Adding a battery changes what your single line diagram needs to show. With storage attaching to more solar jobs under the Federal Battery Rebate, getting the battery storage SLD right matters more than ever. Here is what changes and why.
How a battery storage SLD differs
A solar-only SLD runs from the array through the inverter to the grid. Adding storage introduces the battery, its conversion (a hybrid inverter or a separate battery inverter), and the protection and isolation around it, all of which must appear on the diagram. The energy can now flow in more directions, so the SLD has to represent that clearly.
Extra elements to show
- The battery and its usable capacity and chemistry where relevant.
- The inverter arrangement, hybrid, AC-coupled or DC-coupled.
- Battery isolation and protection on both DC and AC sides as applicable.
- Backup or essential-loads circuits, if the system provides backup.
- Labelling specific to energy storage.
The relevant standards
Battery installations bring additional standards into play alongside AS/NZS 5033 for the PV array, notably AS/NZS 5139, which covers the installation and safety of battery energy storage systems. Your SLD and documentation need to reflect the requirements that apply to the specific configuration.
Coupling matters
AC-coupled and DC-coupled systems are wired differently, and your SLD must show the correct arrangement. A hybrid inverter handling both solar and battery looks different on the diagram from a separate battery inverter added to an existing solar system, so the SLD has to match the real configuration.
Producing a battery SLD
Because storage adds complexity, this is where hand-drawn templates struggle most. Solar Proof's SLD editor generates single line diagrams for solar and battery projects, including the storage elements, so the diagram matches the design. You can then quote the battery with the Federal Battery Rebate applied in our battery proposal software.
This article is general information, not compliance advice. Always refer to the current versions of AS/NZS 5033 and AS/NZS 5139 and relevant requirements.
