A lot owner has requested permission to install solar batteries on common property. Can we insist the batteries are installed within the lot?
A lot owner requested and has been granted permission to install solar panels on his roof. This owner has further requested permission to install a battery system either on common property or on the exterior of his lot, which we understand is also common property.
We are concerned about the installation and would prefer the batteries are installed within the lot. Is this a valid request?
The body corporate will need to consider the safety and security implications of the solar battery and the potential for damage to the common property.
The rules designed to guide the safe installation of residential battery storage systems are called the AS/NZ 5139 and should be used to determine the suitable location for installing battery storage.
Further, the rules regarding the installation of solar batteries on the exterior of a lot owner's house or other parts of common property will depend on the strata scheme's by-laws and regulations.
Generally speaking, lot owners need to seek approval from the body corporate before works can be carried out on common property. It is likely that the body corporate will need to consider the safety and security implications of the solar battery, as well as the potential for damage to the common property.
If the body corporate does not grant approval due to a safety concern, then the lot owner may need to consider additional cement sheeting or other non-combustible material where there is a habitable room on the other side of the installation.
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Drew is currently GM of Energy at Altogether Group, where he leads regulatory analysis, commercial modelling, and policy development across the company's embedded network and retail electricity operations. With deep expertise in AER and state regulatory frameworks, Drew works at the intersection of energy policy, contract negotiation, and infrastructure planning to support Altogether's growth across Queensland and New South Wales.
His focus includes developing commercial strategies for embedded networks, navigating evolving regulatory landscapes, and identifying opportunities where Altogether's integrated model as both network operator and retailer creates value for customers and partners.
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