New South Wales Solar Power System Grid Connection Rules & Process

NSW has three electricity distribution networks:

• Ausgrid – Sydney metropolitan area – including northern and Eastern Sydney, Central Coast, Hunter
• Endeavour Energy – Greater Western Sydney, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, Illawarra, and South Coast
• Essential Energy – Regional NSW

To connect a solar system to an electricity network, permission from the relevant DNSP is required.

For a straightforward residential installation, the normal limits for inverter capacity and exporting power to the grid for automatic or streamlined approval are given below. 

Information on NSW DNSP inverter limits is current as of September 2026.

Flexible Vs. Fixed Exports

Flexible exports, also called dynamic exports, are gradually becoming the default for most NSW properties. It allow exports of up to 10 kW per phase, but when the grid receives more power than it can easily handle, the amount of power a solar and/or battery system can export is reduced.

Flexible exports require a reliable internet connection so your inverter knows when it needs to reduce exports.

In the past, most NSW homes had fixed exports that allowed them to export up to their limit at all times, even if the grid is under stress. If flexible exports are the default in your area, then opting out will give a low fixed export amount.

Because flexiable exports will normally allow much greater total energy exports, we recommend using them rather than opting out.

Hybrid Inverters Vs. Battery Inverters

Hybrid inverters let solar panels and a DC-coupled battery share the same inverter capacity. If a battery has its own separate AC-coupled inverter, that inverter’s capacity normally counts towards the total inverter capacity limit.

Installing Larger Systems

The table above gives inverter capacities and export limits for automatic or streamlined residential approval. Distribution networks may give permission for larger systems to be installed with potentially higher export limits, but this can require paying for a detailed assessment.

NSW Solar Grid Connection Process

It’s a relatively straightforward process in New South Wales to have a solar power system connected. Your solar installer will normally apply to the relevant distribution network for connection approval before installation. Small systems are often approved automatically or through a streamlined process. Larger or unusual systems may require technical assessment.

 1. Connect to Network Application Must Be Lodged

A connection application has to be lodged with your electricity distributor before the system is installed. Your solar installer normally handles this for you.

Avoid letting your installer install your system prior to sighting the Connection Contract Confirmation email/letter (Essential Energy), Permission To Connect letter (Endeavour Energy) or Job Number (Ausgrid- letter or email).

Straightforward applications may be approved immediately or within roughtly 5-10 business days. Applications requiring technical assessment can take longer.
Some of the essential information your electricity distributor will require are:

•  Your NMI (National Metering Identifier) Number found on any electricity bill for the property. This usually starts with the number “4” for NSW.
• If you have a single or three phase supply coming into your main switchboard. This can usually be confirmed if you send  a photo to the solar company if they have not yet conducted a site visit.
• The customer/account holder and contact details required by the relevant distributor.

2.  Installation

Once the solar installer you’ve chosen has provided you with the approval from your network to install your system, they will book you in for installation.

When the solar panels and inverter are in place, a qualified solar installer must test the completed system and electrical work and lodge a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW). This has to be submitted electronically through BCNSW eCert within seven days. Your installer is required to give you a copy — ask for it if they don’t.

If your meter needs changing or reconfiguring, your installer should demonstrate to you that the solar system works. Then they should shut it down and instruct you on how to turn it on once your meter is ready.

3. Arranging Meter Change Over

Most NSW homes now have smart meters. If you don’t, your old meter will need to be replaced after solar is installed. If you have a smart meter and have solar installed for the first time, it will need to be remotely reconfigured to measure solar exports.

Your electricity retailer is in charge of  meter replacements and remote reconfigurations of smart meters. Any fees for a straightforward meter replacement should be low. 

Some retailers allow the solar company you have chosen to assist you in arranging this. Others require you to call and request a meter changeover. Your installer can advise you on what you need to do. 

If you need a new meter, your retailer will arrange the job through its appointed Metering Coordinator or Provider (the people who do the actual meter changeover). They will normally contact you via phone, letter or email to notify you of when the planned meter changeover will take place.

Note 1:  Metering providers/installers in NSW may not complete a meter changeover if there are issues that can include:

• Your meter box is primitive/old and has wiring issues. Be sure to seek the advice of an electrician or even the solar company.
• Your meter box is difficult to access. Ensure your contact details with your retailer are current if it is behind a gate or locked. Also, ensure it is clear of trees and shrubs and that your dogs are kept away from the work area.
• Your meter board contains asbestos that requires major drilling –  this is an issue for homes built prior to 1990 in NSW.
• There is not sufficient space to install the new smart meters being rolled out across NSW.

Your solar installer can advise you if your switchboard is likely to have an issue. You can also have an electrician check it before arranging the meter changeover if you’re unsure.
 
Note 2: After arranging a meter changeover, don’t change your electricity retailer until it’s complete. Once you get solar, it’s important to check if you can get a better plan with a decent solar feed-in tariff from another retailer, but switching once a meter change is underway can cause delays.

4. Meter Installed – What Next?

Once your new meter is installed or an existing meter reconfigured, you can switch on your solar system. If you don’t feel confident about doing this you can contact your installer for assistance. 

If you haven’t already don’t so, you should check your electricity plan is suitable for a solar household, and change retailers to get one if you need to.

Once this has been completed, you are on your way to saving money on your electricity bills!