Are you planning to install solar panels but feeling confused about the connection process with your electricity distributor? If your property is serviced by CitiPower, Powercor, or United Energy, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your solar system connected to the grid.
Why We're Covering These Three Distributors Together
You might wonder why we’re discussing CitiPower, Powercor, and United Energy in a single guide. There’s a good reason for this approach:
These three distributors share a consolidated “Model Standing Offer for Basic Connection Services” for solar connections. As documented in their joint publication (version 4.0, effective 7 June 2024), they use the same framework and requirements for connecting micro embedded generators (including solar systems) to their networks.
While they maintain separate branding and serve different geographic areas (CitiPower primarily in Melbourne’s CBD and inner suburbs, Powercor in western Victoria, and United Energy in south-eastern Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula), their technical standards and connection procedures are largely identical due to this shared model standing offer.
This unified approach makes it easier for consumers and solar installers alike, as the fundamental requirements remain consistent across all three distribution networks. However, we’ll note any important differences throughout this guide, particularly regarding online portals and potential variations in export limits based on local network conditions.
Why Do I Need My Distributor's Approval for Solar?
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand why your electricity distributor needs to be involved in your solar installation:
Your electricity distributor owns and maintains the poles, wires, and infrastructure that delivers electricity to your home. They’re different from your electricity retailer (who bills you for electricity).
When you install solar panels, you’re essentially connecting a new electricity generator to the grid. Your distributor needs to ensure this connection:
- Is safe and complies with technical standards
- Won’t negatively impact the stability of the electricity network
- Has appropriate metering to measure electricity flowing both ways
Let’s explore the entire process step-by-step, from application to connection.
Step 1: Pre-Approval Application
What Happens During Pre-Approval?
The first step in connecting your solar system is obtaining pre-approval from your distributor. This is typically handled by your solar installer or retailer, but understanding the process helps you know what’s happening behind the scenes.
The Solar Pre-Approval Process
- Portal Access: Your solar installer will submit an application through your distributor’s online portal:
- CitiPower and Powercor use the eConnect portal
- United Energy uses the UE Connect portal
- Network Assessment: The distributor will assess whether the local electricity network can accommodate your solar system’s export. They review:
- Your proposed system size
- Local network capacity
- Existing solar penetration in your area
- Technical requirements for safe connection
- Export Limit Determination: Based on their assessment, the distributor will either:
- Approve the standard export capacity (currently up to 5kW per phase for most residential installations)
- Apply a lower export limit if the network has constraints
- In some cases, impose a zero export limit (your system can still power your home but can’t send excess electricity to the grid)
Important to know: CitiPower, Powercor, and United Energy share the same model standing offer for connections, but specific export limits may vary based on your location and local network conditions.
System Size Categories
The approval process and requirements vary significantly based on the size of your solar system. Understanding which category your installation falls into will help you anticipate what to expect:
Small Residential Systems (Typically Under 10kW)
- Application Process: Streamlined approval through the standard online portal
- Assessment Time: Usually processed within 1-10 business days
- Technical Requirements: Standard compliance with AS/NZS 4777.2
- Export Limits: Generally eligible for standard export limits (up to 5kW per phase in most areas)
- Documentation: Basic electrical work request and system information
- Cost: Standard connection fees apply
- Typical For: Most single-phase residential homes with roof-mounted solar panels
Medium-Sized Systems (10kW-30kW)
- Application Process: More detailed assessment required
- Assessment Time: Typically 10-20 business days
- Technical Requirements: Enhanced power quality requirements may apply
- Export Control: May require more sophisticated export limiting devices or settings
- Grid Studies: May involve basic network analysis in some areas
- Documentation: Additional technical information usually required
- Emergency Backstop Requirements: Systems over 30kVA must be emergency backstop enabled
- Typical For: Larger homes with three-phase power, small businesses, or rural properties
Larger Systems (Above 30kW up to 200kW)
- Application Process: Comprehensive technical review required
- Assessment Time: May take 20+ business days
- Technical Requirements:
- Detailed power quality studies
- Advanced protection settings
- Potentially additional equipment like power quality monitors
- Grid Impact: Detailed analysis of network capacity and potential upgrades
- Export Capabilities: Often subject to more significant export limitations
- Inspection Requirements: Generally requires formal inspection before energization
- Connection Agreement: May require a customized connection agreement rather than the standard offer
- Cost: Higher application and assessment fees; potential network upgrade costs
- Typical For: Commercial buildings, small industrial facilities, community solar projects, or large rural properties
Important Note: For all system categories, recent changes introduced in July 2024 require relevant solar microgeneration units to be either “emergency backstop enabled” (able to be remotely controlled by the distributor in emergency situations) or “emergency backstop exempt” (for systems under 30kVA that cannot practicably connect to the utility server).
