What is the process of applying for and connecting solar or other embedded generation?
Standby Generators (systems that typically only operate when providing backup during a network outage)
Applications no longer need to be submitted for Standby Generation that will never be connected in parallel with the network. These devices typically only operate during a network outage, and rely on a contact/switch to disconnect the load from the network supply before then connecting it to the back up generator, similarly the generator supply has to be disconnected prior to reconnecting the load with the network supply. Manual Transfer Switches (MTS) and Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) are typically used for this function. Requirements for these systems are provided in section 8 of the NSW Service and Installation Rules and also in Australian Standard AS/NZS 3010
Standby Generators (systems that can synchronise and connect in parallel with the network for up to 1 second)
This system is commonly known as Synchronise – Close – Transfer – Trip (SCTT), and is typically used to allow a backup system under a current network outage to transfer its load back to the network once the system senses that the network supply is stable. Section 8.4 of the NSW Service and Installation Rules allow for parallelling of the system for up to one second. Care needs to be taken in the design of these systems particularly with possible elevated fault currents whilst the network and generator are operating in parallel. Ausgrid requires applications to be submitted for all SCTT systems, by selecting ‘Standby’ within the Ausgrid connection application portal.
Any generating system which will be in parallel with the network for more than one second is classified as parallel generation (as per section 8.5 of NSW Service and Installation Rules) and needs to be designed in accordance with the relevant standards including Ausgrid Standard NS194. An application must be submitted within the Ausgrid connection application portal as a ‘parallel’ system.
All Solar/Battery Systems less than 5MVA
Rooftop solar panels and battery systems at residential and commercial premises typically fit into this category.
- Your Solar/Battery retailer will submit an embedded generation connection application to Ausgrid.
- Ausgrid will review the application for approval.
- Once your connection application is approved, your solar/battery retailer will arrange for an SAA accredited installer to complete the installation.
- You may need to organise a metering upgrade with your electricity retailer.
When you are ready to apply check the connection application guides and start your connection at 'Apply for a connection'.
Solar/Battery 30kVA or less (maximum of 10kVA per phase)
These applications are typically auto approved, and supporting documentation is typically not required. However, Ausgrid does conduct technical audits of these applications for compliance with the relevant standards.
Solar/Battery greater than 30kVA (10kVA per phase) and less than or equal to 200kVA
Single phase sites are allowed up to 30kVA of inverter capacity. However they must be export limited to no more than 10kW. The application must include information regarding how the system will be installed to enable the export limitation.
Three phase sites with more than 30kVA of inverter capacity (upto 200kVA) will have the option to either export limit the site to 30kW, or pay an additional fee for a network capacity assessment for any system capable of exporting more than 30kW. If export limiting is proposed then the application must include information regarding how the system will be installed to enable that export limitation.
Most systems up to an aggregate 200kVA capacity do not require interface protection to be installed. However, there are some exception such as Inverter Power Sharing Devices (IPSDs) that require interface protection for systems greater than 30kVA.
Solar/Battery greater than 200kVA
These are typically inverter energy systems with a total inverter capacity exceeding 200kVA and less than 5MVA. For more information see 'Connection non-registered embedded generation.'
Registered Generators
Refer to the connecting registered generator guideline (pdf) for information regarding connections made under Chapter 5 of the National Electricity Rules. Chapter 5 applies to generators that have a capacity greater than 5MVA and that will be registered with AEMO.
Solar PV System Grants available for Apartment Residents in NSW
In February 2025, the NSW government launched the Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) scheme. Owners’ Corporations can apply for funding to install shared solar systems on your apartment building, with the grants covering 50% of the cost. A total of $25 million in grant funding is available, with up to $150,000 per project. This financial support is provided by the Australian Government and the NSW Government. Find out more
Ready to start your application?
| If you are applying for a new solar connection or to modify an existing solar connection, apply online here. |
Who can help me with my application?
Having the right information on your application assists us with approving your application. Your Solar Installer is best placed to assist you. Ausgrid strongly recommends that an electrical professional submit the application on your behalf, as the information required can be quite technical. Incorrect information on your application may cause delays to connection approval.
Refer to the Connection Guide: Modifying a connection under 100 Amp for further support with your application.
Connection application approvals
Ausgrid is committed to processing connection applications within the target timeframes below. For applications that attract a technical assessment, timeframes can be impacted where additional information is required for the assessment.
*sum of all inverter nameplate ratings for each connection to the network.
