Introduction
So, you’ve decided to install solar panels on your home or business in Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, or the Southern Highlands. Great decision! But before your system can start generating clean electricity and saving you money, it needs to be properly connected to the grid—and that means working with your local electricity distributor, Endeavour Energy.
Many solar customers are surprised to learn that their installer can’t simply put up panels and connect them to the grid without approval. This article explains why distributor approval is necessary, what happens during the connection process, and how to navigate it smoothly with Endeavour Energy.
Why Do You Need Distributor Approval for Solar?
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand why your solar installation needs approval from Endeavour Energy in the first place:
- Grid stability: The electricity grid was originally designed for one-way power flow (from power plants to homes). Solar systems feed electricity back into the grid, and too many systems in one area without proper management could destabilize the local network.
- Safety: Improper connections could create safety hazards for grid workers, your household, or even neighbors.
- Technical standards: Your system needs to meet specific standards to ensure it won’t damage the grid or produce poor quality electricity.
- Meter configuration: Your existing electricity meter likely can’t measure electricity flowing both to and from your home, so it needs to be replaced.
Now that we understand the “why,” let’s break down who’s involved in getting your solar connected.
The Key Players in Your Solar Connection
Several parties are involved in connecting your solar system:
- You: The customer who owns the solar system
- Endeavour Energy: Your local electricity distributor who owns and maintains the poles, wires, and infrastructure in your area
- Your solar installer/retailer: The company installing your system
- Accredited Service Provider (ASP): Licensed professionals who can work on or near the electricity network
- Your electricity retailer: The company that sells you electricity and bills you
- Metering Coordinator: Appointed by your retailer to arrange meter installation (often this happens behind the scenes)
Types of Solar Connections with Endeavour Energy
Endeavour Energy has different connection processes depending on your system size:
Micro Embedded Generator Basic Connection
- For residential systems up to 10kW (single phase) or 30kW (three phase)
- Most standard home installations fall into this category
- Streamlined application process
Standard Connection
- For larger systems between 30kW and 100kW
- Typically for businesses or larger residential properties
- More complex application and assessment process
- May require additional technical studies
The Solar Connection Process: Step-by-Step
Let’s walk through the typical process for connecting a residential solar system to Endeavour Energy’s network:
1. Pre-Installation Assessment
Before any physical installation, your solar installer should:
- Assess your current electrical setup
- Design a system appropriate for your needs and roof space
- Check Endeavour Energy’s requirements for your area
- Determine if your local network can accommodate the proposed system
2. Connection Application
Your installer will submit an application to Endeavour Energy on your behalf. This typically includes:
- Your details and property information
- Proposed system specifications (size, inverter type, panel layout)
- System configuration (single or three-phase)
- Details of your current electrical connection
For residential systems, this is usually submitted through Endeavour Energy’s online portal as an “expedited connection” under their Model Standing Offer for a Micro Embedded Generator Basic Connection Service.
3. Endeavour Energy's Assessment
During this stage, Endeavour Energy evaluates:
- Whether your local network can handle the additional generation
- If the proposed system complies with their technical standards
- Whether any network upgrades might be required
For standard residential systems in areas with good network capacity, this assessment is often straightforward. However, if you’re in an area with many existing solar installations or limited network capacity, Endeavour Energy might impose export limitations or require additional studies.
4. Permission to Connect
If approved, Endeavour Energy will issue a “Permission to Connect” document, which:
- Authorizes installation of your solar system
- Specifies any conditions for connection
- Details the maximum export capacity allowed
- Outlines safety requirements
This document is crucial—your system cannot be legally connected to the grid without it.
5. System Installation
Once the Permission to Connect is received, your installer can:
- Install solar panels on your roof
- Mount the inverter
- Complete all necessary electrical work on your property
- Prepare for connection to the grid
However, they cannot yet connect the system to the grid or switch it on.
