Choosing rooftop solar for your premises

Many people are now generating their own electricity using customer energy resources like solar panels, battery storage, electric vehicles and small generators. These resources can also export electricity to Essential Energy’s distribution network.

Connecting solar can affect other customers, so your solar retailer or installer must apply for a Connection Contract from Essential Energy before installing your system. This contract ensures the local network can support the additional energy you generate.

Maximising the value of your solar investment

Solar power systems turn sunlight into electricity using solar panels and an inverter. They can help you save on electricity bills, reduce environmental impact and generate renewable energy. Using as much of the solar energy you generate as possible will maximise the value of your investment in solar and reduce the need to buy energy from the grid.

Before buying a solar system, check with your solar retailer to make sure it meets Australian Standards and understand all costs, export limits and feed-in tariffs. For more details on the benefits of solar and considerations for installation, read the Clean Energy Council’s guide to buying solar.

Accredited solar installers and small-scale technology certificates

The person who designs or installs your small generation system must be accredited under the Solar Accreditation Scheme to be eligible for small-scale technology certificates which can help reduce the upfront cost of your system.

Accreditation ensures your installer is appropriately trained, has the skills to perform the work and is up to date with Standards and Regulations. You can find out more on the Solar Accreditation Australia website.

Roles and responsibilities when going solar

You may need to work with several parties to purchase, install and connect your new system. Here is an overview of who does what:

Energy retailers:

• Provide competitive energy offers and agreements
• Set-up energy rates for import, export and time of use
• Bill customers for their energy and apply any rebates
• Arrange installation of smart metering.

Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) Accredited Installers:

• Design systems, including customised generation systems
• Install systems (and must have an electrician’s licence).

Electrical contractors:

• Complete general wiring and installation work but do not perform any works to connect the installation to the distribution network.

Level 2 Accredited Service Provider (ASP):

• Connect systems to the electricity distribution network.

Essential Energy:

• Receive and assess connection applications, approving the new and upgraded solar systems to be connected to our electricity network
• Perform connection inspections and system audits
• Collects data readings for the National Electricity Market (NEM).

The installation, connection and metering of your small generation system must comply with:

• NSW Service and Installation Rules
• AS3000 Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules
• National Electricity Rules.

Find an approved solar retailer

You can search the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) approved sellers list to find details of trusted providers of solar, battery storage, EV chargers and more in your local area.

NETCC is governed by peak industry and consumer bodies, administered by the Clean Energy Council and reviewed by industry and consumer experts. Approved sellers meet high consumer protection standards, ensuring you get reliable and safe new energy technology.

Find an accredited installer

You can check whether your installer is accredited on the Solar Accreditation Australia website.

NSW Government Department of Climate and Energy Action provide lists of qualified Accredited Service Providers, including Level 2 ASPs for new connections from existing mains to your property.

Under the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 (NSW) it is your responsibility to ensure your small generation system is kept in a safe and serviceable state. Servicing and maintenance of your small generation system must be carried out by an appropriately qualified person, generally this would be a Solar Accreditation Australia approved installer.

What can be connected to Essential Energy’s network

Subject to approval, any small generation or energy storage device that meets Australian Standards (AS4777 Grid Connection of Energy System via Inverters) can be permanently connected to the national electricity network, including Essential Energy’s distribution network. Frequency and voltage ranges are then applied to ensure a safe, reliable supply based on Network Capacity considerations.

How to connect solar, small generators and battery storage

To connect to Essential Energy’s distribution network, a connection application needs to be submitted via the Essential Connections portal and approved by Essential Energy before the solar or battery storage systems can be installed.

Before you commit to purchasing or upgrading a small generator or storage device, it is important to understand all costs associated with system installation, including system costs, metering costs and if applicable, any network upgrade requirements.

Visit our Getting Started page for an overview of the application process for new and altered connections, including for solar and battery storage.

Contact your retailer regarding metering requirements and a Level 2 ASP if any network upgrades are required. If your system is approved by Essential Energy, you will need to work with your retailer to arrange the installation of your system and any required metering.

Obtaining a copy of your connection application and contract

The person who submits your connection application on your behalf (usually a solar retailer or installer) will provide your contact details in the application. They can advise you on the status of your application at any time by logging in to the Essential Connections portal.

The person who applies for your connection will receive the connection contract via email and/or SMS. You can request a copy from your solar retailer or installer.

Once Essential Energy has assessed your application, we will issue a Connection Contract Confirmation which includes the appropriate Model Standing Offer and a Schedule of Site-Specific Conditions.

