Information for solar retailers and installers

There are a number of requirements you must be aware of when applying for and installing a solar system. We’ve compiled the information below to assist you before you begin your installation.

Installer accreditation and licensing

To design or install solar or battery systems in Ausgrid’s network, you must:

• Hold current Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accreditation
• Have a valid NSW electrical licence
• Follow any additional manufacturer training requirements for the equipment you install

If you don’t currently hold SAA accreditation but believe you meet the required training standards, contact us to discuss your situation: connections.technical.enquiries@ausgrid.com.au 

Inverter installation

What to check before you install

Before purchasing or installing an inverter, make sure it:

• Is Common Smart Inverter Profile - Australia (CSIP-AUS) compliant
• Meets Technical Standard TS5573:2025 requirements
• Is configured to Ausgrid’s required inverter settings
• Is listed by the Clean Energy Council, or has written Ausgrid approval
• Installers are responsible for confirming compatibility before installation.  

Non‑compliant inverters will not be approved for connection to Ausgrid's network.  

Detailed technical requirements are set out in NS194.

NSW Emergency Backstop Mechanism (from late-2026)

From late‑2026, new and upgraded solar systems in NSW must be backstop‑enabled.

What this means for installers:

• Install CSIP‑AUS compliant equipment (all new and upgraded solar systems)
• Run a short commissioning test to confirm connectivity
• If internet is unavailable, apply a temporary low export limit until connectivity is provided

These requirements do not apply to:

• Existing solar systems
• Like‑for‑like replacements
• Embedded networks

Installers will be responsible for confirming compliance at installation. 

Find out more about the NSW Emergency Backstop Mechanism.

Systems that need to be emergency backstop enabled

The NSW Emergency Backstop Mechanism requirements will be phased in from November 2026, in parallel with the launch of the NSW Government’s Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Installer Portal, through which all new and upgrading solar systems up to 200 kW will be registered and commissioned.

Ausgrid has updated its Permission to Connect for solar installations to manage the phased transition of incoming requirements. Solar installers are responsible for installing rooftop solar systems in accordance with the approved Connection Contract and the Schedule of Site-Specific Conditions, which include: 

• Installing equipment that is compliant with the Australian Standard ‘Common Smart Inverter Profile – Australia’ (CSIP-AUS).
• Conducting a short capability test at the time of installation, confirming connectivity to Ausgrid’s utility server via the internet. The test is conducted using the NSW CER Installer Portal.

These requirements will not apply to existing rooftop solar systems. Exemptions will also apply to embedded network customers or those seeking a like-for like replacement (e.g. under a manufacturer’s warranty).

Where a premises lacks reliable internet connectivity, the new equipment must still be CSIP-AUS compliant. However, a low static export limit of 1.5kW per site must be configured by the installer at the time of installation, which will apply until connectivity is available. 

Multi-tenanted sites

Before submitting a connection application, confirm whether the site is:

• A duplex
• Units, villas or apartments
• Retirement villages
• Small industrial or commercial complexes

These sites often share upstream infrastructure.  Adding solar to one tenancy can affect the whole installation.

Before applying:

• Confirm the NMI is part of a multi‑tenant setup
• Consult the body corporate or asset owner if required
• Expect Ausgrid to assess network impacts at the shared connection point 

Embedded networks

For embedded networks:

• Applications must be submitted by, or with consent from, the embedded network owner or operator
• Applications must include all existing and proposed generation connected under the parent NMI
• Applications must include a CSIP-AUS compliant inverter and be registered in the NSW CER Installer Portal  
• Are exempt from other NSW Emergency Backstop requirements  

Understanding exports and export limits

Approved export limits represent the maximum allowed export (for a flexible export connection or a fixed export connection), not guaranteed output.

Actual export varies based on:

• On‑site self‑consumption
• The customers’ choice of a flexible export connection or a fixed export connection
• Participation in a third-party Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
• Loss of internet connection to the solar inverter
• Inverter behaviour under AS/NZS 4777
• Local voltage conditions

Voltage‑based export reduction is a normal and required feature to protect the network.

See Support for an existing solar system for more information.

Safety and compliance

As the installer, you’re responsible for:

• Completing electrical safety testing
• Submitting a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) within 7 days

Inspections

Ausgrid audits some installations after connection. These inspections may occur months after install due to volume. Unsafe systems may be disconnected immediately. 

Common installation issues to watch for

Correct design upfront reduces delays, defects and rework. Installers should pay particular attention to:

• Internet connectivity
• Voltage rise compliance
• Main switchboard suitability and compliance
• Battery placement requirements
• Additional protection requirements for large systems