6. Meter Replacement
Your existing electricity meter likely needs to be replaced with a smart meter capable of measuring both imported and exported electricity. This process involves:
- Your installer notifying your electricity retailer that meter replacement is needed
- Your retailer arranging for a metering provider to install the new meter
- Scheduling and completing the meter installation (which may take 1-4 weeks depending on your retailer and their metering provider)
7. Connection and Commissioning
After the new meter is installed, your system can be fully connected and commissioned:
- The Accredited Service Provider (ASP) will connect your solar system to the grid
- Your installer will test the system to ensure it’s working correctly
- Safety checks will be performed
8. Paperwork and Notification
Finally, your installer or ASP must submit:
- A Notification of Service Work (NOSW) to Endeavour Energy
- A Notification of Metering Works (NOMW) from the metering provider
- Compliance certificates for the electrical work
- The completed Permission to Connect document
Once all paperwork is submitted and approved, your system is officially connected and you can begin enjoying the benefits of solar power.
Understanding Your Solar Meter
One of the most common questions during the solar connection process relates to metering.
Why Does Your Meter Need to Be Replaced?
Standard electricity meters only measure electricity flowing into your home. With solar, you need a meter that can measure electricity flowing both ways—into your home from the grid and from your solar system back to the grid.
Net Metering vs. Gross Metering
When setting up your solar connection, you’ll need to choose between:
- Net metering: Measures the “net” electricity (the difference between what you consume and what you generate). Most residential customers choose this option.
- Gross metering: Separately measures all electricity generated by your solar system and all electricity consumed by your home.
Your installer should discuss these options with you, and your choice needs to be specified when applying for connection.
Who's Responsible for Meter Replacement?
Your electricity retailer is responsible for arranging meter replacement, not Endeavour Energy. This is important to understand because:
- It means you’re dealing with two separate entities during the connection process
- Meter replacement timeframes are determined by your retailer, not Endeavour Energy
- Any delays in meter installation should be addressed with your retailer
Why Can't Your System Be Turned On Before Approval?
Many customers are understandably eager to start using their new solar system as soon as the panels are installed. However, there are important reasons why the system must remain off until the entire process is complete:
- Legal requirements: Connecting unauthorized generation to the grid is against the law
- Safety: Unauthorized connections pose safety risks to network workers
- Technical compatibility: Without proper assessment, your system could damage the grid or your home’s electrical system
- Metering issues: Without the right meter, your electricity consumption and generation can’t be accurately measured
Additional Considerations for Business Solar (30kW-100kW)
For larger systems typically installed on businesses, there are additional considerations:
Extended Application Process
- May require detailed network studies
- Possibly longer assessment timeframes (4-8 weeks)
- More comprehensive technical documentation
Technical Requirements
- Power quality studies may be required
- Protection systems assessment
- Possible need for specialized equipment
- May require development of specific operating procedures
Connection Charges
- Larger systems may incur connection charges if network upgrades are required
- These charges will be communicated during the application process
Tips for a Smooth Connection Process
To make your solar connection as painless as possible:
- Choose an experienced installer familiar with Endeavour Energy’s requirements
- Plan for the full timeframe (often 4-8 weeks from application to final connection)
- Keep communication channels open between you, your installer, and your retailer
- Understand potential constraints in your area that might affect approval
- Keep copies of all documentation related to your solar installation
Common Issues and Solutions
Delayed Approvals
- Possible cause: Incomplete application information or high volume of applications
- Solution: Ensure your installer provides complete and accurate information in the initial application
Export Limitations
- Possible cause: Network constraints in your area
- Solution: Consider battery storage to maximize self-consumption if export is limited
Meter Installation Delays
- Possible cause: Retailer scheduling or resource constraints
- Solution: Follow up regularly with your retailer about meter installation timeline
Conclusion
Connecting solar to Endeavour Energy’s network involves multiple steps and parties, but understanding the process helps set realistic expectations and ensures a smoother experience. Remember that while it might seem complicated, these procedures exist to maintain a safe, stable electricity grid that can accommodate growing numbers of solar systems.
Your solar installer should manage most of this process for you, but being informed helps you ask the right questions and understand what’s happening at each stage. Once your system is properly connected, you’ll be generating clean, renewable energy and potentially saving on your electricity bills for years to come.
For specific questions about your connection, contact your solar installer first, as they’re best positioned to provide information about your particular installation. For broader inquiries about Endeavour Energy’s requirements, you can visit their website at www.endeavourenergy.com.au or contact their customer service department.