If you would like to find out the status of your application or you have not been able to get a copy from your retailer, contact Essential Energy on 132391 (option 2).

Customer rights and obligations for connections

View a summary of your rights and obligations concerning connection of your solar, small generator or battery storage devices.

Fixed export limits

A fixed export limit is a cap on how much excess electricity your solar system can send back to the grid if your panels produce more energy than you can use. Essential Energy will offer you an export limit based on the details provided in your connection application and the local network capacity.

Embedded generation systems (including solar photovoltaic or PV) in Essential Energy’s network area generally have a fixed export limit of 5kW for single phase systems and three-phase systems. In some areas, a lower limit may apply.

Why Essential Energy limits exports to the network

Essential Energy has fixed export limits to maintain grid stability and reliability, ensuring all customers are not negatively impacted by newly installed solar systems.

Originally designed for one-way energy flow, the grid now needs to manage two-way energy flows of generation from rooftop solar installations. This can increase the risk of grid instability, including reverse power flows, voltage fluctuations and power quality issues.

Export limits help prevent voltage instability and network overloading, preventing customer outages and damage to assets.

Essential Energy implement export limits to help manage these flows while allowing more renewable energy supply to be connected to the grid.

Your approved export limit

To obtain an export limit, your solar retailer or installer will typically submit a connection application on your behalf.

The approved export limit for your system can be found in your Connection Contract under the Schedule of Site-Specific Conditions. An application can be made for a higher limit, which will be assessed based on the local network capacity.

Upgrading to a larger system or changing an existing system

Changes to an existing system have similar requirements to installing a new system. Your nominated installer or Level 2 ASP will be able to provide you with advice depending on the changes you’re planning to make.

Before you change your system size, you will need to:

1. Engage an installer to visit your premises and recommend a suitably sized system then receive an estimate inclusive of all costs.
2. Ensure a new Application for Connection to increase your system size has been submitted on your behalf to Essential Energy via the Essential Connections portal, then check you have received approval and a Connection Contract.
3. Contact an energy retailer regarding metering arrangements.
4. Speak to a retailer and make sure you understand what changes will occur to your existing energy rates.
5. Document all costs, charges and changes associated with your system change.

How flexible export limits work

Flexible export limits allow more excess solar energy to be fed into the grid when the network can accommodate it. With flexible exports, the export limits typically range from 1.5kW to 10kW per phase. The actual limit is adjusted throughout the day depending on the capacity of the distribution network.

Flexible export limits will be available for new and upgraded solar systems from late-2026.

Download the flexible export limits fact sheet

Who is eligible for a flexible export limit

Starting from late-2026, flexible export limits will be available for new and upgraded solar systems in NSW up to (and including) 200kW. Until then, rooftop solar systems in Essential Energy’s network area will continue to have a fixed export limit.

Why we need flexible export limits

Our energy grid, initially designed for one-way electricity flow, now needs to handle two-way flows from sources like rooftop solar and batteries. Essential Energy is implementing flexible export limits to help manage these flows and allow more renewable energy into the grid when there's capacity.

Flexible export limits benefit everyone with more affordable renewable energy.

The Emergency Backstop Mechanism

The NSW Government’s Emergency Backstop Mechanism is set to commence in late-2026 and is a key protection tool required by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to keep the power grid stable and reliable. It requires NSW distribution networks to temporarily reduce rooftop solar exports to the grid or pause generation only when instructed by AEMO during periods of high generation and low demand that could cause local or statewide power outages.

An emergency backstop is expected to be a rare event. AEMO will only instruct distribution network providers to activate an emergency backstop after it has taken all other actions to balance the grid and safely maintain your power supply.

The Emergency Backstop Mechanism provides the grid, solar industry and energy consumers in NSW with important benefits. These include grid stability, support for the growth of solar connections, technology that enables flexible export limits and decarbonisation of the grid.

Find out more on the NSW Department of Climate Change, the Environment, Energy and Water website.

Systems that need to be emergency backstop-enabled

Solar installers must make all new and upgraded rooftop solar systems backstop-enabled from late-2026 and register them in the NSW CER Installer Portal. Existing rooftop systems will not be affected.

The emergency backstop is a last resort to keep the power system secure under emergency conditions. It will only be actioned to keep the lights on if nothing else is working. An emergency backstop is expected to be a rare event.

If there isn’t a stable internet connection available at the premises, a new or upgraded solar system will still need to be compliant with the CSIP-AUS standard for solar inverters. A low, fixed export limit may apply until a reliable internet connection becomes available.

For more information visit the NSW Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

A list of compliant inverters can be found on the Clean Energy Council website.

