CEC Approved Battery List Australia: SA TS 5398 Transition Explained

Key Takeaways

• The Clean Energy Council (CEC) maintains a list of verified batteries for installation in Australia, ensuring compliance and safety.
• A new standard, SA TS 5398, is being introduced for battery energy storage systems, replacing previous guidelines.
• From 1 January 2027, only battery approvals under SA TS 5398 will be accepted.
• Existing approvals under the Best Practice Guide will expire on 31 December 2027.

Understanding the CEC Approved Battery List in Australia

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of renewable energy products installed across Australia. As part of its "Products program", the CEC publishes an Approved Battery List. This list helps consumers, installers, and regulators identify batteries that have been verified and tested to meet Australian standards.

The purpose of this list is to "find verified and tested solar PV modules, inverters and batteries that are eligible to be installed in Australia". Currently, there are "1,000+ approved batteries" on this list, providing a wide range of compliant options for energy storage systems.

The Transition to SA TS 5398

Australia is transitioning to a new standard for battery energy storage systems, known as SA TS 5398. This standard introduces updated requirements for battery certification, aiming to enhance safety and performance in battery installations. This transition affects how batteries are approved and listed by the CEC.

Batteries must be certified by a JAS-ANZ accredited body or a RECS recognised body to be included on the Approved Battery List. Certificates for approved batteries are valid for 3 years. This ensures that products are regularly reviewed and continue to meet current standards.

Key Dates for the SA TS 5398 Transition

The transition to SA TS 5398 involves specific deadlines that installers and manufacturers need to be aware of:

• 1 January 2026: From this date, "dual-standard applications" for battery approvals will be accepted. This means manufacturers can apply for approval under both existing standards and the new SA TS 5398 concurrently.
• 1 January 2027: This is a critical date, as "only applications for battery approvals under SA TS 5398 will be accepted" from this point onwards. Applications under older standards will no longer be processed.
• 31 December 2027: All existing "approvals under the Best Practice Guide will expire" on this date. Batteries approved under this guide will need to be re-certified under SA TS 5398 to remain on the CEC Approved Battery List.

This phased approach allows the industry time to adapt to the new requirements, ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining high safety and quality standards.

What You Can Do and What Requires Certification

As a consumer or installer, understanding the CEC Approved Battery List and the SA TS 5398 transition is essential for compliance.

• For Consumers: You can ensure that any battery energy storage system you purchase for installation in Australia is on the CEC Approved Battery List. This provides assurance that the product meets necessary safety and performance standards. Always ask your installer for proof of certification.
• For Installers: You are responsible for installing only CEC-approved batteries that comply with the current standards. Staying informed about the transition to SA TS 5398 is crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring your installations meet regulatory requirements.
• For Manufacturers: The process of getting a battery approved and listed on the CEC list involves submitting applications and evidence of certification from accredited bodies. The transition dates for SA TS 5398 directly impact when and how you can submit new products for approval.

The certification process itself is a specialised task that requires expertise in product testing and regulatory compliance. It is not something an end-user or even most installers would undertake directly. Instead, they rely on the CEC's list as a trusted resource.

What the Published Sources Do Not Tell You

While the Clean Energy Council provides clear guidance on the transition to SA TS 5398 and the purpose of its Approved Battery List, certain details are not explicitly covered in the available documents:

• Specifics of SA TS 5398 Requirements: The published guidance outlines the transition timeline but does not detail the technical content or specific requirements of the SA TS 5398 standard itself. This information would typically be found in the full standard document.
• Application Process Details: While it states that applications are accepted, the exact step-by-step process for manufacturers to apply for battery approval, including required documentation and testing procedures, is not detailed.
• Costs of Certification: Information regarding the fees associated with applying for battery approval or the costs of certification by accredited bodies is not provided.
• Direct Link to the Full List: The CEC states "1,000+ approved batteries" but does not provide a direct link to the comprehensive, searchable database of these products. Users would need to navigate the CEC website to find this list.

These gaps mean that while the policy and timeline are clear, the granular operational details for manufacturers and specific technical requirements are beyond the scope of the provided information.