Skip to content

Conditions of approval to connect an inverter energy system

The terms used in these conditions have the same meaning as in the Electricity Networks Access Code 2004.

1. The approved inverter system must not be connected after the expiry date recorded on the approval.

2. Approval is void should the application details be subsequently found to be invalid.

3. All installations must:

  • Have Western Power approved import/export metering
  • Be installed as detailed in the approved application (including diagrams) and, if special operating conditions are applied, to comply with the conditions before commissioning
  • Have switches/breakers installed to legislative and network operator requirements

4. For new installations:

  • New inverters must have volt-var response mode enabled with settings as per the Network Integration Guidelines (effective 9 August 2019)
  • New inverters must have active anti-islanding protection tested to and compliant with IEC 62116
  • New inverters must have volt-watt power quality mode enabled with default settings as per AS/NZS 4777.2:2015
  • New and existing inverters must balance across supply phases to Western Power’s requirement as outlined in the Network Integration Guidelines
  • The setting for “sustained operation for voltage variations” must not exceed 258 V as per AS/NZS4777.2:2015 clause 7.5.2
  • Inverter system design must be for a maximum voltage rise within the installation of less than 2% or 4.8 V as per AS/NZS 4777.1:2016
  • All non-VDRT capable inverters must be installed and commissioned before 1 July 2021 even if the approval expires after that date. (effective 24 May 2021)
  • New inverters, in addition to being compliant with AS/NZS 4777.2:2015, must be compliant with the Short duration undervoltage response test procedure published by AEMO. 

5. Installations with a battery must comply with Western Power’s requirements set out in the Battery Inverter System Requirements document or the Network Integration Guidelines when it supersedes the battery document.

6. All electrical installation, commissioning and maintenance work wherever required must be carried out by an electrical contractor licensed under the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations, 1991.

7. Western Power may inspect the installation from time to time to ensure continued compliance with these requirements. If we consider that the installation poses a threat to safety, to quality of supply or to the integrity of the distribution system we may disconnect the equipment.