SunPeople Solar & Battery System Operation Guide
Contents

1. How your solar and battery system works

2. Your system components and controls

3. Normal operation and battery settings

4. Monitoring your system

5. Grid outages and backup power

6. Shutdown, emergencies and restarting

7. Battery safety and installation surroundings

8. Maintenance and professional inspections

9. Assessing performance and electricity savings

10. Grid connection, export limits and VPP participation

11. Installation standards and documentation

12. Warranties and battery ageing

13. Troubleshooting and requesting support

14. Upgrades and ongoing assistance

 
Understanding, operating and maintaining your energy system
This guide provides a practical reference for owners of SunPeople solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems. It explains the equipment installed at your property, normal operating behaviour, monitoring, maintenance, safety precautions and the steps to take when assistance is required.
Read this guide alongside your equipment manuals, installation records and the shutdown procedure displayed at your property. System configurations differ, so the manufacturer’s instructions and your installation’s labelled procedures take priority over general guidance.
Sections relating to battery storage or backup power apply only where those features are included in your installation.
 
1. How your solar and battery system works
 
1.1 Solar electricity generation
Solar PV panels convert light into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter converts this into alternating current (AC) electricity for use by appliances and, where permitted, export to the electricity grid.
Generation changes throughout the day. Weather, season, panel orientation, shading and equipment characteristics all influence output.
The rated capacity of your panels describes their output under standard test conditions. It does not mean the system will continuously produce that amount of power.
 
1.2 Battery energy storage
A battery stores electricity for later use. In a typical self-consumption configuration, it charges using solar generation available after your property’s immediate electricity needs have been met.
Stored energy can then help supply appliances when solar output is insufficient. Some systems can also charge from the grid or export battery energy, depending on their settings and connection arrangements.
 
1.3 AC-coupled and DC-coupled systems
AC-coupled: The solar inverter and battery inverter connect through the property’s AC electrical installation. This arrangement is commonly used when storage is added to an existing solar system.
DC-coupled: Solar and battery equipment commonly connect through a hybrid inverter, which manages conversion and energy flows.
The configuration affects equipment requirements and operating behaviour, including what is possible during a grid outage.
Technical reference: Australian Government inverter guide.
 
1.4 Understanding power and energy
Two measurements appear frequently in system specifications and monitoring:

• Kilowatts (kW): Power being generated, consumed or delivered at a particular moment.

• Kilowatt-hours (kWh): Energy generated, consumed or stored over a period.

For example, an appliance drawing 1 kW continuously for two hours uses 2 kWh.
Battery energy capacity and battery power output are different specifications. A battery with sufficient stored energy may still be unable to operate several high-power appliances simultaneously.
Reference: Solar capacity and energy measurements.
 
2. Your system components and controls
Use your installation records to identify the equipment fitted at your property.

• Solar PV modules: Generate electricity from light.

• Solar inverter: Converts solar DC electricity into AC electricity.

• Hybrid inverter: Combines solar conversion and battery-related functions.

• Battery storage unit: Stores electrical energy for later use.

• Battery inverter/charger: Manages conversion between the battery and the AC installation, where fitted.

• Battery management system: Monitors battery conditions and manages protective functions.

• Electricity meter: Records electricity imported from and exported to the grid.

• Energy monitoring meter or sensors: Measure additional energy flows used by the system’s controls and monitoring.

• Monitoring platform: Displays operating information, historical records and supported alerts.

• Switches and isolators: Provide the disconnection points specified for your installation.

• Backup equipment: Separates supported circuits from the grid during an outage, where installed.

Not every system includes every component listed above. Some functions are integrated into a single unit.
 
2.1 Switch locations and safety labels
Familiarise yourself with your switchboard, inverter, battery and the shutdown instructions displayed at your property.
Depending on the installation, labelled controls may identify the solar supply, inverter supply, PV disconnection, battery disconnection and alternative supply. The equipment fitted and the function of each switch depend on your system’s wiring arrangement.
Do not assume that operating one switch disconnects every source of electricity.
Your installation may also display:

• Multiple-mode inverter warnings: Alert electrical workers to an inverter capable of operating in different supply modes.

