What Does a Home Battery Installation Include? (Scope of Work)

A battery installation is not just the battery unit itself. There are a dozen components that go into a complete, compliant, CHBP-eligible installation — and not every quote includes all of them. Here's what to check.

Hardware

• Battery module(s): The lithium storage unit — brand, model, kWh capacity
• Battery inverter or hybrid inverter: Converts DC storage to AC (some batteries integrate this)
• Gateway/monitoring unit: Connects system to monitoring apps
• Mounting hardware: Wall brackets or floor stands
• Cabling and conduit: From battery to switchboard
• DC isolator and switchgear: Required by AS/NZS 5139

Electrical Work

• Battery mounting and wiring (licensed electrician only)
• Switchboard connection
• Metering setup (may require new interval meter)
• Backup circuit wiring (if backup mode requested)

Approvals and Paperwork

• CHBP rebate lodgement (your SAA installer handles this)
• DNSP grid connection application (2–8 weeks)
• Network protection settings (AS4777 compliance)
• State rebate assistance where applicable

Commissioning

• System test (charge/discharge verification)
• Backup mode test (if applicable)
• Monitoring app setup
• Handover documentation (compliance certificate, warranty, manual)

What's Often NOT Included in Cheap Quotes

• Switchboard upgrade ($800–$2,500 extra if needed)
• Longer cable runs
• Smart meter upgrade
• Additional isolators required by some networks

Compare Scope, Not Just Price

Two quotes for the same battery can differ by $2,000+ because one excludes switchboard assessment. Always get itemised scope in writing before comparing prices. The cheapest quote can end up most expensive once exclusions are added.