Background
Practical guidance on Belgium’s AREI regulations, checked on 19 September 2026. The required inspection depends on the installation, its history and the specific work involved.
In this article
The procedure determines the control, not only the purchase
A new battery can be installed with its own inverter or part of an existing system. An EV charger can ask for a new power supply. For solar panels, only a part can be replaced or the structure changed. Thus, under one product name several electrical orders can be hidden.
The FOD calls a new circuit and a non-identical replacement of a distribution board important changes. This requires a domestic installation inspection before commissioning. The assessment concerns the intervention and its possible influence on the retained part. An older report that is still valid does not replace that assessment.
Sources: FPS Economy: household controls, amendments and documents
More battery capacity is not always a new inspection requirement
Fluvius makes a concrete distinction: only adding an additional battery module does not require reinspection, but a change in the internal electrical system or circuit breaker does. Have it confirmed whether your proposal really is only a module extension. “A larger battery” does not describe the electrical work precisely enough.
Therefore, agree to maintain the existing inverter, security and connection. This is not an advice to connect modules yourself. Pass on the brand and model and let the performer assess the extension. Choosing an appropriate component and carrying out the change correctly continue to be necessary, even if no new verification is required.
Sources: Sign up for Fluvius home battery and have changes evaluated
Inspection, equipment approval and grid notification are different matters
For the registration of a fixed home battery, Fluvius requires a valid AREI verification and a clear single-line diagram. If the solar panel converter is also replaced, this change must also be reported for the solar panel installation. This illustrates why one technical project can have several administrative components.
A device that is allowed to connect to the grid does not prove that the concrete placement in your home has been correctly performed. Conversely, an inspection report does not automatically close the notification. Ask separately for the required report, the device data and the confirmation of the notification; do not allow any of these three to be used as synonyms for the other.
Sources: Sign up for Fluvius home battery and have changes evaluated
adjust solar panels: even there the execution counts
Fluvius connects a reinspection to a modified substructure or earthing with additional panels, or a completely new installation next to the existing one. Also a replaced inverter with custom circuit breaker requires a new inspection. Therefore, only the disclosure of panels is not sufficient to determine the control.
Get your green electricity certificates, report that before the design. Replacement by a hybrid inverter with a DC battery requires a new AREI verification and bidirectional green flow counter. Have those terms assessed separately. Discuss at a charging point in an apartment next to whether it connects to a private or shared installation. The project should indicate which part is changing and which file is included.
Sources: Replace Fluvius solar panels and inverters, FPS Economy — non-domestic installations and residential complexes
Take the check with you in the execution appointment
Wattra can discuss placement, electrical modifications, schematics and the organisation of an inspection as separate components. The approved external inspection body performs the official control. Ask who makes the appointment, which installation should be ready and how a possible negative result is followed. Approval is not guaranteed in advance.
Deliver your municipality, the existing file and a description of what you want to add or replace. We deal with applications in the Waasland and all of Flanders. Also name previous installers and open document questions. For example, the proposal can describe a concrete handover rather than just the delivery of a new appliance.
Sources: Flanders — electrical installation inspections under the AREI regulations
What you can prepare now
- Name new and retained components separately.
- Let the extent of the electrical change be assessed.
- Set up schematics, monitoring and net reporting separately.
- Ask which report and what confirmation you receive.
Frequently asked questions
Does any battery expansion need to be re-checked?
Not necessarily. Fluvius only distinguishes an additional module from changes to indoor installation or security. Please confirm in advance what case your execution is.
Is a photo or purchase invoice a proof of inspection?
No. Those documents may support the preparation, but are not the official control report for the installation concerned.
Sources & review
Consulted on 19 September 2026. Rules and tariffs may change. Check the source for the date and circumstances of your request.