# Preparing for home battery installation

What do you arrange before installation? Here is what your installer checks during the survey: meter cupboard, space, indoor or outdoor. With practical examples by property type.

## What happens during the survey?

At the survey, discuss the meter cupboard, preferred mounting location and existing setup. Ask the installer to assess the cable route and requirements of the chosen system. Ask what the visit will cover and document.

Ask how much time to set aside. Provide access to the meter cupboard and preferred mounting location. Have any installation details and questions about access, parking or the homeowners' association ready.

- Main switch and available breakers
- Distance meter cupboard, inverter and battery location
- Ventilation, temperature and clearance around mounting spot
- Whether outdoor mounting suits battery type and local conditions

## Meter cupboard: when is an upgrade needed?

Ask the installer to assess your meter cupboard and connection for the chosen system. Ask which changes are proposed and why. The age of the home or cupboard alone does not provide a complete assessment.

After the survey, discuss meter cupboard work, scheduling and any power interruption. Ask whether an extension, replacement or other change is proposed and include it in the agreements.

## Possible work to discuss

- Discuss whether the existing distribution board needs extending
- Ask whether components or the distribution board need replacing
- Ask whether the main connection needs changes and who coordinates them

## Information for assessing your meter cupboard

- Photo of the meter cupboard for the installer, without opening components
- Available details of the current connection
- Previous changes to the distribution board
- Details about the cupboard or space to mention beforehand
- Faults or tripping circuits you have noticed
- Connected systems such as solar panels, a heat pump or EV charger

## Space and ventilation

Required clearance and mounting arrangements vary by model. Ask the installer to check the manufacturer's requirements for ventilation, load-bearing capacity, temperature and access. Do not approve a location yourself using a general clearance measurement.

Choose one or more locations to discuss. Note the positions of the meter cupboard and inverter and the available passages. The installer can then assess which location and cable route suit the system.

## Indoor or outdoor placement

Have indoor or outdoor placement assessed for the specific model and intended location. Ask which requirements the manufacturer sets and how the installer checks them on site.

Confirm the mounting location after it has been assessed. Discuss the floor or wall, weather exposure, access and cable route. Include any changes to the chosen location in the work agreements.

## By property type

Use these points to prepare for your own situation. Property type alone does not determine whether a battery is suitable; discuss the actual space and connection at the survey.

## Terraced / end-terrace

## Semi-detached / detached

## Apartment

## Access, parking and disruption

## Preparation checklist for you

- Meter cupboard and location accessible for the survey
- Gather inverter, solar panel and previous modification details
- Note questions about parking, duration and the preferred location
- Check agreements and any permission with the homeowners association or landlord
- Clear the mounting area before installation day
- Agree who provides access and stays reachable
- Discuss any power interruption with household members beforehand