📲 Commissioning and Handover – It Is Not Just Plug and Play

How to know your system is working as it should

After installation, many homeowners assume their system is good to go. But if no one takes the time to correctly commission and monitor the setup, you could be sitting with an expensive system that underperforms or fails early. Commissioning is where technical support matters most.

What is commissioning exactly?
Commissioning is the final check before your installer hands over the system. It’s when all parameters are verified, firmware is updated, safety protocols are tested, and data monitoring is activated. A well-commissioned system will perform better, last longer, and be easier to maintain.

Battery settings – the most overlooked step
Incorrect charge and discharge settings on your battery can shorten its lifespan or prevent full performance. Every battery type — especially LiFePO4 and supercapacitor banks — has its own recommended voltage ranges, charge current limits, and protection values. If your installer didn’t enter these manually into the inverter or battery BMS, the system is already compromised.

Firmware updates – more important than people think
Inverters, MPPTs, and monitoring devices like Victron Cerbo GX or Sunsynk’s Wi-Fi dongle all need up-to-date firmware. Updates often fix bugs, improve battery support, and add better monitoring features. Skipping this step can cause random shutdowns or miscommunications between devices.

Testing the full system – under real load
Commissioning must include a live test under load. Backup circuits should be isolated and tested with actual devices. Watch how the system handles loads like kettles, toasters, or fridges. Make sure switchover times are acceptable, and nothing unexpectedly trips.

Remote monitoring – your early warning system
If your inverter supports remote access via apps like Victron VRM, Solarman, or Sunsynk Cloud, these should be configured before handover. Make sure:

• You have login access

• Battery and PV readings are visible

• Alerts are enabled for low voltage, state of charge, or system faults

Installer handover – don’t accept silence
You should receive:

• A handover report with system specs and settings

• Login details for monitoring

• Warranty information and serial numbers

• A Certificate of Compliance (COC) for the AC work

No handover report means no proof of correct setup. It also makes future support calls harder, since the next tech has no baseline to work from.

What to ask during commissioning

• Have all device firmwares been updated?

• Are battery settings custom to my battery model?

• Can I log into the monitoring app and see live stats?

• Did you test the backup loads under real usage?

• What alerts should I look out for?

Quick tip:
Take screenshots of your monitoring app the day after commissioning. This gives you a baseline for future comparisons when something feels off.

Next week:
We look at After-Sales Support and Troubleshooting — how to get the help you need and what to expect from a professional support team.