What happens after solar or a battery is installed in Victoria?

The licensed electrical worker completes and tests the electrical work. The Registered Electrical Contractor or electrician then arranges an independent inspection by a Licensed Electrical Inspector. The prescribed work must pass that inspection before it can be turned on or left turned on.

That is why a physically complete solar or battery installation can remain off for several days after the installers leave.

What do LEW, REC and LEI mean?

RoleWhat they do
Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW)Performs licensed electrical installation work and tests the work they are responsible for.
Registered Electrical Contractor (REC)The registered business responsible for electrical contracting work and the electrical safety documentation/process.
Licensed Electrical Inspector (LEI)An independent licensed inspector who checks prescribed electrical work for compliance before energisation.

The LEI is not simply another member of the installation crew. Independence is an important part of the Victorian prescribed-work process.

Why are solar and battery installations called prescribed electrical work?

Victorian electrical-safety rules classify higher-risk work as prescribed electrical installation work. Solar PV generation and battery energy storage work fall within prescribed categories, with limited exceptions for specific repair or component-replacement work.

Prescribed work requires a Certificate of Electrical Safety and independent inspection.

What does the inspector actually check?

The inspector checks the electrical work against the applicable Victorian electrical-safety requirements and installation standards. Depending on the system, this can include the inverter or battery installation, isolating and protection devices, wiring and cables, switchboard work, equipment location, labels and signs, earthing, testing results and other compliance details.

The inspection is not a product-review service and it is not an assessment of whether the system is the best financial choice. Its purpose is electrical safety and compliance.

See common renewable-energy defects identified by Energy Safe Victoria ↗

Who organises the inspection?

The homeowner normally does not have to find an inspector. Energy Safe Victoria says the Registered Electrical Contractor or electrician responsible for the prescribed work arranges the Licensed Electrical Inspector.

If you are waiting, ask the retailer or REC for the inspection status and expected date. Do not switch the system on yourself while it is waiting for the required inspection.

When can the solar or battery system be turned on?

Prescribed electrical work must not be energised or remain energised until it has been inspected and found compliant, except where a specific legal testing or inspection provision applies.

Energy Safe Victoria says prescribed work should be inspected within 8 business days of completion. Weekends and public holidays can make that feel close to two calendar weeks.

Why can battery inspection delays occur?

From 1 May 2026, changes to the federal battery program and strong installation activity increased demand for battery inspections in Victoria. Energy Safe Victoria has warned that some areas can experience longer waits for Licensed Electrical Inspectors.

The safety requirement does not disappear when demand is high. The installer still needs to arrange the inspection and the prescribed battery work remains subject to the normal energisation rules.

What happens if the inspector finds a defect?

The inspector records the non-compliance and notifies the responsible electrician or contractor. The defect must be rectified, and the work may need to be re-inspected before it can be certified as compliant.

A failed inspection is therefore not simply a paperwork delay. It means the prescribed electrical work has not yet met the required compliance standard.

Ask the retailer or REC what was identified, who is rectifying it and when re-inspection is expected. Do not attempt the repair yourself.

What is the Certificate of Electrical Safety?

The Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) records the electrical work and its compliance process. For prescribed work, the inspector completes the inspection section when the work passes. Energy Safe Victoria says the completed certificate must then be provided to the customer within the required timeframe.

Keep the certificate with your solar or battery handover documents. It can be useful later for servicing, warranty work, property records or future electrical modifications.

See the full Victorian installation process from quote to grid ↗

Sources and further reading

Editorial references checked: 5 October 2026

Source labels identify who published each reference, not an independent endorsement. Confirm current requirements and exact product terms before purchasing.