Solar power application process
Connecting solar power to the Energex network requires the cooperation of several parties. Energex plays three key roles.
- To provide you with permission to connect to the network.
- To assess your eligibility for the Queensland Government Solar Bonus Scheme.
- To alter the metering at your premises, to allow any generation to be accounted for in your quarterly electricity bill.
The Frequently asked questions: your solar power and electronic meter (Form 8006) fact sheet provides general information about your solar power installation and the Energex metering. For more information on embedded generation greater then >5kW refer the the embedded generation process.
Step 1: Submit a Network Connection Application to Energex
Before you commence the installation of solar power at your business or premises, you must gain permission from Energex to connect to the network by making a Network Connection Application. This is to ensure your solar power installation does not adversely impact the Energex network or other customers.
Please note: You may not intend to export electricity to the network, however all solar power installations that have the capacity to export, must go through this process.
If you are completing a Network Connection Application for solar power post September 17, 2012, you (or someone on your behalf) can elect to ‘expedite’ the connection application process by ticking the 'expedite' box on the application form. By electing to ‘expedite’, you are agreeing to the model terms and conditions. No offer will be sent to you to accept, sign and return to Energex. However, you will still need to wait for advice from us before proceeding with the solar power installation.
You can request for your electrical contractor or solar installer to complete the Network Connection Application and agree to the terms and conditions of the connection on your behalf.
Step 2: Application assessment
Once you have submitted your Network Connection Application, Energex will:
- conduct a network technical assessment to determine the impact of your solar power installation on the network, and the size of the system you may connect.
- assess if you are eligible for the Queensland Government Solar Bonus Scheme.
Step 3: Connection Offer
If you elected to 'expedite' on your Network Connection Application:
- if approved, you will receive advice from Energex via mail or email, depending on what contact method you nominated in your application.
- if approved, you are deemed to have accepted this Network Connection Contract.
- once you have received this advice, you may proceed with your approved solar power installation.
If you elected not to 'expedite' on your Network Connection Application:
- if approved, you will receive a Network Connection Contract from Energex.
- once you are satisfied with the terms and conditions of the Network Connection Contract, you can accept either online or by signing and returning the Network Connection Contract to Energex.
Step 4: Engage your solar installer to commence the installation
It is important to note that your solar installer should leave your inverter switched off until the metering change has taken place. This is to ensure your meter does not inaccurately record consumption and therefore impact your electricity bill.
Step 5: If you are eligible for the Queensland Government Solar Bonus Scheme, advise your solar installer
When the electrical work has been completed at your business or premises, the electrical contractor must submit an Electrical Work Request (EWR). This is to advise Energex that the work conducted at your business or premises has been carried out in accordance with the required Australian Standards, and to nominate the work Energex now needs to undertake at your premises. The EWR also acts as your application for the Queensland Government Solar Bonus Scheme.
On receipt of the EWR, Energex sends a copy to the electricity retailer nominated on the EWR. You will need to advise your electrical contractor who your electricity retailer is.
Step 6: Electricity retailer work request to perform the metering change
Your electricity retailer will send Energex a request to conduct the necessary metering change at your premises. This advice must come from your retailer as the outcome of the metering change will impact your electricity bill.
Step 7: Metering change
Energex or your metering provider will arrange for the installation of your solar metering.
Energex will schedule the metering change at your business or premises, once we confirm the following:
- A Network Connection Contract exists (see steps 1-3).
- Receipt of the EWR from the electrician (see step 5).
- The work request from your nominated electricity retailer (see step 6).
The metering change will then be scheduled to be completed within 10 business days unless an alternative appointment is negotiated or an access appointment is required.
Step 8: Contact your solar installer to confirm your solar power installation is ready to be turned on
Once your inverter is turned on, your solar power can export electricity to our network. You are obligated to ensure your solar power continues to meet the safety and technical requirements outlined in the Network Connection Contract.
If you are eligible for the Queensland Government Solar Bonus Scheme, Energex will pay the Solar Bonus Scheme amount to your electricity retailer who will then pass this on to you via your electricity bill.
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