Step 2: Installation Requirements
Once pre-approval is granted, your solar installation can proceed. However, there are specific requirements your system must meet:
Technical Compliance
Your solar system must comply with:
- Solar Accreditation Australia standards: Your installer must be accredited by the Solar Accreditation Australia
- Australian Standards: Particularly AS/NZS 4777.2 for grid connection
- Distributor’s Network Access Standards: Specific technical requirements published on your distributor’s website
Maximum Capacity and Export Limits
- Maximum System Capacity: The total capacity of your solar system (measured in kVA)
- Maximum Export Capability: The maximum amount of electricity you can export to the grid (measured in kW)
- Export Limit Control: If an export limit is applied, your inverter must be configured to ensure it doesn’t exceed this limit
Emergency Backstop Requirements
For solar installations applied for after July 1, 2024, there are new requirements:
- Emergency Backstop Enabled: Your solar system must be able to communicate with the distributor’s utility server
- Emergency Backstop Exempt: In some cases, smaller systems may be exempt but will have lower export limits
Step 3: Metering Changes
Why Do I Need a New Meter?
Most older electricity meters only measure electricity flowing into your home. With solar, you need a bidirectional meter that can measure electricity flowing both ways:
- Incoming electricity from the grid when your solar isn’t generating enough
- Outgoing electricity being exported to the grid when your solar produces excess power
The Metering Process
- Your solar installer or retailer arranges for a meter change through your electricity retailer
- Your retailer coordinates with a metering provider to install the new meter
- The metering provider schedules the installation (typically within 15 business days, but delays can occur)
Why Can't I Turn On My Solar Before the Meter Change?
Your solar system cannot be activated before the new meter is installed because:
- Old meters can spin backward when solar exports, leading to incorrect billing
- Without proper metering, there’s no way to measure and receive credit for your exported energy
- It’s a compliance and safety requirement from your distributor
Step 4: Testing and Compliance
Post-Installation Testing
After installation and meter replacement, several tests ensure your system is working correctly:
- Anti-Islanding Test: Ensures your system automatically disconnects during power outages (a critical safety feature)
- Export Limit Test: Verifies your system doesn’t exceed approved export limits
- General Performance Testing: Ensures all components work correctly
Documentation Submission
Your installer will submit:
- Electrical Work Request (EWR)
- Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES)
- Electrical Inspection Certificate
- Solar Small-Scale Technology Certificate (STC) forms
Step 5: Ongoing Requirements
Having solar connected to the grid comes with ongoing responsibilities:
System Maintenance
- Regular inspections every 5 years
- Maintaining compliance with technical standards
- Ensuring export limits continue to be observed
Approval for Changes
You must seek distributor approval before:
- Increasing your system size
- Changing export limits
- Removing or significantly modifying your system
Common Questions
How long does the approval process take?
Pre-approval typically takes 1-10 business days for standard residential installations, though larger systems may take longer.
Can my application be rejected?
Yes, applications can be rejected if:
- The local network cannot support additional solar exports
- Technical requirements aren’t met
- Documentation is incomplete
What if I want to install a battery system too?
Battery systems may require additional documentation and technical assessment during the pre-approval process.
What are feed-in tariffs and how do they relate to this process?
Feed-in tariffs are payments for electricity you export to the grid. While your distributor manages the connection process, your electricity retailer determines your feed-in tariff rates. However, any export limits set by your distributor will affect how much electricity you can export and therefore the benefit you receive from feed-in tariffs.
Conclusion
Understanding the solar connection process with CitiPower, Powercor, or United Energy helps you navigate your solar installation journey with clarity. While your solar installer manages most of these steps, knowing what’s happening behind the scenes allows you to ask informed questions and understand any delays or requirements.
Remember that while these distributors share similar processes based on their model standing offer, specific export limits and requirements may vary based on your location and network conditions.
For the most up-to-date information, visit your distributor’s website:
Disclaimer: This guide was last updated March 2025 and reflects current connection processes. Requirements may change over time, so always verify current procedures with your solar installer or distributor.
