Are you a South East Queensland homeowner thinking about installing solar panels? You’ve probably heard about getting approval from Energex, but might be wondering what that actually involves. While your solar installer will handle most of the paperwork, understanding the connection process helps you know what’s happening behind the scenes and what to expect at each stage.
This guide walks you through the Energex solar connection process from start to finish, explaining each step in plain language. We’ll cover why approval is needed, what happens during the application process, and what to expect after installation.
Why You Need Energex's Permission to Connect Solar
You might wonder why you need permission from your electricity distributor to install solar panels on your own roof. Here’s why:
Grid Safety and Stability
Energex is responsible for maintaining a safe and stable electricity network for everyone. Solar systems feed electricity back into the grid, which can affect voltage levels and overall grid stability if not properly managed.
Think of the electricity grid like a water system with careful pressure management. Adding too many inputs (solar systems) without proper controls could cause “pressure” (voltage) to rise beyond safe levels, potentially damaging appliances or creating safety hazards.
Legal Requirements
Under Queensland’s electrical safety regulations and the National Electricity Rules, Energex must approve any system that connects to their network. This isn’t just red tape – it’s essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of the electricity supply for all customers.
Before You Apply: Understanding Connection Types and Limits
For most homeowners installing residential solar (typically under 15kW), you’ll fall under what Energex calls a “Small IES Connection” (Inverter Energy System). Here’s what you need to know:
System Size and Phase Considerations
- Single-phase connection: Most homes in Queensland have single-phase power. For these homes, Energex typically approves systems with a capacity up to 10kVA (approximately 10kW of solar panels).
- Three-phase connection: If your home has three-phase power, you can typically install up to 30kVA total (10kVA per phase), which is approximately 30kW of solar panels (or about 10kW per phase).
Export Limits
Energex may place limits on how much electricity your system can export to the grid:
- Standard export limits: Generally, single-phase connections can export up to 5kW to the grid, while three-phase connections can export up to 15kW (5kW per phase).
- Export limit reasons: These limits help manage voltage rises and ensure the local network can handle the power your system generates.
Special Cases: SWER Lines
If your home is on a Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) line, which is common in some rural areas, more restrictive limits apply. Typically, systems must be smaller (up to 10kVA) with export limited to just 2kW.
The Energex Solar Connection Application Process
Who Handles the Application?
Good news – your solar installer or retailer typically manages the entire application process with Energex on your behalf. They’ll use an online portal to submit the required information about your proposed system.
However, it’s still useful to understand what information they’ll need from you and what they’re submitting:
- Your property details and NMI (National Meter Identifier – found on your electricity bill)
- Technical specifications of your proposed solar system
- Information about your existing electrical connection
- Details about your current electricity meter
Types of Connection Offers
For most residential solar installations under 15kW, you’ll receive what’s called a “Basic Connection Offer.” This is a standardized approval process that applies when:
- Your system meets Energex’s standard size requirements
- You’re connecting to the main grid (not SWER lines)
- The network in your area has sufficient capacity
- You’re not requesting special connection arrangements
If your system is larger, you’re in an area with network constraints, or you have special requirements, you might need a “Negotiated Connection Offer” instead. This is less common for standard residential installations but may apply in some situations.
How Energex Evaluates Your Application
When your application is submitted, Energex conducts a technical assessment to determine if your solar system can be safely connected to their network. Here’s what they check:
Network Capacity Assessment
Energex evaluates whether the local grid in your area has the capacity to accept your solar system’s generation. Some neighborhoods already have high solar penetration, which can limit new connections.
Voltage Considerations
Your solar system will raise voltage levels in your local area when generating electricity. Energex checks whether this voltage rise will remain within acceptable limits.
Protection Requirements
All solar systems must have appropriate safety features like “anti-islanding protection,” which ensures your system automatically disconnects during a power outage to protect network repair workers.
Common Reasons for Application Limitations or Denial
Applications are rarely flat-out rejected, but Energex may impose limitations for reasons such as:
- High solar penetration in your neighbourhood
- Network capacity constraints
- Transformer limitations
- SWER line connections (which have stricter limits)
- Voltage management issues
If your application faces limitations, your installer should explain the options available, which might include:
- Accepting a lower export limit
- Installing export control devices
- Reducing system size
- In some cases, paying for necessary network upgrades (though this is uncommon for standard residential installations)
Understanding Approval Conditions and Export Limitations
When Energex approves your application, they may specify certain conditions, particularly regarding how much electricity your system can export to the grid.
Types of Export Arrangements
- Full export: Your system can export all excess energy to the grid (up to your inverter’s capacity).
- Partial export: Your system can export a limited amount (e.g., 5kW for single-phase connections).
- Zero export/non-export: In rare cases with severe network constraints, your system might be approved only if it doesn’t export any electricity to the grid.
How Export Limits Work
Export limits are implemented through your inverter’s settings. Your installer will configure your system according to the approved limits. Modern inverters have sophisticated controls that can automatically limit exports while still allowing your home to use all the solar power it generates.
