battery systems are also fully automatic. Your battery will:

Your battery’s operating modes may be configurable via your monitoring app or inverter interface. Common modes include:

  • Self-consumption mode: Battery charges from solar and discharges to reduce grid import. The most common residential setting.
  • Time-of-use (TOU) / scheduling mode: Battery charges and discharges at configured times to take advantage of variable electricity tariffs.
  • Backup / emergency reserve mode: A minimum percentage of battery capacity is reserved for use during grid outages. Not all systems support this; refer to your inverter/battery documentation.
  • VPP / grid support mode: Your battery participates in a Virtual Power Plant. See Section 8 of this guide.  

3.3 Monitoring your system

Your system was commissioned with a monitoring connection (subject to internet availability at your premises). Monitoring allows you to:

If your monitoring connection is lost (e.g. after a Wi-Fi router change or NBN upgrade), your inverter will continue operating normally but you will not receive remote alerts. Contact PSW Life Support to restore your monitoring connection. 

Monitoring App Resources. Each inverter manufacturer provides a dedicated monitoring platform. Your inverter-specific app details and login credentials were provided at installation and are also accessible via your PSW Project Hub. If you have not received these details, contact PSW Life Support. 

4.

Emergency shutdown procedures

You should shut down your system in the following situations:

  • A fire, flood, or other emergency at your property.
  • Visible damage to the inverter, battery, panels, or associated wiring.
  • A burning smell, unusual sounds, or heat from any system component.
  • Any emergency responder (fire brigade, SES, etc.) requests system shutdown.
  • During a professional inspection or maintenance visit where the installer requires system isolation. 

Before You Begin — Know Your System Type. The shutdown procedure below is a general guide. The exact switch locations on your system are documented on the Emergency Shutdown Procedure label affixed near your switchboard. Always refer to that label first. If you have a battery backup/islanding system, backed-up circuits may remain energised even after completing these steps. 

4.1 Full system emergency shutdown — Step by step

Proceedure
1.

Proceed to your electrical switchboard. Locate the switch labelled SOLAR SUPPLY MAIN SWITCH. Turn it to the OFF position. This disconnects your solar and battery system from your home circuits and the grid.

2.

Locate and turn OFF the BATTERY ISOLATOR or BATTERY DISCONNECT SWITCH. This is typically located on or near the battery unit itself, or within the switchboard for integrated systems. Refer to the label on your battery for its exact location.

3.

If safe to do so, locate the DC PV ARRAY ISOLATOR on or near your inverter. Turn it to the OFF position. Note: the solar panels themselves remain live — do not approach roof-level wiring.

4.

If a second DC isolator is mounted near the panels on the roof, do NOT attempt to operate this unless you are a trained and licensed electrician. Inform emergency services of its location.

5.

Your system is now isolated. Inform any emergency services personnel that your property has a solar system and that the DC panels remain live on the roof.

6.

Do NOT restart the system until a licenced solar electrician has inspected and cleared the installation.

Important — DC Voltage on the Roof. Even after completing all shutdown steps, the solar panels and DC cabling on your roof remain live whenever sunlight is present. Firefighters and emergency services are trained to work safely around this risk — but you must inform them of your solar installation. Never attempt to access roof-level solar cabling yourself. 

4.2 Restarting after an emergency shutdown

Before restarting your system after any emergency shutdown:

  1. Confirm the emergency has been fully resolved and the premises are safe.
  2. Visually inspect accessible system components (inverter, battery, switchboard) for any signs of damage, burning, or water ingress. If any are present, do not restart — contact PSW Life Support.
  3. Turn the DC PV ARRAY ISOLATOR back ON at the inverter.
  4. Turn the BATTERY ISOLATOR back ON.
  5. Turn the SOLAR SUPPLY MAIN SWITCH back ON at the switchboard.
  6. Allow 1–2 minutes for the inverter to self-check and reconnect to the grid. Your inverter display will confirm normal operation.
  7. Verify your monitoring app is showing live data. 

5.

Battery safety — Need to know

5.1 Battery technology overview

Your battery system uses lithium-ion chemistry, most commonly Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) or Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC). These battery types are the industry standard for residential and commercial energy storage and are required to meet rigorous safety standards as a condition of CEC approval and eligibility under Australia’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

Your battery has been installed in compliance with AS/NZS 5139:2019 — the Australian Standard for Battery Energy Storage Systems — and complies with the applicable requirements of your state electrical safety regulator. 

