Day 0 - You sign
You've signed the install agreement, paid the deposit (usually 10% of net cost), and the clock starts.
Verify before you sign:
- The exact battery model is on the SAA approved products list at time of signing.
- Both rebates (state and federal) are line-itemed in dollar amounts on the contract.
- Cancellation and refund terms are clear (typically full refund of deposit if cancelled within 10 business days; partial after).
- Installer's SAA accreditation number is on the contract.
Week 1–2 - Equipment order and site survey
The installer orders your specific battery and inverter from their wholesaler. Some installers send a technician for a site survey at this stage; others combine the survey with install day.
Things the installer is checking:
- Switchboard compliance (older switchboards may need upgrading)
- Wall space and thermal environment for the battery
- Cabling route from battery to main switchboard
- Existing solar inverter compatibility (if retrofitting)
If the site survey turns up additional work needed (switchboard upgrade, additional cabling), expect a revised quote. This is normal - better to know before install day.
Week 2–6 - Install scheduling
Once equipment arrives, the installer schedules the install day. Lead times vary by brand:
- Tesla Powerwall 3: 6–10 weeks (high demand)
- Sungrow SBR: 2–5 weeks
- BYD Battery-Box: 3–6 weeks
You'll get an SMS or email confirming the install day, expected duration, and any prep instructions (clearing the install area, etc).
Install day - 1 or 2 days on site
Battery-only installs are usually one day. Solar + battery bundled is two days. The team arrives, mounts the battery, runs the cabling, integrates with your switchboard, and commissions the system.
Expect 2–4 hours of power off during commissioning. Bonus: this is a good time to confirm any battery-backup circuits (lights, fridge, internet) work as expected.
End-of-day checklist (verify before signing the install acceptance form):
- Battery serial number matches the model on your contract
- App is set up and shows real-time data (battery state of charge, solar generation, home consumption)
- Backup mode works - request a brief grid-disconnection test
- The installer hands over: warranty paperwork, Western Power connection submission receipt, federal rebate STC documentation
Week 1–4 post-install - Western Power approval
Western Power inspects and approves the system's grid connection. This is mostly paperwork between the installer and the network. Your battery may operate in standalone mode (no grid export) during this period.
If Western Power requests changes: Your installer handles it. You shouldn't need to do anything. Some changes (export limits, anti-islanding settings) are software-only and don't require a return visit.
Week 4–8 post-install - State rebate arrives
The WA Residential Battery Rebate is processed by Synergy or Horizon Power. It arrives as one of:
- Direct deposit to your bank account (most common)
- Bill credit on your next quarterly statement
- Cheque (rare, older Horizon Power microgrids)
If you haven't received the rebate within 8 weeks of commissioning, contact your installer first - they have visibility into the application status and can chase it.
First full bill - 4–8 weeks post-commissioning
Your first quarterly bill reflecting battery savings arrives 4–8 weeks after commissioning, depending on your Synergy or Horizon billing cycle.
Expect:
- 50–70% bill reduction (solar + battery combo)
- Higher DEBS export credits if you're on Synergy and the battery is set to "export during peak"
- Lower peak-rate consumption if you're on Smart Home Plan
If the savings look smaller than expected, check: (a) battery is on the right tariff plan; (b) app shows the battery is cycling daily; (c) the firmware is current.
Month 12 - First annual check-in
Email your installer in month 11 or 12 to request the 12-month maintenance check. Most install contracts include this in the price. The check includes:
- Visual inspection of cabling, mountings, switchboard
- Cleaning of inverter cooling fins
- Firmware update (battery and inverter)
- Test discharge to verify capacity
- Quick app walkthrough - any features you might have missed
Things that can go wrong (and how to handle them)
The installer goes quiet after deposit
Send a polite chase email after 10 business days. If still no response after another week, contact the SAA directly and the WA Department of Energy. Reputable installers respond within 48 hours - silence is a red flag.
Install day gets postponed multiple times
One postponement is normal (stock delays happen). Three or more = escalate. Most installer contracts allow you to cancel without penalty if install is delayed more than 60 days from the original scheduled date.
The state rebate is denied
Find out the specific reason in writing. If it's installer error (wrong model lodged, wrong NMI, missing documentation), most install contracts have a clawback clause - the installer absorbs the loss. If it's homeowner-supplied info, you carry it. Either way, get the reason in writing first.
The battery underperforms vs the quote estimates
Three checks: (1) is the firmware current? (2) is the tariff plan optimal for batteries? (3) is the battery being cycled fully (state of charge varies between 5% and 95% daily)?
If yes to all three and savings are still lower than 80% of the quote estimate, request a system check from the installer. Some installers offer a "satisfaction guarantee" - worth asking even if not in the contract.
Something fails under warranty
Contact your installer first. They handle the warranty claim with the manufacturer (Tesla, Sungrow, BYD). Typical resolution: 2–6 weeks for a replacement or repair.
The 24-month review
Two years in, run the maths again. Has your annual bill saving matched the quote estimate? If yes, you're on track. If significantly lower, dig in - usually fixable with firmware, tariff or behaviour adjustments.
Two years is also a good moment to consider stacking - adding another battery module (Sungrow SBR and BYD HVS are modular). New rebate doesn't apply (one per address) but federal STC value is unchanged for additional capacity.