Approval to connect a solar PV system
Western Power is responsible for approving the connection of new solar PV systems to the South West Interconnected Network. A system can be only be connected once all of the applicable connection eligibility criteria have been met.
Please refer to the 'Solar PV connection process' fact sheet for information on the solar PV connection process.
A solar PV (photovoltaic) system, the most common of the Embedded Generation Systems, converts solar energy into electricity.
When a Embedded Generation System is connected, it has the potential to increase the amount of power flowing into the network.
To ensure power quality, reliability of supply and prevent a network capacity overload, Western Power must be advised of, and approve the connection of, all new systems.
In some areas, the connection of new Embedded Generation System is subject to Western Power completing network upgrades or installing new infrastructure to ensure the network capacity is large enough to service community and business demand.
The approval process to connect your Embedded Generation System to the network depends on the size of your system and the capacity of the network in the suburb or region where it will be installed.
How to apply?
Please select the relevant size Embedded Generation system you plan to install to view the application process:
- Solar PV systems under 3 kW (notification only required for most systems - 24 hour response time)
- Solar PV systems >3 kW to ≤ 30 kW (requires technical review and approval - takes approximately 30 days)
- Solar PV systems >30 kW (requires network study and technical review - extended time required)
Installation Process
The Electrical Contractor (EC) installing the Embedded Generation system must lodge an EnergySafety Notice with Western Power with details of the system installed.
This may be done via our online ETIC system* or by submitting a paper notice with Notification of Inverter Energy System Connection Details form (PDF 184kb).
*Notices submitted via our online ETIC system do not require the paper form, as the information is captured within ETIC.
For more information
Contact our Customer Service Centre on 13 10 87 or email enquiry@westernpower.com.au.
To view PDF files you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
