Queensland Solar Power System Grid Connection Rules And Process

A Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) is an entity that owns and maintains an electricity network – and their permission is required before connecting a solar system to their networks.

Queensland has two: Energex in South-East Queensland and Ergon Energy in Regional Queensland. They have the same connection requirements on the main grid, which serves over 99% of Queenslanders.

The following table lists connection types, inverter capacity limits, and export limits.  With hybrid inverters, the solar system and batteries will share the same solar inverter capacity. But some batteries have their own battery inverter capacity, and this can have its own separate allowed capacity. 

The following information for QLD is current as of September 2026.

Energex and Ergon specify inverter limits in kVA (kilovolt ampere) and not the kW (kilowatts) given above. While it’s important for installers to know the difference, because they are generally equal, homeowners normally only need to think in terms of kW for solar and battery systems.

Dynamic Vs. Fixed Connections

When households have solar installed, they can choose between dynamic and fixed connections. We recommend dynamic connections because they generally allow for greater exports.

SWER Lines

Properties outside of major towns and cities may be on SWER (Single Wire Earth Return) lines. 

Hybrid Inverters Vs. Battery Inverters

Many battery systems use a hybrid inverter that handles both solar PV and battery power. On a single-phase Queensland connection, a hybrid inverter is generally limited to 10kW.

With a fixed connection, the total inverter capacity on single phase is limited to 10 kW. For example, a 5 kW solar inverter plus a separate 5 kW battery inverter would total 10 kW.

A dynamic connection is different. On single phase, Energex and Ergon allow separate allocations of up to 10 kW for PV and 10 kW for energy storage, potentially allowing 20 kW of total inverter capacity. However, a single hybrid inverter remains limited to 10 kW.

On three-phase connections, the limit is 10 kW per phase and 30 kW in total, with a phase-balance requirement that there can’t be more than a 5 kW difference in inverter capacity between phases.

Systems outside these limits may require assessment under a different connection standard and a negotiated connection. Approval is not guaranteed.

QLD Solar Grid Connection Process

Before you go ahead with your solar power installation in Queensland, a network application is required to be lodged. Your solar installer will normally handle the paperwork to get approval to connect the system to the grid, but you will generally need to contact your electricity retailer yourself to organise a meter change, if necessary, and make sure you have an electricity plan with a solar feed-in tariff.

1. Lodge Network Connection Application

A Connect Application must be submitted before installation. Your installer will normally do this for you, although homeowners can submit an application themselves. Eligible Basic Connection applications can be expedited, allowing the connection contract to commence when the application is submitted. If a Basic Connection application is not expedited, Energex and Ergon generally provide an offer within 10 business days. Applications requiring a negotiated connection or technical assessment can take longer.

2. System Installation

Once the connection application has been accepted and the connection contract made, the system can be installed.

3. Post-Installation Paperwork

Once the system has been installed, your installer must submit an Electrical Work Request (EWR) within the period given in your connection contract. 

Except for testing purposes, the installer must leave the solar system switched off until your meter has been replaced with a smart meter, or remotely reconfigured if you already have a smart meter, so it can measure electricity exported to the grid. Before your installer leaves, they should demonstrate that the solar system works, shut it down, and explain how to turn it back on. 

4. Meter Installation

You must contact your electricity retailer to tell them about your new or modified solar system. If your electricity meter is old type with a spinning disk, it will need to be replaced with a smart meter. Some older digital meters will also need replacing. If you already have a smart meter, it will need to be remotely reconfigured to measure solar exports. Your retailer will arrange this through its metering provider.  

After this has been done, your solar system can be switched on. If you’re not confident about doing this yourself, contact your installer for assistance.

With that all done, you’re now ready for solar savings – but don’t forget about the feed in tariff!