Ausgrid is NSW’s largest DNSP, serving Sydney, the Hunter, and the Central Coast. Its 10 kW single-phase export limit is among the more generous in Australia, and its online application portal is relatively straightforward for residential and small commercial connections. This guide covers everything an installer needs to know before submitting a solar connection application to Ausgrid.
Ausgrid’s Territory
Ausgrid’s network covers approximately 1.7 million customers across:
- Sydney metropolitan: Inner city, eastern suburbs, north shore, northern beaches, western suburbs, southwest Sydney
- Hunter region: Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Dungog
- Central Coast: Gosford, Wyong, surrounding areas
Customers in outer western Sydney (Penrith, Blue Mountains, Campbelltown, Wollongong area) are served by Endeavour Energy, not Ausgrid. If unsure, the customer’s NMI (National Meter Identifier) on their electricity bill can be used to confirm which DNSP serves their address — Ausgrid’s portal will also verify this.
Technical Requirements for Solar Connection
Inverter approval: The inverter must be on the CEC-approved list under AS 4777.2:2020. Ausgrid does not approve inverters separately — the CEC list serves as the approved list.
Inverter settings: Default AS 4777.2:2020 settings apply for most Ausgrid connections. Ausgrid does not typically require non-default volt-watt or volt-VAR settings for standard residential connections. Check Ausgrid’s current technical requirements document for any updates.
Export control: For systems where export will exceed 10 kW (single-phase), the inverter must be configured with export power limiting to hold export at 10 kW maximum. This requires either a smart meter with real-time monitoring connected to the inverter or a CT clamp on the main supply cable.
Single-line diagram: Required for systems above 5 kW or those requiring technical review. The SLD should show: inverter location, DC and AC string configuration, main switchboard connection, and export metering point.
System Size Categories and Requirements
| System Size | Application Complexity | Smart Meter | Export Limit Config | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 kW (single-phase) | Standard | Bi-directional meter (not smart) | Not required | 5 business days |
| 5–10 kW (single-phase) | Standard with smart meter | Required | Generally not required | 5–10 business days |
| Above 10 kW (single-phase) | Non-standard | Required | Required (limit to 10 kW) | 10–20 business days |
| Above 30 kW (three-phase) | Commercial study | Required | May be required | 20+ business days + study |
Smart Meter Requirements
For systems above 5 kW, Ausgrid requires a smart meter (advanced meter) that:
- Records export and import at 30-minute intervals
- Communicates remotely (allows Ausgrid to read data remotely)
- Is installed by an accredited meter installer
How to arrange the smart meter: The customer requests a smart meter from their electricity retailer (the retailer manages meter deployment in NSW under the metering contestability framework). The retailer arranges installation with an accredited meter installer. This can add 2–4 weeks to the commissioning timeline if not arranged in advance.
Coordination: Coordinate the smart meter installation timing with the DNSP approval and system commissioning. The system should not export to the grid before the required metering is in place.
Export Limit Configuration
For systems where export limiting is required (above 10 kW single-phase):
- Install a revenue-grade smart meter or CT clamp at the grid connection point
- Connect the meter/CT to the inverter’s monitoring input (CAN bus, Modbus, or proprietary communication — depends on inverter)
- Configure the inverter’s export limit to 10 kW (or lower if specified by Ausgrid)
- Test the export limiting function before commissioning documentation is submitted
Document the export limit configuration in the commissioning record, including: meter/CT model, communication type, configured limit value, and test results.
Commercial System Requirements (Above 30 kW)
Commercial systems above 30 kW (three-phase limit) require a formal connection study:
- Ausgrid assesses the network’s ability to accept the additional generation at the connection point
- The study may take 4–8 weeks
- The outcome may include: full approval, approval with conditions (modified export limit, power factor requirements), or refusal if the network cannot support the connection
- Ausgrid may charge for the connection study (check current fee schedule)
For commercial systems approaching the 30 kW threshold, consider whether a three-phase connection (allows 30 kW export) vs single-phase (10 kW) is more appropriate.
Pro Tip: Verify the NMI Is in Ausgrid’s Territory Before Submitting
Ausgrid’s online portal requires a valid NMI from an Ausgrid customer. If the address is near the boundary between Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy territories, confirm the correct DNSP before starting the application — submitting to the wrong DNSP wastes time and delays the project. Use solar proposal software that includes DNSP identification to catch this at the design stage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ausgrid’s export limit?
10 kW for single-phase connections, 30 kW for three-phase. Systems above 5 kW require a smart meter.
How do I submit a solar connection application to Ausgrid?
Through Ausgrid’s online portal at ausgrid.com.au. You need the customer’s NMI, system details, inverter model, and CEC-accredited installer information.
How long does Ausgrid approval take?
Approximately 5 business days for standard residential applications, 10+ business days for larger or non-standard systems.
Does Ausgrid require specific inverter settings?
Default AS 4777.2:2020 settings for most residential connections. Check Ausgrid’s current technical requirements for any updates.
What if my system is above 30 kW?
A formal connection study is required. This takes 4–8 weeks and may have an associated fee. The study determines the approved export limit and any conditions.
