Solar battery CDC approvals.

Once a battery install goes past the exempt-development threshold, it needs a Complying Development Certificate. Buildcert makes that part fast, fixed-fee and compliant, so your installations stay on schedule.

We've got your solar battery CDC approvals, sorted.

A solar battery installation is exempt development (no approval needed) only where there is a single battery system with a storage capacity of 20 kWh or less. Many battery retailers overlook the 20 kWh threshold, but non-compliance puts customers at risk.

Battery fires show why AS/NZS 5139:2019 and CDC sign-off matter; without proper sign-off, insurers may decline a claim. CDC approval is required as soon as either of the thresholds below applies.

[ The rules ]

When is a CDC required?

Every battery install falls into one of two pathways. Check the number of battery systems and the total storage capacity to see which one applies.

No approval needed (exempt development) when both of the below apply:

Number of battery systems: one battery system only

Storage capacity: 20 kWh or less

A CDC is required (clause 2.39(2C)) as soon as either of the below applies:

Number of battery systems: more than one battery system

Storage capacity: more than 20 kWh and less than 100 kWh (residential zones) or 200 kWh (other zones)

Clause 2.39(2C), State Environmental Planning Policy.

[ The Buildcert pathway ]

How we keep your battery installs moving.

A certifier in your corner

Dedicated support

Buildcert gives clients a dedicated certifier and client manager, so there's always someone who knows your job.

Fixed-fee CDC pathway

A fixed-fee pathway built specifically for battery installs, with no surprises on price.

Get your documents ready

Lodgement & 48-hour turnaround

Completion & final sign-off

[ Checklist ]

Complying Development Certificate checklist.

Have these documents ready at each stage and your battery install keeps moving.

Before install: Complying Development Certificate

The minimum documents required before we can issue a CDC for a battery installation (20 kWh up to 200 kWh).

Engagement Form: Buildcert's engagement form must be completed prior to lodgement of the CDC application. All property owners must sign the form.
Site / Location Sketch: showing the location of the battery, inclusive of any required clearances to openings and windows.
Title Search, DP, 88B: a Title Search is required to confirm ownership. A Deposited Plan and 88B instrument are required to confirm any restrictions or easements that may apply to the lot. We can order this on your behalf.
Specifications: specifications of the battery or system demonstrating the install will comply with AS 5139-2019 (Electrical installations: Safety of battery systems for use with energy conversion equipment) and with specifications approved by the Clean Energy Council.

After install: Completion Certificate

The minimum documents required before we can issue a Completion Certificate.

Compliance Certificate / Declaration: a copy of the certification or declaration that the system has been installed in accordance with the Manufacturer's Specifications, AS 5139-2019 and Clean Energy Council Specifications, by a person accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia.
Photo evidence of installation: photos of the completed installation, showing the location of the battery, inclusive of evidence of any required clearances to openings and windows.

[ Service areas ]

Battery CDCs across NSW.

We issue battery CDCs across all of our NSW residential service areas, with certifiers based locally so we're right where you need us.

Frequently asked questions.

Questions about solar battery CDC approvals? Here are the ones we hear most.

Why do I need approval to install a battery?

NSW planning rules only treat a battery install as exempt development when it's a single battery system storing 20 kWh or less. Above 20 kWh, or with more than one system, approval is mandatory.

As your building certifier, we act as the independent authority. We assess the install, inspect it, and record the approval and documentation on the NSW Planning Portal.

What battery sizes can be approved under a CDC?

What if my system is too large for a CDC?

Where can the battery be installed?

What documents do I need to provide?

In most cases, we need:

Buildcert's engagement form, signed by all property owners
A site or location sketch showing the battery location and clearances
Title Search, Deposited Plan and 88B instrument (we can order these for you)
Battery or system specifications showing compliance with AS 5139-2019 and Clean Energy Council requirements

If the battery puts a significant load on a structure, such as a load-bearing wall mount or a mezzanine, an engineer may need to confirm the structure can take the point load.

How does the process work?

Once we have your documents, we lodge the CDC application and carry out a site visit. The visit confirms the proposed location, that the battery isn't already installed, and that it won't block or restrict any exits.

When the documentation is satisfactory, we issue the CDC with stamped documents and the install can go ahead. On a complete application, we process the CDC within 48 hours, pending all documentation meeting the legislative requirements.

The building is strata titled. What do I need?

Does the CDC cover my rebate or network approval?

Do I need approval for solar panels?

Solar panels are generally exempt development under section 2.41 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021. Where panels can't meet the exempt development standards, for example on a heritage roof or where they exceed height limits, a DA is generally required for that part of the works.

We recommend checking your panels against the exempt development requirements before you start.

Can you handle one-off and volume applications?

Sorted.

Get a quote.