Quick Answer
At Battery IQ, we give the honest answer: most apartment residents cannot practically install a home battery. Over 500,000 Australians are in embedded networks which block access to time-of-use plans needed for ROI. Even without embedded networks, body corporate approval and AS/NZS 5139 clearance requirements make individual installation difficult. Shared building solar/battery solutions are usually a better alternative.
Can You Install a Battery in Your Apartment?
If you live in an Australian apartment and are wondering whether you can install a home battery, here is the short answer: it is challenging for most, and not practical for many.
What You Will Learn
- • Why embedded networks prevent most apartment batteries from being worthwhile
- • The body corporate approval process and why it is often difficult
- • Who can actually install a battery in an apartment (and who cannot)
- • Better alternatives like shared building solutions
This is not the answer most people want to hear, but we believe in giving you accurate information rather than false promises. The reality is that apartment battery installations face three major hurdles:
- Embedded networks prevent choosing your own electricity retailer
- Body corporate approval is required and often difficult to obtain
- Physical space for installation is limited in high-rise buildings
Let us explain each of these in detail, and then discuss what alternatives might work better for you.
What Are Embedded Networks and Why Do They Matter?
The biggest obstacle for apartment batteries is something most residents do not even know about until they start investigating: embedded networks.
What is an Embedded Network?
An embedded network is a private electricity arrangement where your building has one grid connection (the "parent meter"), and the body corporate or a third-party company buys electricity wholesale and on-sells it to residents via individual "child meters".
How to Check If You Are in One
Look at your electricity bill:
- If your bill is from Origin, AGL, EnergyAustralia, or another retail energy company - you are probably NOT in an embedded network
- If your bill is from your body corporate, WINconnect, Active Utilities, Embedded Networks Australia, or similar - you ARE in an embedded network
Why This Matters for Batteries
Battery savings come from time-of-use arbitrage - charging at cheap off-peak rates (around 15c/kWh) and using during expensive peak periods (40-55c/kWh). This price difference is what makes batteries financially worthwhile.
If you are in an embedded network, you cannot choose your own electricity retailer. This means you cannot access competitive time-of-use plans. Your embedded network operator typically offers flat rates or limited tariff options, eliminating most of the financial benefit of battery storage.
Over 500,000 Australian households are in embedded networks. They are particularly common in:
- Newer apartment buildings (post-2010)
- High-rise developments in inner-city areas
- Mixed-use developments with retail on ground floors
- Retirement villages and lifestyle communities
Who Can Actually Install a Battery in an Apartment?
Based on the factors above, here is a realistic assessment of who can and cannot install a battery in an apartment:
| Situation | Can Install? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In embedded network | Not recommended | Cannot access time-of-use plans needed for ROI |
| Not in embedded network, no body corporate support | Unlikely | Need approval which may be denied |
| Not in embedded network, supportive body corporate, no suitable space | Difficult | AS/NZS 5139 clearance requirements may not be met |
| Not in embedded network, supportive body corporate, suitable laundry/storage | Possible | This is the minority of apartment residents |
| Townhouse with own meter (not in strata) | Yes | Same as freestanding house |
As you can see, the group who can practically install a battery in an apartment is quite small. For most apartment residents, shared building solutions or other alternatives make more sense.
Know Someone in a House?
Battery storage works much better for freestanding homes. If you have friends or family in a house, they could save thousands with a battery. Share our calculator with them.
Share the CalculatorHow Do You Get Body Corporate Approval?
Even if you are not in an embedded network, you will need body corporate (owners corporation/strata) approval to install a battery. This process varies by state but typically involves:
- Written application to the strata manager or committee
- Technical documentation from your installer (installation plans, safety compliance)
- Insurance confirmation that the battery will be covered
- Committee review or vote at a general meeting (depending on your bylaws)
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Fire safety concerns - particularly in older buildings without modern fire systems
- Insurance implications - some building policies exclude battery storage
- Precedent concerns - committee worried about setting expectations
- Aesthetic objections - if installation would be visible from common areas
- Limited common property - if installation requires use of shared spaces
Tips for Approval
- • Get a professional installer to prepare documentation
- • Address fire safety proactively with a fire engineer assessment if needed
- • Offer to update building insurance policy at your cost
- • Present at a committee meeting in person to answer questions
- • Consider starting with a proposal for shared building solar/battery instead
What Are the Installation Requirements for Apartments?
Australian Standard AS/NZS 5139 governs battery energy storage system installation. For apartments, the key requirements are:
Permitted Locations
- Laundry - most common location for apartment batteries
- Storage cage - if you have a dedicated storage area
- Balcony - only if structurally suitable and weather-protected
- Garage - if you have an individual garage space
NOT Permitted
- Living areas, bedrooms, kitchens
- Escape routes or near fire exits
- Areas without adequate ventilation
Clearance Requirements
Batteries must have 600mm clearance from:
- Doors and windows
- Appliances (hot water systems, air conditioners)
- Escape routes
Multi-Dwelling Fire Safety
In apartments with shared walls, batteries may require non-combustible backing material(cement sheet or brick) if installing adjacent to the shared wall. Your installer will assess this and include it in their quote if required.
If You Still Want an Individual Battery, What Should You Do?
If you have confirmed you are NOT in an embedded network, have body corporate support, and have a suitable installation location, here is your path forward:
- Get quotes from CEC-accredited installers experienced with apartment installations
- Ensure they understand AS/NZS 5139 clearance and fire safety requirements
- Request detailed documentation for your body corporate application
- Apply for rebates - you may be eligible for the federal battery rebate (~$336/kWh)
- Choose a time-of-use electricity plan to maximise arbitrage value
Federal Battery Rebate
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers approximately $336 per kWh of battery capacity (around $4,536 for a 13.5kWh battery). Apartment residents who can install are eligible, provided the battery is VPP-capable.
Read the full rebate guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a battery in my apartment?
It depends on three factors: (1) whether you are in an embedded network, (2) whether you can get body corporate approval, and (3) whether you have a suitable installation location like a laundry or storage cage. For most apartment residents, individual battery installation is not practical.
What is an embedded network?
An embedded network is where your building has one grid connection and the body corporate or a third party on-sells electricity to residents. Over 500,000 Australian households are in embedded networks. If your bill comes from your body corporate or companies like WINconnect or Active Utilities (not Origin, AGL, EnergyAustralia), you are likely in one.
Why do embedded networks matter for batteries?
Battery savings come from time-of-use arbitrage - charging at cheap off-peak rates and using during expensive peak periods. In an embedded network, you cannot choose your own retailer, so you cannot access competitive time-of-use plans. This eliminates most of the financial benefit of having a battery.
Can I get out of an embedded network?
It is very difficult. The building would need to be retrofitted with individual meters for each apartment, which is extremely expensive and requires body corporate approval. For most residents, the practical answer is no.
What if I am NOT in an embedded network?
If you have a direct retail relationship (bill from Origin, AGL, EnergyAustralia, etc.), you may be able to install a battery. You will still need body corporate approval, a suitable installation location, and compliance with AS/NZS 5139 clearance requirements.
What are the alternatives for apartment residents?
Consider advocating for shared building solar and battery solutions at your next AGM. These distribute costs across all owners, maximise rooftop space, and avoid individual approval processes. You can also focus on finding the best electricity plan available through your embedded network.
Content reviewed by Battery IQ Energy Analysts | Sources: AEMC Embedded Networks Review, AS/NZS 5139, State Body Corporate legislation | Last updated: 6 January 2026
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