{"id":77278,"date":"2023-07-26T09:44:10","date_gmt":"2023-07-26T00:14:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?p=77278"},"modified":"2025-12-18T15:55:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T06:25:51","slug":"outsmarting-solar-connection-limits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/outsmarting-solar-connection-limits\/","title":{"rendered":"Outsmarting Solar Connection Limits With Semi-Off-Grid Appliances"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Maximizing<\/p>\n

Network-imposed solar system size limits can sometimes squash our dreams of tiny bills, but Glen from Perth has discovered a game-changing solution.<\/p>\n

Bucking traditional constraints, he’s unlocked a brilliant strategy many haven’t considered.<\/p>\n

Step into a future where living large doesn’t mean large bills: as we dive deep into the untapped potential of semi-off-grid appliances.<\/p>\n

Glen’s Solution: Going Semi-Off-Grid with Hybrid Solar Appliances<\/h2>\n

Glen, a retired engineer from Perth, installed rooftop solar in 2010. Western Power permitted only a 5kW inverter at that time, distributed over three phases. To harmonise with the grid, Glen split the 5kW between a 2.0 kW inverter and a 2.8 kW inverter on separate phases.<\/p>\n

But rules change. Now, Western Power allows just 3kVA per phase for single-phase solar inverters<\/a> on a 3-phase setup. Without any updates, Glen is nearing his inverter capacity on two of those phases.<\/p>\n

\"Western

Western Power maximum basic EG (embedded generator) system capacity and export limits. Image: Western Power<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Batteries First, But Glen Soon Realised: More Solar was the Answer<\/h2>\n

In 2021, Glen added a Powerwall 2 battery<\/a>. Just five months later, he installed another. This meant a 2.8 kW inverter with a 13.5 kWh Powerwall on one phase and a 2 kW inverter with a 13.5 kWh Powerwall on another. Seems excessive? While Glen stands by his choice, one could argue he missed the mark.<\/p>\n

With limited solar on each phase, an extra battery didn’t up his solar intake. The numbers for a second battery just didn’t add up. Glen’s flat rate tariff, smaller rooftop system, and daytime power usage as a retiree pointed to one solution: more solar panels<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Aware of this and nearing his limit on two phases due to Western Power’s rules, Glen faced a choice. He could add a 3kW system to the third phase or overhaul his existing setup for a new 3-phase inverter and solar arrays, fitting within the 5kW per phase rule.<\/p>\n

Glen chose a unique path.<\/p>\n

Solar Powered Hybrid AC\/DC Air Conditioners<\/h3>\n

In his search for answers, Glen uncovered air conditioning<\/a> units that run on either grid AC, or DC from a dedicated solar array. These hybrid air conditioners1<\/a><\/sup>, without any ability to sync or return power to the grid, neatly and legally evade DNSP grid connection rules<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Glen highlighted the appliance’s versatility with its three distinct operating modes:<\/p>\n