Small scale solar connections

Below is a summary of the connection application process. More detail can be found on the Getting started with your connection page.

An Application for Connection needs to be accurately completed and approved before solar systems and batteries are connected to Essential Energy’s network. Applications are made through the Essential Connections portal. It is very important that all information provided in the application is correct including the connection customer’s contact details.

Once the Application for Connection is approved, Essential Energy will issue a Connection Contract Confirmation. The connection contract will include the relevant Model Standing Offer and any site-specific conditions. It’s important to install the system according to the Connection Contract. You must get a copy of the approved Connection Contract before starting the installation.

The system should be installed based on the Voltage Rise Calculation and/or Single Line Diagram submitted with the application. If you don't have these documents, ask the connection applicant for a copy before starting the installation.

If the system can't be installed according to the Single Line Diagram, a new Application for Connection with the revised documents must be submitted for reassessment by Essential Energy.

1. Submit the Application for Connection: please attach an accurate Voltage Rise Calculation and Single Line Diagram. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will be declined. If submitting on behalf of the customer, include customer contact number and email.
2. Receive Connection Contract Confirmation.
3. Review Connection Contract. Check conditions and export limits.
4. Contact the retailer to have the appropriate meter installed.
5. Submit an Intent to Connect (ITC) via the Essential Connections portal.
6. Install the system as per the Single Line Diagram. Install the inverter and apply the export limit where applicable. Installer to request a copy of the approved Application for Connection if they were not the original connection applicant.
7. Complete Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work (CCEW) clearly detailing work performed. Attach Voltage Rise Calculation and Single Line Diagram to CCEW. CCEW must be lodged within 7 days of installation.

See our ‘Connections Matrix’ article to check what forms need to be submitted.

Application process for multi-occupant sites (e.g. town houses, caravan parks)

In a multi-occupant site, there are quite often numerous solar systems connected to a private network. All systems supplied from the same connection point are to be included in the Single Line Diagram and the Voltage Rise Calculation. Applications must indicate multiple National Meter Identifiers (NMIs) on site.

Putting solar on a separate premises to the metered premises

Solar must be installed on the premises assigned to that NMI.

Responsibility for compliance

It is the installer’s responsibility to install the system in accordance with the approved Connection Contract and the Schedule of Site-Specific Conditions. If a non-conformance is found, details will be issued to the installer and the connecting customer.

Standards for inverters - CSIP-AUS compliant inverters and systems (AS/NZS 4777.2)

Solar inverters must comply with Australian Standards such as AS/NZS 4777.2 for safety and performance, and with the Common Smart Inverter Profile – Australia (CSIP-AUS) for communication with electricity distribution networks. CSIP-AUS is essential for effective communication with electricity distribution network providers.

Since February 2025, it is mandatory for all low voltage inverters to be compliant to AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 and installed in compliance with AS/NZS 4777.1:2024. It is important to check with your system provider to confirm the option you select meets current Australian Standards before committing to your purchase.

You can find a list of CSIP-AUS compliant inverters on the Clean Energy Council website.

Compliance with the Connection Contract

Essential Energy monitors the distribution network for compliance. If a non-compliant installation is identified, the system may be disconnected until the non-conformance is rectified.

Inspections

Essential Energy may choose to inspect your system. In certain circumstances, systems energised and connected to our distribution network may be deemed unsafe if they do not comply with the NSW Service and Installation Rules, Australian Standards and Essential Energy’s requirements. This may result in disconnection from Essential Energy’s distribution network.

If power quality issues are identified that may be associated with solar, small generator or battery storage installations, further investigation will be carried out.

For further information about the connection process call us on 132391.

Voltage rise calculations

As per the NSW Service and Installation Rules, any system greater than 3kW in a rural area or 5kW in an urban area must have a compliant Voltage Rise Calculation attached with the Application for Connection. The Voltage Rise Calculation needs to include all generating systems installed at the site and connected to the same connection point.

Export limits are informed by the Voltage Rise Calculations supplied by the installer. Export limits are essential to ensure a safe and reliable network is maintained and should not be exceeded.

Technical notes for installers

• Generators connected to the network via a delta/star transformer with the delta on the network side may have their neutral directly connected to earth (i.e. via a Multiple Earthed Neutral or MEN link). Effective isolation of this neutral may be required to inhibit the flow of harmonics through the neutral and the generator’s method to limit harmonics must be discussed and agreed to by Essential Energy. The use of 4-pole switching may be required if the generator can operate in standby mode.
• Solar installations above 100kW using multiple inverters will generally require an upstream circuit breaker with appropriate protection (including anti-islanding) to ‘back-up’ the individual inverter protection.
• All multiple inverter installations must have a single point of isolation at their connection (aggregation) point.
• For ‘non-inverter’ generation systems i.e. synchronous and induction machines, a protection report prepared by a protection engineer, including a maintenance plan if battery storage is incorporated will be required.
• The power factor of the customer’s installation must meet the minimum requirement of 0.9 lagging to unity as required under the Service and Installation Rules of NSW. For inverter-based systems Essential Energy may require the inverters to be set to leading power factor in some situation.

