Understanding Your Solar Installation Journey in Tasmania
Getting solar panels installed on your Tasmanian home is an exciting step toward energy independence and sustainability. However, many homeowners are surprised by the approval process required before their new solar system can be turned on. If TasNetworks is your electricity distributor, understanding their requirements and processes is essential for a smooth solar installation experience.
This guide explains exactly what happens behind the scenes when connecting solar to the TasNetworks grid, from initial application to final connection.
Why You Need TasNetworks' Approval for Solar
What is TasNetworks?
TasNetworks is Tasmania’s electricity distribution network service provider. They own and operate the poles, wires, and infrastructure that deliver electricity to your home. When you install solar panels, you’re effectively connecting a new power generator to their network, which requires their assessment and approval.
Why Permission is Required
Your solar system doesn’t just generate electricity for your home—it can also feed excess electricity back into the grid. This two-way power flow requires:
- Technical assessment to ensure grid stability
- Safety measures to protect network workers
- Quality checks to maintain power standards for all customers
- Metering changes to measure electricity you export
As TasNetworks states in their documentation: “TasNetworks must ensure that the connection of embedded generation within the distribution network does not have an adverse impact on existing Customers or on operation of the network more generally.”
Types of Solar Connections in Tasmania
TasNetworks categorizes solar systems based on size and connection type:
Basic Micro Embedded Generation (Most Residential Systems)
- Single-phase systems up to 10kW
- Three-phase systems up to 30kW
- Connected via approved AS4777.2 compliant inverters
Low Voltage Embedded Generation
- Systems between Basic Micro size and 500kW
- Typically commercial installations
- More complex technical requirements
For most homeowners, your rooftop solar will fall under the Basic Micro category, which has a more streamlined approval process.
The Solar Connection Application Process
Before Installation Begins
Contrary to what many homeowners believe, the application process must begin before your solar panels are installed:
- Initial Enquiry: Your solar installer will make an initial enquiry to TasNetworks about connecting your proposed system.
- Connection Application: Your installer submits a formal application through TasNetworks’ online portal with details about:
- Your property’s National Metering Identifier (NMI)
- Proposed solar system size
- Inverter specifications and model
- Single-line diagram of the installation
- Technical Assessment: TasNetworks evaluates if your local grid can accommodate the proposed system by checking:
- Network capacity in your area
- Voltage regulation capabilities
- Fault levels
- Local substation capacity
- Connection Offer: If approved, TasNetworks issues a connection offer. For most residential systems, this follows their “Basic Connection Service” with standard terms.
According to TasNetworks documentation: “In the majority of cases your installer will manage and submit the relevant paperwork on your behalf.”
What TasNetworks Evaluates
When assessing your application, TasNetworks primarily considers:
Network Capacity
Each area of the grid has limits to how much additional generation it can handle. Areas with many existing solar installations may have stricter limits.
Voltage Management
Solar systems can cause voltage fluctuations. TasNetworks must ensure your system won’t push local voltage beyond acceptable limits.
Technical Compliance
Your inverter and protection systems must meet Australian standards, particularly AS4777.2, which covers grid connection requirements.
Export Limits
In some network locations, TasNetworks may impose export limits (how much power you can feed back to the grid) to maintain network stability.
Metering Requirements Explained
Why Your Meter Needs Replacement
Your existing electricity meter likely only measures electricity flowing into your home. With solar, you need a meter that can measure electricity flowing both ways:
- Import: Electricity you draw from the grid
- Export: Excess solar electricity you feed back to the grid
The Meter Replacement Process
- Your installer submits an Electrical Works Request (EWR) to your electricity retailer
- Your retailer forwards this to TasNetworks
- A meter provider arranges installation of the new bidirectional meter
- Until the new meter is installed, your solar system cannot be activated
The metering process can sometimes cause delays in solar activation. According to TasNetworks: “Your installer (an electrical contractor) is required to submit an Electrical Works Request (EWR) to your electricity retailer. The electricity retailer will send us a request to progress your connection and fit an import/export meter…”
Installation and Final Connection Steps
Once your application is approved and your installer has received permission to proceed:
1. Physical Installation
Your solar company installs the panels, inverter, and associated equipment.
2. Electrical Inspection
After installation, a licensed electrical inspector must certify the work, resulting in a Certificate of Electrical Compliance (CEC).
3. Meter Installation
As mentioned above, a new bidirectional meter must be installed before your system can be activated.
4. Permission to Turn On
Your system cannot be turned on until:
- The new meter is installed
- TasNetworks gives final permission to activate the system
- Your installer completes final commissioning checks
According to TasNetworks’ process documentation: “Once we have completed required connection works and your electricity retailer has fitted the meter, we will give your installer permission to switch your generating system on.”
Larger Systems (30kW-100kW)
For larger systems common in businesses or community buildings (30kW-100kW), additional requirements apply:
- More detailed technical studies may be required
- Additional protection equipment is typically needed
- A power quality assessment may be mandatory
- Communications systems may be required for remote monitoring
These systems fall under TasNetworks’ “LV EG Connection Technical Requirements” rather than the Basic Micro requirements.
Common Questions About TasNetworks Solar Connections
How long does the approval process take?
For standard residential systems in areas with available network capacity, approvals typically take 10 business days from submission of a complete application.
Can my system be turned on before the new meter is installed?
No. Turning on your solar system before the new meter is installed can result in incorrect billing and potentially violates connection requirements.
Why might TasNetworks restrict my solar system size?
Network constraints in your area may limit the size of system that can be connected. This helps maintain grid stability and power quality for all customers.
What happens if my application is rejected?
TasNetworks will provide reasons for rejection. Options may include:
- Reducing the system size
- Adding export limiting equipment
- Upgrading your connection (sometimes at additional cost)
Does TasNetworks offer feed-in tariffs?
No. While TasNetworks approves the connection, feed-in tariffs (payment for exported electricity) are offered by electricity retailers, not the network operator.
Final Tips for a Smooth Solar Connection
- Start early: Begin the application process well before your planned installation date
- Choose a knowledgeable installer: Work with a solar company familiar with TasNetworks requirements
- Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your installer about the process and timeline
- Be patient with metering: The meter replacement often takes the longest time in the process
- Keep documentation: Save all approval documents and compliance certificates
By understanding TasNetworks’ role and requirements in your solar installation, you’ll be better prepared for the process and avoid unexpected delays. With the right preparation, you’ll be generating your own clean energy before you know it.
