South Australia Solar Power System Grid Connection Rules & Process
Across Australia, Distributed Network Service Providers (DNSPs) – entities that own and maintain electricity networks – have different rules concerning inverter limits. In South Australia, there’s only one DNSP – SA Power Networks (SAPN). The following information is current as at September, 2024.
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Distributor |
Rules |
Source |
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SAPN
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Single phase: 10 kW inverter limit, flexible export limit of up to 10kW. (1.5kW export limit without flexible exports.) Three phase: 30 kW inverter limit, flexible export limit of up to 30kW. (4.5kW export limit without flexible exports.) Battery inverters don’t count towards phase inverter limit. Battery inverters have a separate additional limit of 10kW per phase on top of the 10kW solar inverter limit. Hybrid inverters with solar and battery connected count towards both limits. |
Flexible exports are now the default in South Australia. Depending on grid conditions, which can change through the day, these allow exports of up to 10kW per phase.
If flexible exports can’t be used, for example, if there’s no reliable internet connection, then a 1.5kW fixed export limit per phase applies.
Properties with a total of 30kW or less of both solar and battery inverters are classed as Small Embedded Generators.
Properties with a total of over 30kW but under 500kW of both solar and battery inverters are classed as Medium Embedded Generators and must meet additional requirements that add to the cost of the system.
SA Solar Grid Connection Process
In South Australia, it’s a fairly simple process to have your solar power system connected to the mains grid, with your solar installer doing much of the work in terms of paperwork.
1. Network Approval
Your solar installer will need complete an SA Power Networks Small Embedded Generator Request Form. For systems under 5kW, an approval number should be provided immediately and usually within 5 days for larger home solar systems.
2. Installer To Contact Your Energy Retailer
Your installer will send the SEG approval number along with other details to your energy retailer, who will arrange for your electricity meter to be changed.
3. Meter Installation Arrangements
Your energy retailer will then arrange with their own sub-contractors to install your electricity meter. This used to take 4-6 weeks, but varied depending on the retailer. However, under recent changes, the retailer must provide a meter installation for a new connection or perform a simple meter exchange by a date agreed on with you. In the absence of any agreement, the retailer is required to complete a simple meter exchange within 15 business days, or within 6 business days for a new connection.
Your solar power system can be installed before or after the meter is installed.
NOTE: The electricity retailer will not change the meter unless you have a meter isolator installed in your meter box. Most houses built before 2005 don’t have meter isolators. Your solar company should install a meter isolator for you free of charge.
4. System Installation
Once the system is installed and your meter is changed you can switch your solar power system on. Most retailers will be already aware that the system is on, but it doesn’t hurt to call your electricity retailer to confirm that the solar is up and running.
Sit back and enjoy the solar savings!
Note: You may wish to shop around for electricity details as feed-in tariffs can vary retailer to retailer – and bear in mind the best feed in tariff doesn’t always represent the best electricity deal overall for solar owners.