Home battery storage systems in bushfire-prone areas

Protecting your battery system improves bushfire resilience, occupant safety and the continued availability of essential services such as water pumps, communications and emergency lighting.

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Key recommendations

  • Install battery systems away from the dwelling wherever practical.
  • Protect systems from bushfire attack, flooding and physical damage.
  • Use equipment compliant with applicable Standards such as AS 5139 Electrical installations - Safety of battery systems for use with power conversion equipment.
  • Do not install batteries in habitable rooms.
  • Ensure early warning is provided where batteries are attached to the dwelling.
  • Consult a qualified installer.

Background

The way homes are powered is evolving rapidly, shifting from traditional power lines to solar and battery storage systems. These systems offer significant environmental and economic benefits. Historically, such self-generation and storage setups were mostly found in rural areas where traditional power lines were unavailable. However, they are now increasingly common in urban and semi-urban areas. While solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are widely understood and accepted, battery storage systems are still in the developmental stage of public familiarity.

A variety of companies now supply battery storage systems. The CFS offers recommendations to enhance the safety and security of these systems in bushfire-prone areas, as well as guidance on optimal installation locations.

System components

Home battery systems typically consist of a cabinet or enclosure housing:

  • batteries
  • inverters
  • ventilation fans
  • switchboards
  • system management controls.

These are connected to power feeders based on system requirements and whether the system is connected to the power grid. Given the unique nature of these setups, each installation requires careful planning to mitigate risks and ensure longevity.

CFS Recommended Design Principles

Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with applicable standards, including AS 5139 and seek professional assistance if unsure.

Bushfire resistance

  • Protect against direct flame contact.
  • Shield from radiant heat impacts.
  • Mitigate burning ember attacks.

Flood protection

  • Avoid flood-prone areas, water catchment zones, and areas susceptible to stormwater runoff.

Impact protection

  • Prevent damage from vehicles or trees falling.

Environmental protection

  • Minimise exposure to excessive sunlight.
  • Safeguard against salt exposure in coastal areas.
  • Ensure protection from vermin.

Household safety

  • Secure against interference from pets and children.

Security

  • Install measures to prevent malicious damage and theft.

While the likelihood of a fire starting in a battery system is low, the risk increases with poor-quality equipment or improper enclosures. Physical impacts or extreme exposure to heat can also lead to a thermal runaway event, making careful placement of these systems essential to avoid catastrophic outcomes.

Building in a bushfire prone area

Preferred installation locations

Follow the manufacturer's specifications, and, in addition to these guidelines:

  • Do not install within living areas, including under stairs, basements, or lofts.
  • Choose locations protected from vermin, pets, and children.
  • Maintain a vegetation-free area around battery enclosures and avoid storing combustible materials adjacent to the system.
  • Ensure the system is safe from flooding and excessive stormwater.
  • Avoid storing items on or against the battery enclosure.
  • If possible, store away from the house. If this is not possible and it’s installed within or attached to a dwelling (like a carport or a garage), install an interconnected heat detector to the household smoke detection system to provide early warning of fire conditions.
  • Where practical, battery systems should be located in areas of lowest bushfire exposure and separated from hazardous vegetation. Aim for a radiant heat flux below BAL 10kW/m² to minimise bushfire exposure.

Understanding BAL ratings

The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) measures the severity of potential exposure to ember attacks, radiant heat, and direct flame contact. It is expressed in increments of radiant heat measured in kilowatts per square metre (kW/m²).

BAL ratings are calculated based on:

  • the type of vegetation around the site
  • the distance between the site and vegetation
  • the slope of the terrain beneath the vegetation.

A lower BAL rating corresponds to reduced bushfire risk.

The method for assessing the Bushfire Attack Level is set out in Australian Standard 3959:2018 (AS 3959) Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas using the vegetation type, the distance between the site and the vegetation and the slope of the terrain underneath the vegetation.

Bushfire Attack Levels

Emergency response considerations

  • Ensure emergency access to the battery system is maintained.
  • Clearly identify battery locations for responding emergency services.
  • Do not obstruct battery systems with stored materials.
  • Maintain access to isolation switches.
  • Where a dedicated bushfire firefighting water supply is provided, consideration should be given to locating battery systems where they can be reasonably accessed by emergency services.
  • Ensure firefighting vehicles can safely enter, can access the battery storage systems and exit a property in a forward direction.

Off-grid and commercial battery storage facilities

Commercial and large-scale battery storage systems may require additional planning and fire safety considerations. Battery installations exceeding 2MWh should be referred to the CFS Development Assessment Service for guidance.

Learn more

For information, contact the CFS Development Assessment Service on 8115 3372 or das@cfs.sa.gov.au.

Disclaimer

This information provides general guidance only and does not replace the requirements of manufacturers' instructions, Australian Standards, local council requirements, the Planning and Design Code or other statutory requirements.