5.2 Battery placement and installation requirements

Your battery has been positioned to comply with AS/NZS 5139:2019 location restrictions. These require that batteries:

  • Are not installed in habitable rooms (bedrooms, living areas, kitchens, dining rooms).
  • Are not positioned within 600 mm of a window, ventilation opening, or building air intake that connects to a habitable room.
  • Are not installed in evacuation routes or within 600 mm of an exit door.
  • Have adequate clearances from combustible materials as specified by the manufacturer and the standard.
  • Are protected from direct vehicle impact if installed in a garage area.

Common compliant locations include: purpose-built enclosures, exterior walls of garages, dedicated battery cabinets, and protected exterior locations — all subject to the clearance requirements above.

5.3 Safe use of your battery

To protect your battery system and ensure safe operation:

  • Do not obstruct ventilation gaps around your battery unit.
  • Do not store flammable materials within the required clearance zone of the battery.
  • Do not attempt to access internal battery components. The battery enclosure must only be opened by an accredited technician.
  • Do not use a pressure washer or high-pressure water near the battery unit.
  • Keep the battery area clear of children’s play equipment and stored chemicals.
  • Note the chemical hazard signs affixed to your battery — these indicate the procedures for handling accidental chemical exposure (relevant in the unlikely event of battery damage or failure). 

5.4 Warning signs — When to contact PSW Life Support

Contact PSW Life Support immediately if you observe any of the following:

  • Any unusual odour (sulphur, burning plastic, or chemical smell) near the battery.
  • Visible swelling, deformation, or discolouration of the battery enclosure.
  • The battery is hot to the touch on external surfaces.
  • Your monitoring app reports a persistent fault, error code, or the battery is not charging/discharging as expected.
  • Any fluid seeping from the battery enclosure.
  • Unusual clicking, hissing, or electrical sounds from the battery.  

In Case of Battery Fire or Thermal Runaway. If you suspect a battery fire or thermal runaway event (smoke, heat, strong chemical odour from the battery): Evacuate the premises immediately. Call 000. Do not attempt to extinguish a battery fire with water or a domestic fire extinguisher. Inform the fire brigade that you have a lithium-ion battery system and its location on the property. 

Contact PSW Life Support after the emergency is resolved. 

5.5 Battery warranty and life cycle

Your battery is warranted by the manufacturer for a specified number of cycles or years — whichever is reached first. Battery capacity will naturally reduce over time. To protect your warranty and maximise battery lifespan:

  • Avoid repeatedly discharging the battery to 0% (deep cycling). Configure a minimum state of charge reserve in your monitoring app where your system allows.
  • Avoid exposing the battery to extreme heat. If the battery is mounted externally in an area receiving direct afternoon sun in Perth’s summer climate, ensure adequate shading is maintained.
  • Keep the battery firmware up to date. Some manufacturers push updates automatically; others require periodic manual updates via the monitoring app or an accredited technician.
  • Maintain your monitoring connection so that manufacturer and installer alerts can reach you.

6.

System Maintenance

6.1 Your maintenance responsibilities

Modern solar and battery systems are designed to require minimal maintenance. However, there are a number of owner responsibilities that contribute to long-term system performance and safety.  

6.2 Solar panel cleaning

Soiling, the accumulation of dust, bird droppings, pollen, and other particulates, reduces panel output over time. In Perth’s climate, cleaning frequency will depend on your location and local conditions. 

Location Type Recommended Cleaning Frequency
Metropolitan Perth (standard residential)
Every 12–24 months, or as performance data indicates.
Near coastal areas (salt spray, sea mist)
Every 6–12 months.
Near construction, agriculture or industry
Every 3–6 months, or as conditions dictate.
Rural/farm settings
Every 3–6 months; more frequently during harvest.

Panel cleaning must be performed by a trained professional. Do not attempt to clean panels yourself from the roof without appropriate fall-arrest equipment and training. Water-fed pole systems from ground level are appropriate for some single-storey installations — seek advice before proceeding. 

6.3 Inverter and battery maintenance

Your inverter and battery require no routine servicing by the owner beyond: 

  • Keeping the inverter and battery ventilation areas clear of dust accumulation, leaves, cobwebs, and debris.
  • Checking that the inverter display is active and showing normal operation periodically.
  • Reviewing your monitoring app for any error codes or notifications.
  • Ensuring no objects are stacked against or leaning on the battery enclosure.

6.4 Professional system inspection

PSW Life Support recommends a professional system inspection every 2–5 years, with more frequent inspections for systems in harsh environments or those exhibiting any performance anomalies. A professional inspection typically covers:

  • Inspection of all DC and AC electrical connections for corrosion, loosening, or UV degradation.
  • Testing of all isolator switches.
  • Review of monitoring data for performance trends and early fault detection.
  • Inspection of mounting hardware and rail systems for roof integrity.
  • Review of battery health, state of health (SOH), and available capacity.
  • Verification that all safety labels are present, legible, and compliant with current standards. 