• Alternative-supply warnings: Identify equipment or circuits that may receive power from a source other than the electricity grid.

• Battery hazard notices: Identify relevant battery hazards and precautions.

• Shutdown instructions: Describe the switching procedure for your particular installation.

These notices are especially important where battery backup is installed. Some circuits may remain energised during a grid outage or after other supplies have been switched off.
Keep labels and shutdown instructions visible, readable and unobstructed. Do not remove, cover or alter them.
Use your installation documents to identify the relevant controls. Contact SunPeople if a label is missing or damaged, or if you cannot locate or understand a switch described in your shutdown instructions. Do not open electrical enclosures or access rooftop equipment to locate a control.
 
3. Normal operation and battery settings
 
3.1 Automatic operation
Once commissioned and enabled, most systems manage their operation automatically. Owners should not normally need to switch equipment on and off each day.
Consult your equipment manual for the meaning of indicator lights, display messages and standby states.
 
3.2 Battery operating modes
Available modes depend on the product and configuration.

• Self-consumption: Stores available solar energy and supplies it when needed to reduce grid imports.

• Time-of-use or scheduled operation: Adjusts charging and discharging around configured times or electricity tariffs.

• Backup reserve: Retains a selected amount of energy for an outage, where backup is supported.

• VPP operation: Allows an authorised provider to direct battery activity under an agreed program.

Your battery may remain idle even when energy is stored. Reserve settings, schedules, power limits or protective controls can affect whether it charges or discharges.
Ask SunPeople to explain the settings selected for your installation. Review those settings when your electricity plan or operating needs change.
Reference: Battery configuration and management.
 
4. Monitoring your system
 
4.1 Information available
Depending on the installed monitoring equipment, your display, app or online portal may show:

• Current solar output and daily generation.

• Battery state of charge.

• Battery charging and discharging power.

• Property consumption.

• Grid imports and exports.

• Operating modes, warnings and fault codes.

• Historical performance.

Some systems show generation only. Detailed consumption information may require additional metering.
 
4.2 Routine checks
Check monitoring regularly and develop an understanding of your system’s usual patterns. Review readings over comparable periods rather than judging performance from a single moment.
Check the time shown on the data. A screen displaying an old reading may indicate lost communications.
 
4.3 Internet connection changes
Replacing a router or changing Wi-Fi credentials may interrupt monitoring. Follow your manufacturer’s reconnection instructions.
A monitoring outage does not necessarily mean generation has stopped. However, connectivity can also support remote controls, network functions or VPP participation, so its importance varies by installation.
Contact SunPeople if readings remain unavailable or reconnection is unsuccessful.
Reference: Australian Government monitoring guidance.
 
5. Grid outages and backup power
 
5.1 Solar-only installations
Most grid-connected solar-only installations stop supplying electricity during a blackout. This protective behaviour prevents the system from energising the electricity network while the grid is unavailable.
 
5.2 Battery installations
Having a battery does not automatically provide blackout protection. Backup requires compatible equipment and the appropriate installation configuration.
Confirm the following for your property:

• Whether backup is enabled.

• Which circuits receive backup power.

• The supported continuous and starting loads.

• How the system behaves when the battery reaches its operating limit.

• Whether solar can recharge the battery during an outage.

Backup runtime depends on stored energy and consumption. Reduce unnecessary loads and avoid exceeding the equipment’s power limits.
Circuits outside the backup arrangement will remain unavailable until grid supply returns.
Reference: Battery backup capabilities.
 
6. Shutdown, emergencies and restarting
 
6.1 Follow the procedure for your installation
Solar and battery systems have different switching arrangements. Always use the shutdown sequence displayed at your property and the relevant equipment instructions.
Do not substitute a generic sequence for those instructions.
For planned servicing, let the attending qualified professional determine and carry out the isolation required for the work.
 