Timeframes and fees
| Single Phase | Target Timeframes and typical fees (inc. GST) |
|---|---|
| Grid Connected Inverter Energy Systems up to 10kW total | 5 business days $23.30 |
| Grid Connected Inverter Energy Systems greater than 10kW (Up to 30kW total) | 10 business days $132.30 |
| Grid Connected Single Phase Inverter Energy Systems greater than 30kW | Not Permitted |
| Standby Only Generation (Rotating Machines and Inverters) upto 10kVA that utilises a 'Break Before Make' Automatic Transfer Switch or Manual Transfer Switch and is NOT connectable to the grid. | Application no longer required |
| Rotating machines that are greater than 10kVA and/or rotating machines that may connect in parallel to the grid | Please contact Ausgrid at eg@ausgrid.com.au with details of your proposal prior to submitting an online application. |
| Three Phase | Target timeframes and typical fees (inc. GST) |
|---|---|
| Standby Only Generation (Rotating Machines and Inverters) that utilises a 'Break Before Make' Automatic Transfer Switch or Manual Transfer Switch and is NOT connectable to the grid. | Application no longer required |
| Grid Connected Inverter Energy Systems up to 10kW per phase | 5 business days $23.30 |
| Grid Connected Inverter Energy Systems up to 200kVA that are export limiting generation to no more than 30kW across the site | 10 business days $132.30 |
| Grid Connect Inverter Energy Systems up to 30kVA that are used in conjunction with one or more Inverter Power Sharing Devices | 10 business days $297.31 (Partial payment at application, remainder will be invoiced) |
| Grid Connected Inverter Energy Systems up to 200kVA enabled to export more than 30kW across the site that do NOT require Interface Protection | 10 business days $559.44 (Partial payment at application, remainder will be invoiced) |
| Rotating machines that may connect in parallel to the grid for no more than one second (Synchrous Close Transfer Trip) | 10 business days $962.98 (Partial payment at application, remainder will be invoiced) |
| Inverter Energy Systems over 30kW up to 200kW that DO require Interface Protection (e.g. utilising Inverter Power Sharing Devices) | 10 business days $1118.21 (Partial payment at application, remainder will be invoiced.) |
| Greater than 200kW and up to 1MW Inverter Energy Systems or rotating generation greater than 30kW that may connect in parallel with the grid for one than one second | 24 business days $4830.80 (Partial payment at application, remainder will be invoiced.) |
| Greater than 1MW Inverter Energy Systems or rotating generation (any size) that may connect in parallel with the grid for more than one second | Variable. Dependant on size and complexity of connecting equipment. Fees quoted following initial assessment of application. |
If you haven't received your connection approval or further application fee advice within 10 business days, please contact:
Connection Operations on 02 4399 8099 or connectionapplication@ausgrid.com.au
Connection application FAQs
Why has my application been declined?
Ausgrid will decline applications for:
- requests to connect outside of the Ausgrid network area
- duplicate applications
- failure to identify a connection within a multi tenanted installation on the form
- incorrect entry of inverter information where the application details are incompatible with AEMO register requirements.
What does Ausgrid approve?
Ausgrid’s role is to consider the impact of any proposed solar/battery systems on the distribution network. The Service and Installation Rules of NSW require any solar or other embedded generation installation to gain Ausgrid’s written approval prior to energisation of the embedded generating system.
How is my electricity retailer involved in connecting my solar system?
Electricity retailers are responsible for metering and billing. There are various retail contract offerings that will impact your return on investment. For more information, visit 'Choosing a solar system'.
Meter upgrades
Customers may need to upgrade their meter to a Smart Meter when installing solar to ensure usage information is captured accurately for their electricity accounts. If you need to upgrade your electricity meter, you should contact your electricity retailer to arrange for appropriate metering to be installed. Your solar installer may support you with this process.
Safety inspections
Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work
It is important that you use a Solar Accreditation Australia accredited installer and ensure that you receive a copy of the Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) from the installer as a record that the appropriate electrical safety testing has taken place.
If you are having trouble with an existing solar and/or battery system, see support for an existing solar and battery system.
Installation audit and defect notices
Ausgrid may carry out audit inspections of solar and battery installations connected to our network.
Please note: Due to the large number of solar and battery systems being installed, it can take several months for our installation inspectors to visit your premises after your installation has been connected.
If any system is found to be unsafe, we will disconnect it immediately. The installation inspector will leave a notification of disconnection and details of the safety defect at the premises. For more information, see Electrical Installation Defects.
More information
Advice on what to consider when you are choosing a solar system
Support for your system after installation
Information for solar installers