Does your solar and battery system need an inspection before you can s

It depends on your state. In Victoria, an independent inspection is required by law before any new solar or battery system can be turned on. In every other state and territory, your licensed installer certifies the work and the system can be switched on once the job is complete. Regulators then audit a sample of installations after the fact.

The same rules apply whether you are installing a brand new system or expanding an existing battery. Adding capacity to a battery counts as new electrical work, not a simple swap, so it is treated the same as a fresh install.

State	Inspection required before switch-on?	Who certifies the work
VIC	Yes. Mandatory, every install	Independent Licensed Electrical Inspector, on site, before the system is switched on
NSW	No	Licensed installer self-certifies (Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work)
QLD	No	Licensed installer self-certifies (Certificate of Testing and Compliance)
SA	No	Licensed installer self-certifies (Certificate of Compliance to the OTR)
WA	No	Licensed installer self-certifies (Notice of Completion and Electrical Safety Certificate)
TAS	No	Licensed installer self-certifies (Certificate of Electrical Compliance to TechSafe)
NT	No	Licensed installer self-certifies (Certificate of Compliance)
ACT	Usually no	Licensed installer self-certifies. A battery not charged directly by solar may need approval before connection

Victoria

Your system must be inspected and signed off by an independent Licensed Electrical Inspector before it can be switched on. This applies to every new solar and battery installation, and to any battery expansion. Your installer arranges the inspection. Inspection wait times are currently longer than usual across Victoria due to high demand, so there may be a short period where your system is installed but not yet active.

New South Wales
Your licensed installer certifies the work with a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work. The system can be switched on once the job is complete. NSW Fair Trading audits a sample of installations.

Queensland

Your licensed installer certifies the work with a Certificate of Testing and Compliance. The system can be switched on once the job is complete. The Electrical Safety Office audits a sample of installations.

South Australia

Your licensed installer lodges a Certificate of Compliance with the Office of the Technical Regulator. The system can be switched on once the job is complete. The OTR audits a sample of installations.

Western Australia

Your licensed installer lodges a Notice of Completion and provides an Electrical Safety Certificate. The system can be switched on once the job is complete. Building and Energy audits a sample of installations.

Tasmania

Your licensed installer certifies the work with a Certificate of Electrical Compliance lodged with TechSafe. The system can be switched on once the job is complete. TechSafe audits a sample of installations.

Northern Territory

Your licensed installer provides a Certificate of Compliance. The system can be switched on once the job is complete. NT WorkSafe audits a sample of installations.

Australian Capital Territory

For solar and for batteries charged directly by solar, your licensed installer submits the certificate and the system can then be connected. For a battery that is not charged directly by solar, an inspector may need to approve the installation before it is connected. Your installer will confirm which applies.

Can I use my system while I wait for the inspection in Victoria?

No. In Victoria the system must stay switched off until the independent Licensed Electrical Inspector has inspected and signed off on the work. This is a legal safety requirement. The rest of your home stays on normal grid supply in the meantime, so you are not left without power.

How long do I have to wait for a Victorian inspection?

Your installer arranges the inspection and has eight business days after finishing the work to have it done. Wait times are currently longer than usual across Victoria due to high demand, so allow for a short period where the system is installed but not yet active.

Do I need an inspection to expand my existing battery?
Yes, if you are in Victoria. Adding capacity counts as new electrical work, not a simple swap, so it follows the same rules as a fresh install and needs an independent inspection before switch-on. In other states your installer certifies the work and it can be switched on once complete. Because you are changing your total storage capacity, your installer may also need to notify your network. Your installer will confirm what applies to your job.

Is there any work that does not need an inspection in Victoria?
Only a straight like-for-like replacement of a single part, for example swapping one faulty panel, one inverter, or one battery module for an equivalent one in the same location. Anything that adds to or changes the system is treated as new work.

I am not in Victoria. Can I export power to the grid straight away?
Once your installer certifies the work you can switch the system on, but exporting power to the grid usually needs a separate connection approval from your network and a meter update. Your installer will confirm the timing.