Introduction
If you’re considering installing solar panels and live in eastern or northeastern Victoria, chances are AusNet Services is your electricity distributor. While your solar retailer will handle most of the paperwork and technical requirements, understanding the connection process can help you avoid surprises and plan accordingly.
This guide explains why distributor approval is necessary, what happens during each step of the process, and answers common questions about getting your solar system up and running with Ausnet.
Why Do You Need Distributor Approval for Solar?
Many homeowners wonder why they need permission from their electricity distributor to install solar panels on their own roof. Here’s why:
Grid Stability and Safety
Your solar system doesn’t just generate electricity for your home—it can also send excess power back into the grid. Electricity distributors like Ausnet are responsible for maintaining a stable, safe electricity network. They need to ensure:
- The local grid can handle the additional electricity your system exports
- Your system meets safety standards to protect both your property and the network
- The equipment installed complies with Australian standards
Network Capacity Management
Each area of the electricity network has a limited capacity for accepting solar exports. Without proper management:
- Too much solar power could overload local transformers
- Voltage issues might develop, affecting your neighbors’ power quality
- Network equipment might require costly upgrades
The Ausnet Solar Connection Process: Step by Step
1. Pre-Installation Application
What happens: Before installation begins, your solar retailer will submit an application to Ausnet through their connection portal.
What Ausnet evaluates:
- The size of your proposed system
- Your location on the network
- Local network capacity
- Your inverter specifications
Timeline: Applications are typically processed within 10 business days.
2. Connection Offer and Approval
Once your application is reviewed, Ausnet will issue a connection offer that outlines:
- Your approved system size
- The maximum export limit allowed
- Technical requirements your system must meet
- Communication requirements for your inverter
This document is called a “Model Standing Offer for Connection Services for Micro Embedded Generating Units” and forms a contract between you and Ausnet.
3. Export Limits Explained
Static Export Limit: This is the maximum amount of electricity your solar system can export to the grid at any time. According to Ausnet’s current policy:
- Standard residential connections can typically export up to 5kW per phase
- Areas with network constraints may have lower limits (sometimes as low as 1kW per phase)
Why export limits matter: The export limit is not the same as your total system size. You can install a larger system than your export limit allows, but excess generation will be “curtailed” (limited) to prevent over-exporting.
4. The Critical Role of Internet Connection
A unique requirement in Ausnet’s solar connection policy is the need for your inverter to have a permanent and reliable internet connection. Here’s why this matters:
- Ausnet needs to remotely monitor and control your system’s exports
- Without internet connectivity, your export limit may be reduced to a minimum (as low as 1kW per phase)
- Your inverter must be able to receive and respond to DER (Distributed Energy Resource) instructions
This requirement helps Ausnet manage the grid during periods of high solar generation or network constraints.
Metering Requirements
Why Your Meter Needs to Change
After approval but before your solar system can be activated, your electricity meter will need to be reconfigured or replaced. Here’s why:
- Standard meters only measure electricity flowing into your home
- Solar-compatible “bidirectional” meters measure both incoming and outgoing electricity
- This allows for accurate billing of your exports and imports
The Metering Process
- Your solar retailer or installer will arrange for a meter service order through your electricity retailer
- A metering technician will visit your property to install or reconfigure your meter
- This typically happens after your solar installation is complete
Timeline: Meter installations can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on your retailer and location.
Why you have to wait: Your system cannot be fully activated until the new meter is installed, as the old meter cannot correctly record energy flows in both directions.
Installation and Documentation
Once your system is approved and installed, several important steps must be completed:
Required Documentation
Your installer must provide:
- Certificate of Electrical Safety: Confirms the installation meets all electrical safety requirements
- Embedded Generator System Specifications Form: Details the specific equipment installed
- Electrical Works Request Form: For any additional electrical work required
Testing and Compliance
Before final connection, Ausnet requires:
- Verification that your system complies with all technical and safety standards
- Testing to ensure your inverter can properly receive and respond to network signals
- Confirmation that export limits are correctly configured
After Installation: What You Need to Know
Ongoing Requirements
To maintain compliance with your connection agreement:
- Keep your inverter connected to the internet at all times
- Maintain a valid Australian mobile number for receiving SMS notifications
- Do not modify your system without approval from Ausnet
Performance Monitoring
Ausnet may periodically test your system to ensure it:
- Responds correctly to network instructions
- Stays within approved export limits
- Maintains all safety requirements
If your system fails to comply (for example, if it doesn’t respond to curtailment signals), Ausnet may temporarily reduce your export limit or disconnect your system until the issue is resolved.
Larger Systems (30kW-100kW)
For commercial installations between 30kW and 100kW, additional requirements apply:
Key Differences
- More detailed network studies may be required
- Export limits are often more restrictive
- Additional protection equipment may be necessary
- Power quality studies might be required
Application Process
The overall process remains similar, but expect:
- Longer approval timeframes
- More technical documentation requirements
- Potentially higher connection fees
- More complex metering arrangements
FAQs: Common Questions About Solar Connection
How long does the entire process take?
From application to fully operational system, expect:
- 2-4 weeks for approval
- 1-2 days for installation
- 1-4 weeks for meter installation
- Total: Typically 4-8 weeks, but can vary
What happens if my internet connection fails?
If your internet connection fails:
- Your system will continue to generate electricity for your home use
- Your export capacity may be automatically reduced to the default limit
- You may receive an SMS notification to restore your connection
- Persistent connectivity issues could lead to compliance actions
Can I install a larger system than my export limit allows?
Yes, you can install a system larger than your export limit. For example, you might have:
- 10kW of solar panels installed
- 5kW export limit
- During peak generation, excess electricity will be limited by your inverter
This approach makes sense if you use significant electricity during daylight hours.
What if I want to add batteries later?
If you plan to add batteries to your existing solar system:
- A new application to Ausnet will be required
- Your system will need to be reassessed
- Additional technical requirements may apply
- Your Connection Agreement will need to be updated
Do I need approval to replace my inverter?
Yes. If your inverter fails or you wish to upgrade:
- You’ll need approval before installing a new inverter
- The new inverter must meet current standards
- Your export limit may be reassessed
Conclusion
While the solar connection process with Ausnet involves several steps and requirements, your solar retailer will manage most of the technical details. The most important things for homeowners to understand are:
- Why approval is necessary
- The importance of maintaining internet connectivity
- Why meter changes are required
- Typical timeframes for each step
By understanding these elements, you’ll be better equipped to plan your solar installation and set realistic expectations for when your system will be fully operational.
Remember that regulations and requirements can change over time, so always verify the latest information with your solar installer or Ausnet directly.
Disclamier: This article provides general information about the Ausnet solar connection process. Requirements may change over time, and individual circumstances may vary. Always consult with your solar installer or Ausnet for the most current information regarding your specific situation.
