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Up to 30kW connections

If you’d like to know more about the recent changes to our solar, battery and other generation connection process, click here.

This page is for you if you are an Installer, Solar Retailer or Registered Electrical Contractor (REC)* and you are designing a solar and/or battery system that is:


  • Up to 10kW total inverter (solar and battery) capacity per phase and 5kW export (3.5kW for SWER)
  • Up to a maximum of 30kW total inverter capacity and 15kW export across 3 phases.
  • Export limited (must comply with SOP 33-06)

Pre-approval to install a system is instant and free using the online pre-approval tool. 94% of applications that come through the tool are instantly approved; for those that do not, a manual application is required (see below for details).

If you wish to:

  • remove part of the system; or
  • add solar panels and batteries to your system,

please return this form to preapprovals@ausnetservices.com.au

If you want to install a larger system, please go back to the Renewable Energy page and select a different option.

We have a new Connection Agreement (Model Standing Offer) that applies as of 1 December 2019. All new inverters must have the power quality response mode settings, detailed in the MSO, applied at the time of installation.

*You must be an authorised representative of the customer.

Quick Actions



 

Timelines and process

 
0
Get pre-approval
Instant, if application accepted
1
Install system
2
Submit paperwork
Due - 65 business days after pre-approval
3
Meter reconfigured, ready to switch on
10 days from receipt of paperwork

  • Get pre-approval

    We are responsible for providing a safe and stable energy network (grid) for our customers and workers. This is why all new renewable energy installations must be approved by us.


    Our process

    You will need pre-approval from us before you can start installing the system for the customer.

    Instant pre-approval for systems up to 30kW capacity and 15kW export across 3 phases is available using our online tool.  Review the quick reference guide in the tool for more information

     

     

    Our requirements

    For systems with a total inverter capacity of up to 10kW per phase and export up to 5kW per phase (3.5kW for SWER), use our instant pre-approval tool.

    If the total inverter capacity is more than 10kw capacity and 5kW export per phase, please use the manual approval process

    Our basic terms and conditions for your connection are set out in our Model Standing Offer (MSO) which can be found here. 

    If you are applying for a customer, please ensure that you have obtained consent to accept offers on their behalf.

    Please note: Only Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved inverters will be approved for installation. Furthermore, inverters must also have power quality response mode capability in place (both volt-var and volt-watt) to ensure the installation complies with our network requirements. Furthermore, inverters must also have power quality response mode capability in place (both volt-var and volt-watt) to ensure the installation complies with our network requirements

     
     

    Costs

    There are no costs for this process until it's time for the meter to be reconfigured.

     

    Time frame

    Instant - if application is accepted.

    If your application is not approved through the instant tool, please use the manual approval process.

  • Install system

    Our process

    Once you have approval from us, you can install the system. For safety, the inverter must be left switched off until the meter has been reconfigured.

     

    Our requirements

    Please install your system within 65 business days of pre-approval. If your application expires before you install the system, please submit another application.

    The installed system must meet technical specifications as outlined in your Connection Offer. If you have modified your inverter within your pre-approved limit, you may be able to update this information in the post-installation tool. 

    Please ensure that you have noted down panel and battery information so that it can be provided post-installation.

    An electrical inspector must inspect the installed system and complete a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES) with you.

     

    Costs

    The cost for electrical safety inspection is set by the electrical inspector.

     

    Time frame

    65 days - to complete the installation and submit the final paperwork before our pre-approval expires.

  • Submit paperwork

    Our process

    Before we can allow your customer to generate their own energy, you will need to finalise your paperwork including:

      1. Completing a CES for the site
      2. Completing an EWR for the site
      3. Completing the AusNet post-installation form

    We will then reconfigure your customer's meter. The system must remain switched off until this is complete.

     

    For any applications submitted before 27th of February, please submit your application using the EG Connection form

    Our requirements

    You must complete and submit the AusNet post-installation form to confirm what has been installed at site. 

    We validate this information so that we’re happy to safely connect you to the grid, as well as satisfy our obligations to AEMO with regard to the DER register.

    You must send two forms to your customers energy retailer:

    • Electrical Works Request (EWR) form available from the Victorian SIR website.
    • Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES), which your electrical inspector will purchase from Energy Safe Victoria.

    Help keep things moving by checking the addresses, names, phone numbers and installation details are correct. 

    We will contact you if there are any issues with your paperwork. 

     

    Costs

    There are no costs for this part of the process.

     

    Time frame

    10 business days - Following receipt of the completed paperwork from your retailer for us to approve the the final installation and complete the meter update.

  • Meter reconfigured - ready to switch on

    Our process

    Once we receive the service order from the retailer, we will then reconfigure the customer’s meter. This means data will now be recorded for energy generation as well as consumption.

    We will then send a text message to the customer to confirm that they are able to switch on their system, as well as sending a final letter to the customer to confirm their ongoing obligations with AusNet. You will also receive an email confirming that this change has been completed.

    Important: your customer will be moved on to a time of use network tariff as part of this change. It is important that you highlight this to them.

     

    Our requirements

    We require customers to have only one meter:

    • Smart meter - requires an electronic remote reconfiguration.
    • Non smart meter - will require a truck visit for manual reconfiguration.
    • More than one meter - will require a truck visit to consolidate them.
     

    Costs

    The customer is billed by their energy retailer, either:

    $30.56 for electronic meter reconfiguration; or

    $364.27 excl GST for a truck visit (if required)

    Please note: these are our costs, your retailer may also add cost.

     

    Time frame

    10 business days - electronic meter reconfiguration.

    20 business days for truck visit - this will be arranged with you.

  • Instant approval for <30kw system rejected – what now?

    There are a number of reasons why an application may not be eligible for the instant approval tool.

    If your application cannot be managed automatically, or you want to have your application reviewed by one of or technical assessors, you can apply for pre-approval through our manual process.

    Our process

    • Submit the online pre-approval form with your request details and Single Line Diagram (SLD) to us.
    • Pay invoice.
    • We will complete a technical assessment (allow up to 65 business days).
    • Accept your Connection Offer.
    • Install your system within 65 business days.
    • Complete the post-installation form online.
    • You will then be required to submit your EWR and CES to your customer's electricity retailer.
    • Once we have received this completed paperwork we will reconfigure your customer’s meter.

     

     


    Our requirements

    During assessment our technical assessors are doing the following:

    • Checking your pre-approval application form
    • Assessing the effects of your proposed design on the network and if there is capacity to host your system
    • Assessing if your SLD meets requirements

    If your system is export limited, please make sure it complies with our Standard Operating Procedure 33-06.

    Only Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved inverters with power quality response mode settings in place will be approved for installation.

     

    Cost

    Assessments cost:

    • $155.66 (excl. GST) for systems up to 15kW
    • $206.37 (excl. GST) for systems over 15kW and up to 30kW
     

    Timeframe

    65 business days - to assess the application after payment of invoice

    65 business days - to install your system and submit paperwork

    20 business days - to reconfigure the meter