6.5 Panel shading and physical damage

Be aware of new shading sources that may arise after installation:

  • Tree growth: Branches and foliage that were clear of your panels at the time of installation may gradually shade panels. Arrange periodic tree trimming to maintain clearances.
  • New structures: Pergolas, shade sails, or extensions added after installation may introduce shading. Consult PSW Energy before construction.
  • Physical damage: Hail, storm debris, or accidental impact to panels should be reported to PSW Life Support promptly. Do not attempt to inspect or handle a cracked or damaged panel. 

7.

Grid connection, feed-In tariffs & VPP

7.1 Grid connection — Western Australia

In the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), the Perth metropolitan network, your energy retailer is Synergy, and your network operator is Western Power. If you are in a regional area outside the SWIS (Pilbara, Kimberley, Midwest, Goldfields or South West outside SWIS), your network operator is Horizon Power.

Your system was commissioned in accordance with your network operator’s connection requirements. If you plan to increase the size of your solar or battery system in future, a new connection approval will be required from your network operator. 

7.2 Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) — WA

Synergy customers on the SWIS are eligible for the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS), which pays you for excess electricity exported to the grid. The buyback rate may vary by time of day. Check your current Synergy plan for applicable export rates.

Your inverter must remain compliant with Western Power’s Basic Embedded Generation Connection Technical Requirements to remain eligible for DEBS. Your inverter was configured to comply at the time of commissioning. 

7.3 Virtual Power Plants (VPP) in Western Australia

A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of home solar and battery systems coordinated by software to supply energy to the grid during peak demand periods. Participation in an approved VPP is a mandatory condition for accessing the Western Australian Government’s Residential Battery Rebate.

For Synergy customers on the SWIS, Synergy Battery Rewards is the primary VPP option. Key features of this program include:

  • Synergy can charge or discharge your battery during VPP events to support grid stability.
  • Your household load is supplied first; only excess stored energy is used in VPP events.
  • Customers earn event credits for each kWh dispatched during VPP events, offset to ensure you are never financially disadvantaged by participation.
  • A minimum 2-year participation agreement applies. You must be a Synergy electricity customer on the SWIS. 

VPP Participation — All Grid-Connected Battery Systems. As of 1 July 2025, all on-grid battery systems must be VPP-capable at the time of installation to be eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs) under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). You are not required to actively participate in a VPP, but your system must have the technical capability. PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse only install CEC-approved, VPP-capable battery products.

For additional VPP options available to WA customers, or to review the latest program details, visit your energy retailer’s website or contact PSW Life Support. 

7.4 Inverter export limits and grid curtailment

Your inverter may have an export limit set by your network operator as a condition of connection approval. This limits the maximum power your system can export to the grid at any given time. Excess generation above the export limit will be self-consumed by your home or stored in your battery rather than exported.

In Western Australia, the network operator may issue curtailment signals to inverters during periods of excess generation on the grid (e.g. high solar penetration on sunny weekdays). Your system will handle these signals automatically in compliance with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020. 

8.

Your system performance data

8.1 What good system performance looks like

A healthy solar and battery system will show consistent, predictable patterns. Key indicators include: 

8.2 When to investigate a performance issue

Contact PSW Life Support if you observe:

  • Solar generation significantly and consistently below expected levels (not explained by weather or shading).
  • Battery not charging during the day despite solar generation being available.
  • Battery discharging unexpectedly during the day.
  • Persistent error codes or warning lights on the inverter or battery display.
  • Your monitoring app shows no data or a communication fault for more than 24 hours.
  • Your electricity bills have not reduced as expected compared to pre-installation usage. 

9.

Australian Standards & Regulatory Compliance

9.1 Standards applicable to your installation

Your PSW Energy or Perth Solar Warehouse installation has been designed and installed in compliance with the following key Australian Standards and regulatory requirements: 

Standard / Regulation Scope
AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules)

General electrical installation requirements — the foundational standard for all electrical work in Australia. 

AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 (Grid Connection — Installation)

Requirements for inverter energy systems connected to the electricity grid, including system configuration, labelling and switchboard requirements. 

AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024 (Grid Connection — Inverter)

Technical requirements for grid-connected inverters, including voltage/frequency response, export control and anti-islanding. 

AS/NZS 5139:2019 Amd 1:2025 (Battery Energy Storage Systems)

Installation and safety requirements for all battery energy storage systems, including location restrictions, clearances, labelling, ventilation and fire safety. 

SA TS 5398:2025 (Battery Safety Technical Specification)

New CEC technical specification phasing in from 2025/26 to replace the Battery Safety Guide for product approval requirements. 

Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001

Governs eligibility for small-scale technology certificates (STCs) and solar battery STC program requirements. 

Western Power / Horizon Power Technical Requirements (WA)

Network-specific requirements for embedded generation connection, export limits and VPP readiness. 

9.2 Clean Energy Regulator

The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) sets good practice requirements for solar and battery retailers and installers. PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse comply with these requirements, which include:

  • Using only CEC-approved solar panels, inverters and batteries on all installations.
  • Ensuring all designers and installers hold current Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accreditation appropriate for the system type.
  • Providing customers with written documentation of their system including specifications and warranty details.
  • Ensuring solar battery systems are VPP-capable at the time of installation.
  • Sizing battery systems appropriately for the solar PV system and customer energy usage.
  • Ensuring all mandatory labelling is installed in compliance with Australian Standards and state regulations. 
9.3 Your documentation package

Following installation, you should have received (or will receive via your PSW Project Hub):

  • Certificate of Electrical Compliance (or equivalent) signed by your licensed electrician.
  • Grid connection confirmation from your network operator.
  • Inverter operation manual.
  • Battery operation manual (if applicable).
  • System specification sheet (panel, inverter and battery details).
  • Warranty documentation for all major components.
  • This Operation Guide.

Retain all of these documents. They will be required for any future warranty claims, insurance purposes, or if you sell the property. 

10.

Making changes to your system

Your solar and battery system has been configured and approved as a complete, integrated installation. Any changes, including additions, upgrades, or modifications, must be performed by an accredited and licensed installer and may require new grid connection approval from your network operator.

Do not:

  • Attempt to install additional panels, batteries, or any other electrical component yourself.
  • Modify the inverter configuration, export limits, or grid protection settings without advice from your installer.
  • Connect additional loads, generation sources, or EV chargers to the system without consulting PSW Energy.

If you wish to expand your system, for example, adding a battery to an existing solar-only installation, increasing solar capacity, or adding EV charging, contact PSW Energy or Perth Solar Warehouse to discuss your options and ensure compliance with current standards and network requirements. 

11.

Common issues & troubleshooting

Symptom What to Check / Do
Inverter display is blank / no power

Check the Solar Supply Main Switch at the switchboard is ON. Check that main household power is on. If the inverter is blank despite all switches being ON, contact PSW Life Support. 

Inverter shows an error code

Note the code and consult your inverter manual (available in PSW Project Hub). Many error codes are self-clearing (e.g. grid frequency events). Persistent codes should be reported to PSW Life Support. 

No monitoring data / app not updating

Check your home Wi-Fi router is operational. Check the inverter’s Wi-Fi or LAN connection indicator. Refer to the PSW Goodwe WiFi Reconnect Guide (if applicable) or contact PSW Life Support. 

Battery not charging

Check the battery isolator switch is ON. Check for any fault codes on the battery display or monitoring app. If the issue persists, contact PSW Life Support. 

Generation seems lower than expected

Check for new shading (tree growth, new structures). Check panel surfaces for heavy soiling. Review weather for the period. If generation is persistently low on clear days, contact PSW Life Support. 

Grid export has stopped / reduced

Your network operator may have applied a curtailment signal. Check monitoring data for export limits being applied. Contact PSW Life Support if this is unexpected. 

Higher electricity bills than expected

Review your monitoring data to confirm solar generation and battery usage are as expected. Check if your energy tariff has changed. Consider whether your energy usage has increased. 

12.

PSW Life Support — Aftercare

PSW Life Support is our dedicated aftercare, technical support and knowledge-base service for all PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse customers. We are available to assist with:

  • Technical support and fault diagnosis.
  • Monitoring reconnection and app support.
  • Warranty claims and component replacement referrals.
  • Professional inspection and maintenance bookings.
  • System expansion enquiries.
  • Regulatory and compliance queries. 
Contact PSW Life Support

Phone: (08) 6171 4111

Email: hello@pswenergy.com.au

Web: pswenergy.com.au | perthsolarwarehouse.com.au

Address: 3/90 Discovery Drive, Bibra Lake WA

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm AWST

PSW Project Portal: Your personalised portal for inverter manuals, system documentation
and support resources. Log in ›

13.

Quick reference — Emergency shutdown summary

Contact Details
PSW Life Support
Electrical Emergency (WA)

Western Power Faults: 13 13 51 

Fire / Medical / Police

Triple Zero: 000 

Synergy (Billing / DEBS)

13 13 53 | synergy.net.au 

Western Power (Network)

13 10 87 | westernpower.com.au 

Horizon Power (Regional WA)

1800 267 926 | horizonpower.com.au 

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