6.2 Electrical hazards remain after shutdown
Solar panels can produce voltage whenever exposed to light. Batteries store energy, and supported circuits may have an alternative supply.
Turning off the household main switch or an inverter does not establish that all equipment and wiring are safe to touch.
Never open electrical enclosures, disconnect cables, handle damaged panels or access rooftop switching equipment yourself.
 
6.3 When equipment appears unsafe
Treat smoke, burning smells, damaged wiring, water ingress or other signs of electrical danger seriously.
Do not approach equipment or operate controls if doing so would expose you to smoke, water, heat or damaged electrical components. Keep others away and seek appropriate emergency assistance.
 
6.4 Restarting
After fire, flooding, impact damage or another event that may have affected electrical safety, leave the system off until a qualified professional has assessed it and authorised a restart.
For a routine shutdown and restart, follow the installation-specific procedure. Equipment may take time to complete checks before resuming operation; use the manufacturer’s instructions to assess whether the delay is normal.
Safety reference: Solar maintenance and electrical repair precautions.
 
7. Battery safety and installation surroundings
 
7.1 Maintain the installation conditions
Battery location, protective measures and required clearances depend on the product and installation requirements.
Keep ventilation openings and access routes clear. Do not store combustible materials, chemicals or children’s play equipment within the designated clearance area, and do not lean or stack objects against the enclosure.
Where protection against vehicle impact has been installed, keep it in place and report any damage.
Do not relocate the battery, remove protective barriers or add a cover or enclosure without professional advice. Shelving, cabinetry and building alterations can affect ventilation, clearances and safe access.
Avoid pressure washing or directing high-pressure water at the battery or associated electrical equipment.
Common lithium-ion battery chemistries include lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC). Refer to your manufacturer’s documentation to identify your battery technology and its specific precautions.
The battery management system monitors conditions such as cell voltage, temperature and charge level, and manages protective functions. These protections do not remove the need to follow operating instructions or report damage.
 
7.2 Warning signs
Possible signs of a serious battery problem include:

• Smoke or unusual chemical or burning odours.

• Hissing or other unexpected sounds.

• Swelling, distortion, discolouration or leakage.

• Unusual heat.

• Significant physical damage.

Do not touch equipment to assess its temperature, open the enclosure or approach it to investigate a suspected failure.
Report vehicle impact, significant water exposure or other physical damage even if the battery appears to remain operational.
Persistent fault messages or unexpected charging and discharging behaviour should also be reported to SunPeople. Where there are signs of fire or immediate danger, follow the emergency instructions in Section 7.3 instead of continuing routine troubleshooting.
 
7.3 Suspected battery fire
Leave the affected area, keep others away and call 000 if you suspect a battery fire or immediate danger.
Tell emergency services that a stationary battery is installed and identify its location. Avoid smoke and fumes. Do not attempt to fight the fire yourself.
Contact SunPeople after the immediate emergency has been addressed.
Safety reference: Fire and Rescue NSW residential battery guidance.
 
8. Maintenance and professional inspections
 
8.1 Maintenance schedule
Follow the maintenance instructions supplied with your equipment. Ask SunPeople about an inspection schedule appropriate to the installation’s age, location and conditions.
 
8.2 Owner observations
From a safe position, watch for:

• New shading from vegetation or structures.

• Visible storm or impact damage.

• Debris around accessible equipment.

• Blocked ventilation or access.

• Damaged or unreadable labels.

• Recurring warnings or changes in performance.

Branches that were clear of the panels at installation may introduce shading as they grow. Pergolas, shade sails and extensions can also affect generation. Discuss proposed work with SunPeople before it affects the installation.
After severe weather, review monitoring and observe the equipment from ground level. Report displaced equipment, damaged panels or exposed wiring promptly.
Do not climb onto the roof, handle cracked panels or move debris that is in contact with electrical equipment.
 
8.3 Panel cleaning
Dirt and debris can reduce solar output. Cleaning requirements depend on your location, environmental exposure and the condition of the panels.
Coastal salt deposits, nearby construction, agricultural activity, dust and bird droppings may increase the need for cleaning. Use performance records and professional advice to determine when it is appropriate rather than applying the same interval to every property.
Arrange cleaning by a qualified person using methods suitable for the panels and installation.
Do not climb onto the roof or attempt to clean damaged panels. If vegetation needs trimming, arrange suitable professional assistance.
 
