If you’re considering adding a solar battery to your solar system, it’s essential to understand where it can be safely installed and, equally, where it shouldn’t be. At SolarThoughts®, your trusted solar panel and battery installation company in Brisbane, we follow strict guidelines and best practices to keep your system efficient and safe.
In most cases, the best location for a solar battery is in the garage, away from direct sunlight and protected from weather extremes.
Solar Battery Installation Regulations
Every solar battery installation in gold coast must comply with Australian safety standards. The core standard is AS/NZS 5139:2019, along with other relevant electrical codes.
Here’s a simple table of key standards our CEC-accredited team adheres to:
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| AS/NZS 3000 | Wiring rules |
| AS/NZS 5033 | Safety and installation for photovoltaic (PV) arrays |
| AS/NZS 4777.1 | Inverter installation requirements |
| AS/NZS 4777.2 | Inverter equipment standards |
| AS/NZS 4509.1 | Stand-alone power systems – safety and installation |
| AS/NZS 4509.2 | Stand-alone power systems – system design |
| AS/NZS 3010 | Electrical installations – generating sets |
Indoors vs Outdoors: Which Is Better?
When choosing where to install your solar battery, consider your local environment:
✅ Coastal or salty air?
✅ High humidity or rainfall?
✅ Constant harsh sunlight?
If you answered yes to any of these, then indoor installation is a better choice. Keeping your battery protected in the garage, for example, will help it last longer and stay in top condition.
Outdoor installations are possible, but batteries are exposed to weather, which can shorten their lifespan despite solid warranties.
IP Ratings: What They Really Mean
A battery’s IP rating shows how resistant it is to dust and water. The first digit covers dust protection, the second deals with moisture.
| First Digit | Protection from Solids | Second Digit | Protection from Moisture |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protection from objects >50mm | 1 | Drips of water |
| 2 | Protection from fingers | 2 | Water spray up to 15° |
| 3 | Tools or wires >2.5mm | 3 | Water spray up to 60° |
| 4 | Wires or nails >1mm | 4 | Water splashes from any direction |
| 5 | Limited dust ingress | 5 | Low-pressure water jets |
| 6 | Dust-tight | 6 | Strong water jets |
Most batteries on the market meet at least an IP55 rating. For example:
- Redback Smart Hybrid: IP65
- Tesla Powerwall: IP56
That means they can safely go indoors or outdoors, but always confirm what the manufacturer recommends.
Indoor Battery Installation: Where NOT to Place Your Battery
AS/NZS 5139:2019 lists several prohibited locations for indoor battery installations, including:
- Switchboards
- Within 600 mm of an exit
- Within 600 mm of a window or ventilation opening into a habitable room
- Within 600 mm of appliances
- Within 900 mm below any of the above
- Ceiling cavities
- Wall cavities
- On roofs (unless specifically approved)
- Under the floors of habitable rooms
- Under stairs
- Under walkways
- In emergency exits or escape routes
What Counts as a Habitable Room?
A habitable room under the standard includes bedrooms, living rooms, dining areas, and kitchens, basically any area where people live or work daily.
By contrast, garages, laundries, or workshops are usually classified as non-habitable rooms and are the preferred indoor spots for a solar battery installation.
Why the Garage Is the Best Location for a Solar Battery
Putting your solar battery in the garage:
✅ Keeps it away from direct sun
✅ Protects from moisture and dust
✅ Provides easy service access
✅ Complies with installation regulations
That’s why at SolarThoughts®, we usually recommend the garage for solar battery installation in Brisbane.
Outdoor Battery Installation: Special Considerations
Outdoor installations are also common, but you’ll need to think about the house structure.
- Weatherboard homes: If a battery is installed outside on a wall shared with a habitable room, you must place a non-combustible shield 600 mm on each side and 900 mm above it.
- Brick homes: Being non-combustible, they allow more freedom. However, you still cannot place the battery within 600 mm of a window or 900 mm directly underneath a window in a habitable room.
Tips for a Safe Battery Installation
✅ Choose a CEC-accredited installer
✅ Confirm the manufacturer’s IP rating
✅ Follow AS/NZS 5139:2019
✅ Avoid placing batteries near exits or windows
✅ Ideally, install in your garage if space allows
If you’re planning to install a solar battery in Brisbane, talk to SolarThoughts® today. We’ll help you choose the best location for your solar battery and set up a system you can rely on for years to come.
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