FAQs - Balcony Solar Consultation

It's a small solar power system, usually one or two panels, that plugs into a normal power point, rather than being wired in by an electrician like a standard rooftop solar system. Overseas, they're often mounted on a balcony railing, a patio, or against a wall or fence, which is why they're often called balcony solar. 

It's a small battery, generally holding up to about 5 units (kWh) of energy, which is enough to run things like a fridge, internet router, and standby appliances overnight. Batteries can connect to solar panels to store that electricity, and some plug-in batteries can also charge from your regular power point.

Plug-in solar and battery products are becoming more popular internationally, but Australia doesn't yet have rules written specifically for them. Existing rules were designed for larger, professionally installed rooftop solar systems. The WA Technical Bridging Standard would ‘bridge the gap’ to provide safer access for consumers while Australian Standards bodies develop longer term upgrades to existing standards. It's currently a draft, open for public and industry feedback.

It's a new technical standard covering plug-in solar and battery products: what they need to include to be safe, how they should behave when connected to the electricity network, and what consumers and manufacturers need to know. It's currently a draft, open for public and industry feedback. 

Not yet. We are consulting on a possible pathway, but it remains illegal to use imported systems and doing so risks the safety of individuals and others.  

Once it is finalised, the systems that meet it will be able to follow a simpler notification process with your network operator, rather than the full application process used for larger solar systems. This consultation is your chance to comment on that process before it's locked in. 

For a certified plug-in system that meets the WA Technical Bridging Standard, the objective would be for users to install them by plugging in to an existing power point. It is possible consumers would still benefit from an inspection by a licensed electrician to ensure sockets and wiring are safe. 

The legalisation pathway specifically aims to improve access to solar for renters and apartment residents. While we are not consulting on renter access specifically right now, we are working across government to see what changes might be needed to allow renter easy access.  

Often yes, subject to a strata corporation or owners' rules, since a balcony or courtyard may be common property or subject to by-laws about what can be attached to it. We are working across government to see what changes might be needed to allow easy access to people in strata groups. 

The draft standard proposes to allow solar panel combinations up to 2 kW, with inverters rated up to 800 W, which is the same as other markets internationally.  

Yes, the draft standard proposes to legalise batteries if they are on the same side of the inverter as solar panels (DC-coupled).

The draft standard does not propose to set a limit on storage capacity, but we expect most consumers will opt for systems up to around 5 kWh.  

They are used safely overseas, but we have some electrical and grid differences in Australia that we need to manage. The objective is to guarantee safe access to these systems for consumers, but we need to consult on technical elements of the standard before finalising the pathway. The draft standard sets requirements for how the systems should behave, including automatically disconnecting if there's a problem with the network, fire safety, wind loading for mounts, and battery chemistry safety.  

Lithium batteries, like the ones used in phones and laptops, carry a fire risk. The draft standard limits batteries to safer chemistries (LFP, sodium) and requires batteries to be tested against recognised fire and abuse-safety standards, to include protective electronics that shut the battery down if something goes wrong, and to come with clear guidance on safe placement. We will continue to speak to stakeholders about safety before finalising any technical requirements.  

Manufacturers are required to test their products against the Standard and keep evidence of that testing. Products are also expected to appear on recognised approved-product lists, similar to how rooftop solar equipment is checked today. 

Yes. Even a small plug-in system affects the grid, so your network operator will need to know it's there. The proposed pathway includes an ‘install, then notify’ approach that we will continue to develop during and after the consultation process.  

Western Power looks after the main electricity grid covering Perth and the South West. Horizon Power covers regional and remote parts of WA. Check your power bill if you're not sure which one applies to you.

One of the main benefits of these systems is that people can take them if they move house. The same notification process would apply, and users would need to update their notification with a new address and details, whether you're taking your system with you or leaving it behind for the new occupant to notify separately. 

The cost of reprogramming or upgrading a meter to provide export payments (feed-in tariffs) would likely be net-negative for consumers. There are also metering issues for consumers who live in embedded networks like apartments, strata and caravan parks. For those reasons, we are currently focussing on enabling access to the systems for self-consumption.

It depends on the orientation and type of system, but a north-facing system would save the average Perth consumer around $240 per year on their bill, or around $500 per year if coupled with a battery.  

No. 

You can provide feedback by using the online form on our consultation page: www.wa.gov.au/balcony-solar   

The formal consultation period closes at 5.00pm (AWST) on 9 December 2026, but if you have any other questions or feedback outside the consultation process, please email it to balconysolar@deed.wa.gov.au   

We will analyse and consider all submissions as part of our work on the regulatory pathway and technical standard. We will also continue to speak to consumers, safety regulators and industry on what the consultation feedback means for plug-in systems.

Western Australia is the first Australian state to set a possible pathway and technical standard for plug-in solar and battery systems. We are committed to working with other states and territories and the Australian Government, on a nationally consistent set of technical rules for plug-in systems. We have already been working with other jurisdictions and will seek to transition the WA Technical Bridging Standard to a nationally consistent standard through the Australian Standards process.