8.4 Professional servicing
A professional inspection assesses the electrical condition, physical security and operating history of your installation.
Depending on the system, checks may include:

• AC and DC connections for deterioration, corrosion or loosening.

• Cables and enclosures for damage and weather exposure.

• Isolators and other relevant switching equipment.

• Panel mounting hardware, rails and attachment points.

• Monitoring records, performance trends and recurring faults.

• Battery condition, health information and available capacity.

• Safety labels, clearances and access to equipment.

The inspection schedule should reflect manufacturer instructions, installation age, local conditions and any developing concerns. Seek advice if the system experiences significant damage or an unexplained change in operation.
Repairs and electrical maintenance must be performed by appropriately qualified professionals.
Keep inspection reports, cleaning records and repair details with your installation documents.
 
9. Assessing performance and electricity savings
 
9.1 What affects generation?
Expected production depends on system size, location, panel direction and tilt, weather, season, shading and equipment limits.
Use the estimates supplied for your installation as a reference. Compare results across similar conditions and investigate sustained differences rather than isolated low-output days.
A panel capacity rating is not a daily energy forecast.
Reference: Solar system sizing and expected production.
 
9.2 Understanding bill changes
Savings depend on how much electricity you use, when you use it, your tariff and your export arrangements.
Review:

• Grid electricity purchased.

• Export credits.

• Changes in household or business consumption.

• Supply and other charges.

• Actual versus estimated meter readings.

• Changes to retailer pricing.

Using solar while it is available can reduce purchases from the grid. Battery storage can shift some available energy to later periods, subject to operating settings and capacity.
Reference: Solar savings and export payments.
 
10. Grid connection, export limits and VPP participation
 
10.1 Connection approval
Your network operator manages the local electricity network. Your retailer manages your electricity account and pricing plan.
Connection conditions can restrict equipment capacity or the power exported from your property. Do not alter approved export or grid-protection settings yourself.
 
10.2 Export limits and reduced output
Exports may be subject to a fixed limit or a flexible arrangement. Available export capacity can also be affected by network conditions.
Surplus energy may be used within the property or stored where possible. If there is no available demand or storage capacity, generation may be reduced.
Reduced exports do not automatically indicate a fault.
Reference: Australian Energy Regulator export services information.
 
10.3 Virtual power plants
A VPP coordinates participating batteries through remote communications.
Before joining, review:

• Provider control over charging and discharging.

• Payments, charges and contract duration.

• Backup reserve arrangements.

• Internet requirements.

• Warranty implications.

• Cancellation and exit conditions.

VPP capability and participation are separate matters. Federal battery support requires eligible on-grid batteries to be VPP-capable, but does not itself require participation. Other incentive programs may impose different conditions.
Reference: Clean Energy Regulator VPP guidance.
 
11. Installation standards and documentation
 
11.1 Applicable requirements
Solar and battery installations are subject to electrical safety requirements, relevant Australian/New Zealand Standards, manufacturer instructions and network connection conditions.
Important standards include:

• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installation requirements.

• AS/NZS 5033: Installation and safety requirements for PV arrays.

• AS/NZS 4777.1: Installation of grid-connected inverter energy systems.

• AS/NZS 4777.2: Grid-connected inverter requirements.

• AS/NZS 5139: Safety requirements for battery installations.

The applicable editions, amendments and transition arrangements must be determined for the installation and any subsequent alterations.
For installations seeking support under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, eligibility requirements include approved equipment, compliance with applicable requirements and appropriately accredited designers and installers.
Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accreditation must cover the type of work performed. Battery installation requires the relevant battery endorsement.
Product approval, accreditation and electrical licensing serve different purposes. They must be considered alongside network conditions, equipment compatibility and the documentation required for the completed installation.
Grid-connected batteries seeking federal scheme support must also meet the applicable VPP-capability requirements. This is separate from an owner’s decision to participate in a VPP.
Reference: Clean Energy Council commissioning guidance.
 
