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We encourage everyone to use our online services or contact an electrical contractor or solar installer to submit on your behalf, as this is the quickest way for us to assist.
However, we have printed versions of our enquiry form and connection application form that we can send to you. Give us a call on our general enquiries number to request a form.
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If you are considering buying a solar PV system and your electrical installation is wired for 3-phase, or could be economically upgraded to 3-phase, we encourage you to consider the benefits of installing a 3-phase inverter, particularly for inverters rated above 3 kVA.
Although 3-phase inverters are more expensive than single-phase inverters, spreading the inverter capacity across more than one phase will likely result in more stable operation, with less problematic voltage excursions and nuisance tripping.
This may provide a higher output of PV generation and longer life for your PV system, leading to a better investment return.
More specifically, the connection standard requires that if your inverter will be rated greater than 10 kVA and/or will be set to export more than 5 kVA, then it needs to be a 3-phase inverter. A 3 phase inverter may be installed up to 15kVA with automatic approval.
If you have a 2-phase electrical installation, we encourage the use of two single-phase inverters to spread the inverter capacity across both phases.
The connection standards also require that if the voltage rise from the network connection point to the proposed inverter is above 2%, then a 3-phase inverter must be installed. If the electrical installation is not 3-phase, or unable to be made 3-phase, other actions will have to be taken to reduce the maximum voltage rise to 2% or less.
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You should ask the installer for a copy of the settings that have been applied and keep this as a record of compliance. The installer has an obligation, as your agent, to ensure the correct settings are applied in accordance with the connection standard and the network connection contract that you, or someone else on your behalf, entered into.
On the day of installation of your PV system, you need to be home, and should ask the installer to thoroughly brief you on the shutdown and restart procedures, fault signs that you should look out for, and all the components.
A failure to comply with the connection standard may result in poor operation of your inverter and elevated voltages in your home, both of which can have costly impacts (e.g. premature failure of appliances).
Where relevant, your solar retailer or installer should provide you with a copy of the network connection contract entered into on your behalf. You should familiarise yourself with the technical conditions, and particularly the obligations you have under that contract.
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Essentially, yes. Whenever changes need to be made to your system, the installer or electrical contractor is obliged under legislation to ensure all wiring and replacement components meet current standards. This could create additional costs above the cost to replace the failed component.
However, if the inverter is being replaced under warranty with one of the same brand, series and model, it doesn’t necessarily have to comply with current connection standard. If not under warranty, the replacement inverter will need to comply with the current connection standard.
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If you are planning to build a private microgrid, there are a few things you will need to consider. Read our microgrid factsheet to find out what you need to know before you start.
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We are not responsible for billing, your electricity retailer is responsible. However, there may
be one or more reasons for the bill changes:
- Your electricity usage has increased, e.g. you are using your air conditioner more than normal or you’ve had extra people in the house.
- Your PV system has generated less power per day over the winter or extended overcast period.
- Your PV system may be tripping off regularly, and subsequently staying off for short periods.
- Your PV inverter or other component may have a fault and may no longer be operating, even though your panels are still working. Look for a fault light, code or message on your inverter. If you discover a fault, contact your solar installer or an electrical contractor.
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Most applications do pass our assessment. If yours doesn’t, that means that your proposed system was unlikely to work effectively on our electricity network. Typically, the reasons may include one or more of the following:
- The configuration of your system is unsafe
- There are several other solar PV systems on the same network transformer as your premises
- Your local network transformer capacity is too small or other network components are unlikely to support your proposed system
- Your proposed system connection is a long distance from your network transformer
One of our technical advisors will advise you of any changes required to your application.
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If your application does not pass our technical study, that means that your proposed system was unlikely to work effectively on our electricity network. The reasons may include one or more of the following:
- There are a number of other solar PV systems on the same network transformer as your premises
- Your local network transformer capacity is too small or other network components are unlikely to support your proposed system
- Your proposed system connection is a long distance from your network transformer
- Your service line and/or electricity cables within your property boundary may be too long or not have enough capacity.
One of our technical advisors will advise you of any changes required to your application.
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This requirement reduces the voltage impacts of PV systems on the electricity network and helps many solar PV systems generate and export more electricity on average per day than they otherwise would have. For some PV systems, it will reduce the average daily generation and export volume by a small amount.
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You will need to know the following:
- The electricity account holder's details (the person/business on the electricity bill for the premises)
- The National Metering Identifier (NMI) which you can find on the electricity bill
- The address details (including lot and plan number, as on the council rates notice) where the system will be installed
- Technical details of your chosen system, such as:
- total capacity of the solar PV panels
- details of all inverters to be installed, including AC connected batteries
- number of electrical phases at the premises
- number of electrical phases the system will be connected to
- Name and contact details of the sales consultant
- Name and contact details of the system installer.