Backstop enabled systems

‘Backstop enabled’ rooftop systems can communicate with the distribution network’s utility server over the internet and receive signals that temporarily reduce exports or pause generation when AEMO instructs an emergency backstop.

A rooftop solar installation will be considered backstop enabled if:

• It contains CSIP-AUS compliant equipment approved and listed by the Clean Energy Council
• It successfully passes a capability test confirming connectivity to the distribution network provider’s utility server via the internet. The test is conducted using the NSW CER Installer Portal.

This also means the rooftop solar system can receive signals for flexible export limits, which can increase solar exports above fixed (or static) limits when local grid conditions permit.

Prior to the late-2026 introduction of the Emergency Backstop Mechanism in NSW, solar installers will receive training on the installation of backstop-enabled systems.

NSW Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Installer Portal

The CER Installer Portal will be a single, smart digital compliance platform for new and upgraded rooftop installations up to (and including) 200kW. Use of the portal will be phased in from late-2026.

The portal will ensure that all new and upgraded rooftop solar systems up to (and including) 200kW:

• include solar inverters that comply with a new standard (CSIP-AUS) enabling them to be ‘backstop enabled’
• are accurately registered with the NSW Government, relevant distribution network provider and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
• can undergo a capability test validating they are ‘backstop enabled’.

For more information visit the NSW Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

For solar and battery installations, specific metering requirements need to be met so that solar generation and consumption can be accurately tracked.

Contact your electricity retailer to find out what type of meter you need and any costs associated before you purchase solar or battery storage.

Customers

For general enquiries regarding solar connections complete the online Contact us form or call 132391 (option 2).

Solar retailers and installers

Visit the Essential Connections portal
Log in for ASP/ECs | Log in Solar retailers, retail customers, developers
Call 132391 (option 2) to speak with our Essential Connections team
Email enquiries to [email protected]

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)

Email [email protected]

For more information

Find an ASP
Find an accredited installer

Keep reading

For more information about preparing a Consumer Energy Resource Connection Application, please visit our Support page.

The NSW Government’s Emergency Backstop Mechanism will require all new and upgrading solar inverters to have a software communication client compliant with the Australian Standard ‘Common Smart Inverter Profile – Australia’ (CSIP-AUS). From late-2026 the version of CSIP-AUS in force will be Standards Australia Technical Specification SA TS 5573:2025.

Essential Energy will not require original equipment manufacturers (OEM) or aggregators to specifically test and certify their products against our network’s utility server.

As well as selecting an inverter that is CSIP-AUS compliant, OEMs and aggregators operating in NSW and the ACT must onboard with each relevant distribution network before the inverter can be installed and commissioned. The onboarding process will enable OEMs and aggregators to receive the digital certificates necessary for an inverter’s software communications client to communicate with Essential Energy’s utility server.

This process will be common across all NSW and ACT distribution networks. Download the NSW/ACT Utility Interconnection Handbook for detailed information about the onboarding process.

The onboarding process includes:

1. Application: The OEM or aggregator must complete this form
2. Preliminary approval
3. Basic communication test
4. Full application: The applicant must complete Part B of the ‘Utility Server Access Agreement’ in the NSW/ACT Utility Interconnection Handbook. This includes declarations that the applicant has read, understood, and will abide by:
   • The Common Cyber Security Requirements for DER
   • The NSW/ACT Common Conditions of Connection to CSIP-AUS Utility Servers (document currently under development)
5. Approval and onboarding.

To find out the latest project information, including timing and key dates, visit the NSW Government’s Emergency Backstop Mechanism and CER Installer Portal webpages .

Technology providers, OEMs or aggregators with further questions on the use of CSIP-AUS for the NSW Emergency Backstop Mechanism in the Essential Energy area can also email [email protected].

Published documents

• NSW/ACT Utility Interconnection Handbook
• Common Cyber Security Requirements for DER

Useful links

• Clean Energy Council – Inverters with software communication clients
• Australian National University – National CSIP-AUS testing and certification service
• About CSIP-AUS
• Standards Australia Store – SA TS 5573:2025
• NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water