11.2 Records to retain
Keep the documents applicable to your installation together:

• Equipment models and serial numbers.

• System specifications and layout information.

• Operating manuals and shutdown instructions.

• Electrical certification.

• Network connection records.

• Warranty terms and claim instructions.

• Maintenance and service records.

Keep monitoring credentials secure. Contact SunPeople if important operating documents are missing.
 
12. Warranties and battery ageing
Product warranties, panel performance warranties and installation workmanship warranties cover different matters. Review the terms supplied for each component, including operating conditions, exclusions and claim procedures.
Battery capacity gradually reduces with age and use. Warranty conditions may include a time limit, cycle count, energy throughput or retained-capacity requirement. Assess capacity against the manufacturer’s stated terms rather than expecting the original capacity to remain unchanged indefinitely.
Follow the manufacturer’s requirements for temperature, charging limits, supported settings and maintenance. There is no universal reserve percentage or charging rule suitable for every battery.
If heat exposure is a concern, seek advice before adding shading or a cover. Any protective measure must preserve ventilation, required clearances and access.
Manufacturers may release firmware updates affecting operation, communications or supported features. Some products update automatically; others require action through an app or a qualified technician. Follow the process specified for your equipment and contact SunPeople if an update request is unclear.
Maintain any communications connection required by the manufacturer so supported alerts and updates can reach the system.
For a warranty enquiry, keep the following available:

• Proof of purchase and installation date.

• Equipment models and serial numbers.

• Applicable warranty documents.

• Maintenance and service records.

• Fault messages and relevant monitoring screenshots.

• Photographs taken from a safe position, where useful.

Ask who is responsible for assessment, labour, transport and other associated costs before authorising work.
Check with your insurer whether the installation is covered and whether policy details need updating. Manufacturer warranties operate in addition to applicable rights under Australian Consumer Law.
Reference: Solar and battery warranties and insurance.
 
13. Troubleshooting and requesting support
The checks below are observations only. Do not open equipment, operate unfamiliar controls or repeatedly reset protective devices.

• No apparent solar output: Time of day, weather, current readings and any displayed warning.

• Inverter fault message: Exact code, when it appeared and whether it recurs.

• Monitoring unavailable: Data timestamp, internet status and recent router changes.

• Battery not charging or discharging: Charge level, selected mode, reserve, schedule and fault messages.

• Lower generation: Comparable historical periods, weather and visible shading changes.

• Reduced exports: Property demand, battery activity and approved export conditions.

• Backup unavailable: Whether backup is configured, supported circuits and available charge.

• Higher electricity bill: Usage, tariffs, meter readings and system records for the billing period.

When contacting SunPeople, include your installation address, equipment details, a description of the issue and relevant screenshots.
Photograph equipment only where it is safe. Report electrical damage or signs of danger before attempting ordinary troubleshooting.
 
14. Upgrades and ongoing assistance
Contact SunPeople for assistance with system operation, monitoring access, fault messages, maintenance enquiries or potential upgrades.
Depending on the issue and the applicable service or warranty arrangements, assistance may include:

• Troubleshooting and fault assessment.

• Monitoring reconnection and app support.

• Warranty enquiries and replacement-component coordination.

• Arranging professional inspections or maintenance.

• Reviewing system expansion options.

• Clarifying installation documentation or connection requirements.

Before adding panels, battery capacity, EV charging or other equipment that may affect the installation, contact SunPeople. Alterations may require compatibility checks, revised design, additional electrical work and updated network approval.
For an upgrade enquiry, provide your existing equipment details, recent electricity bills and monitoring records. Explain any planned changes in electricity use or backup requirements.
Notify SunPeople before roof replacement, switchboard alterations or building work that may affect panels, cabling, inverters or batteries. Arrange any required disconnection, removal and reinstatement through appropriately qualified professionals.
For assistance, provide your installation address, equipment details and a clear description of the issue. Include the exact fault message and relevant screenshots where available.
 
SunPeople phone: 4257 0974
SunPeople email: support@sunpeople.com.au
For fire or immediate danger, call 000.