Post-Approval Installation and Compliance
Once Energex has approved your application, the installation process can proceed. Here’s what happens:
Installation Process
- Your solar installer will schedule the installation (if not already completed)
- They’ll install the system according to the specifications approved by Energex
- After installation, your system must be inspected by a licensed electrical contractor
- The contractor will issue a Certificate of Testing and Safety (CTS)
Compliance Requirements
Your system must be installed according to:
- Australian Standards (particularly AS/NZS 4777 for grid-connected inverters)
- The approved specifications in your Energex application
- Queensland electrical safety regulations
- Clean Energy Council guidelines
The Meter Upgrade Process
After your solar system is physically installed, you’ll need a meter upgrade before the system can be activated.
Why You Need a New Meter
Standard accumulation meters (the old-style meters with a spinning disk) only measure electricity flowing from the grid to your home. For solar, you need a digital “bi-directional” meter that can measure electricity flowing in both directions.
Who Arranges the Meter Change
This is an important point many homeowners don’t realize: Energex doesn’t handle meter installations.
Instead:
- Your electricity retailer (the company that sends your electricity bill) is responsible for arranging the meter upgrade
- They appoint a Metering Coordinator to handle the installation
- Your solar installer or retailer will typically lodge the meter change request with your electricity retailer once the system is installed and has passed inspection
Typical Timeframes
Meter installations can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks after installation and inspection, depending on your retailer and their metering coordinator. This is often the stage where delays occur in the solar installation process.
Why Your System Can't Be Turned On Before the Meter Change
It’s a safety and compliance requirement – your system must remain switched off until the new meter is installed. This is because:
- Old meters aren’t designed to handle reverse power flow
- It ensures proper measurement of exported electricity
- It prevents potential issues with billing
- It’s a regulatory requirement
System Testing and Final Connection
Pre-Connection Checks
Before your system can be switched on, several tests must be completed:
- Electrical safety testing
- Inverter settings verification (ensuring export limits match approval)
- Anti-islanding protection testing
The Final Connection Process
Once your new meter is installed, your system can finally be activated. Your installer should:
- Check that the meter is correctly recording both imported and exported electricity
- Test that the system is functioning correctly
- Provide you with documentation explaining your system’s operation
- Register your system for any applicable feed-in tariffs with your retailer
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper planning, issues can arise during the connection process. Here are some common challenges and solutions:
Delays in the Approval Process
If your application seems stuck:
- Ask your installer to follow up with Energex
- Ensure all required information was correctly submitted
- Check if additional information has been requested
Meter Installation Delays
This is one of the most common bottlenecks:
- Follow up with your electricity retailer (not Energex) about meter installation status
- Ask your installer to assist with communication if needed
- Be aware that installers have limited control over metering timeframes
Export Limitation Issues
If your system has been approved with lower export limits than expected:
- Discuss with your installer whether system reconfiguration could help
- Consider whether adding battery storage would be beneficial
- Understand that these limitations are usually due to genuine network constraints
Important Timeframes to Know
Setting realistic expectations is important. Here’s a general timeline:
- Application processing: Typically 5-10 business days for standard residential systems
- Approval validity: Usually valid for 6-12 months (check your specific offer)
- Meter installation: Anywhere from a few days to 4+ weeks after approval
- Total process: From application to final connection, expect 3-8 weeks
Costs Associated with the Connection Process
Application Fees
For standard residential solar installations (under 15kW), Energex typically doesn’t charge application fees.
Meter Replacement Costs
Your electricity retailer will charge for the meter upgrade. Costs vary but typically range from $200-$500 depending on your retailer and the type of meter installed.
Other Potential Costs
- For standard residential installations, network upgrade costs are rarely applicable
- In areas with severe network constraints, larger systems might incur additional costs, but your installer should advise you of this before proceeding
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install solar without Energex approval?
No. Installing solar without proper approval is against regulations and may result in your system being disconnected, insurance issues, and potential safety hazards.
How long does the entire process take?
For standard residential systems, expect 3-8 weeks from application to final connection, with the meter installation often being the longest part of the process.
Why was my export limited when my neighbor's wasn't?
Network capacity changes over time. Your neighbor may have installed their system when capacity was available, or your system might be larger or connected to a different part of the network.
Can I appeal export limitations?
While you can discuss concerns with Energex, their determinations are based on technical network assessments. Your installer can help explain options within the given constraints.
What happens if I move into a house with existing solar?
The solar system stays with the property. You’ll need to contact your chosen electricity retailer to ensure the feed-in tariff is transferred to your name.
Conclusion
Understanding the Energex solar connection process helps you set realistic expectations and better communicate with your installer if issues arise. While the process involves several steps and sometimes waiting periods, it ensures your solar system integrates safely with the electricity grid.
A good solar installer will guide you through this process, handling the paperwork and keeping you informed at each stage. If you have specific questions about your application, your installer should be your first point of contact, as they’ll have the details of your particular situation.
By being informed about how the connection process works, you can approach your solar installation with confidence and a clear understanding of what to expect as you transition to clean, renewable energy for your home.
