As the solar industry matures, the push for safer, more efficient, and future-proof systems becomes critical. In 2023, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) released a significant update to its IEC 61730 standard – the globally recognised benchmark for PV module safety and performance.
With the Clean Energy Council (CEC) now aligning its Approved Products List to these new standards, solar professionals and homeowners alike must understand how this affects solar battery systems in Australia.
In this article, we break down what the IEC 61730:2023 update means, why it matters, and how Solar Rains helps you design safe, standards-compliant solar + battery solutions.
Understanding the IEC 61730:2023 Update
What is IEC 61730 and why it matters for solar
IEC 61730 is the international safety and construction standard for photovoltaic (PV) modules. It outlines the requirements for electrical insulation, fire resistance, mechanical strength, and labeling, ensuring that every certified solar panel is safe for real-world use.
These standards help:
- Reduce fire and electrical risks
- Ensure modules are compatible with inverters and solar battery systems
- Set global benchmarks for manufacturing quality
What’s changed in the 2023 version
The IEC 61730:2023 update introduces major safety improvements, especially for newer technologies like bifacial and flexible PV modules. Key updates include:
- More stringent testing for junction boxes, backsheets & connectors
- Higher mechanical load requirements
- Stronger insulation coordination testing
- New verification for large-format and bifacial panels
- Enhanced documentation and labeling standards
These updates ensure PV modules remain safe and reliable under Australia’s increasingly diverse environmental conditions.
Transition timeline: From 2016 to 2023 compliance
The CEC has announced that:
- Until 1 May 2026, PV modules can be certified to either IEC 61730:2016 or IEC 61730:2023
- From 1 May 2026 onwards, all new applications to the CEC’s Approved PV Module List must comply with the 2023 version
- Existing modules certified under the 2016 standard will remain listed until their expiry date
Installers can continue using approved modules as usual, but manufacturers and designers must prepare for the upcoming shift.
What This Means for Approved PV Modules in Australia
Clean Energy Council’s Approved Products List update
The CEC’s Approved Products List is the foundation for eligibility under Australia’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and the STC (small-scale technology certificate) program. Only listed modules can be legally installed with system rebates.
By aligning its list with IEC 61730:2023, the CEC ensures that every certified panel in Australia meets the latest global safety benchmarks.
Key deadlines: 1 May 2026 and beyond
Installers and solar retailers need to plan now.
- Check with your module suppliers: Are their products already certified to the 2023 standard?
- Monitor your inventory expiry dates
- Design projects around long-term compliance, especially for commercial systems
Solar Rains only supplies modules and components compatible with CEC-approved systems.
Implications for solar retailers and installers
If you’re a solar professional, here’s what it means:
- You won’t need to immediately change your process — the transition is gradual
- But for new product introductions, 61730:2023 will soon be the only accepted standard
- Understanding compliance will help you better explain value to customers — especially those investing in solar battery systems
The Connection Between PV Modules & Solar Battery Safety
Why module quality affects overall system performance
Your solar battery system is only as strong as its weakest component. Poorly constructed PV modules can:
- Trigger inverter or battery faults
- Introduce fire hazards
- Fail to meet voltage/current tolerances required for battery management systems (BMS)
IEC 61730:2023 aims to eliminate these risks before they reach the field.
Electrical safety, fire risk, and battery compatibility
Battery systems operate at high voltages and demand reliable, stable input from solar panels. Faulty insulation or poor connector quality can lead to:
- Overvoltage issues
- Arcing and thermal runaway
- Degradation of battery cells
Modules tested to the new standard are better insulated and more robust, reducing these risks.
How certified modules protect solar battery investments
Solar batteries are long-term assets. By choosing PV modules tested to the latest IEC standard, customers ensure:
- Greater system reliability
- Reduced risk of warranty disputes
- Enhanced overall safety
For hybrid and off-grid systems, this compliance is even more critical. Solar Rains helps you match panels to batteries with confidence.
How Solar Rains Ensures Compliant & Safe Battery Integration
Working only with CEC-listed PV modules
At Solar Rains, every product we distribute is vetted for compliance with the Clean Energy Council’s Approved Products List.
This ensures:
- Safe operation with solar battery storage
- Ongoing STC eligibility for installers and homeowners
- Long-term compatibility with inverter & BMS specs
Supporting installers with system design around compliant modules
We know that every solar battery project has different load profiles, budgets, and design constraints. That’s why we help our partners:
- Choose PV modules certified to IEC 61730:2023
- Design voltage/current compatibility with batteries
- Avoid overengineering or safety oversights
Matching solar battery specs with certified PV modules
Some solar batteries (especially high-voltage systems) require precise DC voltage ranges. Using compliant PV modules helps:
- Ensure optimal charge/discharge curves
- Minimize system losses
- Meet manufacturer warranty terms
Solar Rains provides spec matching sheets and tech support to make this process seamless.
What Manufacturers, Installers & Customers Need to Know
What manufacturers should do now to meet the 2026 requirement
- Switch certification efforts to IEC 61730:2023 as soon as possible
- Update product labels to reflect new standard
- Ensure compatibility with updated inverter/battery system standards
Over 80% of products on the CEC list are already compliant — but now is the time to check.
How installers can verify module certification
- Look for markings like IEC 61730-1:2023 or IEC 61730-2:2023 on module labels
- Use the CEC product list to verify certification status
- Keep documentation on file for warranty & STC claims
What customers should ask before buying a solar battery system
Customers don’t need to understand IEC codes — but they should ask their installer:
- Are the panels certified to the latest safety standard?
- Will the solar battery and modules be compatible long term?
- Does the system qualify for STCs and CEC program compliance?
Solar Rains provides installers with documentation to answer these questions with clarity and confidence.
Why These Changes Matter for the Future of Clean Energy
Building trust in solar battery systems through standards
By strengthening the foundation (PV modules), the industry helps improve trust in downstream technologies like solar batteries, inverters, and EV chargers.
Helping grid stability & safety at scale
As the share of distributed energy grows, safety becomes non-negotiable. High-quality, standard-compliant PV modules reduce:
- Grid disturbances
- Safety incidents
- Unplanned maintenance
How Solar Rains contributes to a safer, cleaner solar industry
We don’t just sell solar batteries — we build long-term confidence in clean energy. That’s why we:
- Track all updates from IEC, CEC, and Standards Australia
- Vet every supplier and product before offering it to our partners
- Offer ongoing training and support to help our installer network stay ahead
Frequently Asked Questions
IEC 61730 sets global safety and construction requirements for solar panels. It covers insulation, fire safety, labeling, and mechanical performance.
They remain on the CEC Approved List until their expiry date. But after 1 May 2026, no new applications will be accepted under the 2016 version.
Non-compliant modules can cause voltage mismatches, inverter faults, or even fire hazards — all of which reduce the performance and safety of your solar battery.
Not immediately, but they must ensure any new products they use from May 2026 onwards are certified to IEC 61730:2023 to remain compliant.
Ask your installer or supplier to confirm product certification. Look for IEC 61730:2023 markings on panel labels or check the CEC Approved Product List.
