An Embedded Generation Connection application is required to install a new inverter system, change or relocate existing inverters, or add another generation source such as batteries.
This application is for inverter systems with a connection limit up to 30kVA depending on the connection type:
- up to 5kVA standard single-phase connection
- up to 15kVA standard three-phase connection
- up to 30kVA LV connection
For systems greater than 30kVA or exceeding 10kVA per phase, refer to the Inverter system greater than 30kVA to 150kVA or Inverter system greater than 150kVA to 999kVA process.
Who can apply?
Homeowners are responsible for the connection of their inverter system to the Western Power network. However, you may authorise your solar system supplier to apply on your behalf - check with them to confirm what actions you need to take.
Permission from your strata company (if applicable)
If you have shared connection, as is common for strata developments, shopping centres and commercial tenancies you’ll need to consult with your management body before applying.
Embedded Generation Connections
A site evaluation is required to determine the optimal system suitable for the site.
If you’re a Synergy DEBS/REBS customer installing an inverter with a capacity of 5kVA or less, your solar provider will need to also determine the suitable control method (API Cloud Solution or Metering Solution) that is required for ESM during this evaluation.
Installing an embedded generation system (such as solar panels) to a connection point with a revenue and sub-meter arrangement may require the meter to be changed or reconfigured.
With the introduction of Emergency Solar Management (ESM), eligible new and upgraded inverters installed with a capacity of 5kVA or less will need to be capable of being remotely switched off during an extreme minimum demand event.
Visit Synergy for FAQs, fact sheets, installer checklist and the supported devices list.
Before applying, discuss your solar installation plans with your electricity retailer. They'll be able tell you how your system will affect your electricity account and meter.
If applicable, you will need to nominate a control method for emergency solar management as part of your solar application.
Your electricity retailer will provide a Retailer Reference Number (RRN) when your application is approved. This number is required for your connection application with Western Power.
Submit your application online
How much will it cost?
There is no fee for an Embedded Generation Connection Application. However, work may be required to ensure your connection meets Western Power Standards and Requirements.
We encourage you to discuss this with your solar provider and licensed electrical contractor.
How long will the process take?
Most applications are approved within an hour of submission. For applications requiring technical assessment - please allow 15 business days.
What information do I need to apply?
- Your Retailer Reference Number (RRN) displaying your control method for emergency solar management, if applicable.
- Technical details of your system, whether it be a new or upgraded inverter or adding to an existing system.
What is my connection type?
Our system will display whether the connection for your address is individual, shared or unknown. The connection type is important to us for assessing your application.
What is technical assessment?
You’ll be advised if your application is sent for technical assessment and if additional information such as site or single line diagrams are required.
How am I notified if my system is approved?
The applicant will receive a preliminary approval email from Western Power. Find out more about the conditions of approval to connect.
What can I do if my application is declined?
If your application is not approved, we’ll provide information on alternative options, whether to alter your proposed system or to modify your connection point. Once you’ve made the necessary changes you’ll need to submit a new Embedded Generation Connection Application.
Once your Embedded Generation Connection application is approved by Western Power your solar provider can install the equipment according to the approved application.
Important technical information for solar installers.
Meter Control
If your system is being meter controlled for ESM, your solar provider will need to understand the wiring and technical requirements involved. Find out more below:
If a meter change is required, a meter service order (for meter replacement, change or tariff or wiring requirements for ESM) will be triggered upon submission of Embedded Generation Registration form. The following information is required for the form:
- EGA Application Reference number
- New inverter serial number
- Circuit breaker rating – if required
Notice of Completion - allow at least three hours for the solar installer’s Notice to appear on the Western Power system.
Important: Submission of Embedded Generation Registration form will automatically trigger a meter service order (meter replacement, change of tariff or wiring in of the inverter for meter control method), if a meter change is required.
A meter change can take up to 12 business days to complete. Western Power will leave a calling card in your letterbox once the work has been completed.
Western Power will notify you once the meter service has been completed so you may start the system and commence generating.
Solar Connection FAQ’s
All inverter brands display a unique serial number format. This format is a combination of alphanumeric numbers and characters of varying lengths and structure.
The Serial Number field validates to the exact format associated with the selected inverter.
Below are examples of the correction formatting
Example #1
If you have installed a Fronius inverter then the serial number format must be a total of eight numeric characters and the first number must be a "2" or "3". For example: 21234567
Example #2
If you installed a Growatt inverter, the first three characters must be alphabetic, followed by seven alphanumeric characters. For example: ABC123456A
If you have installed a different inverter make and model to that shown in the EG Preliminary Approval to Connect, you can update the inverter details in the EG Registration form.
- Step 1 - Go to ‘Update Inverter Details’ and follow the prompts to enter the information of the installed inverter.
- Step 2 – Go to ‘Enter Serial Number(s) and enter the Serial Number of the installed inverter
You need Western Power approval if:
You are installing a new solar system, or relocating an existing solar system, or changing or upgrading an existing system or replacing an inverter.
But if you are doing like-for-like maintenance work or only changing PV* panels, then no application is required.
Like-for-like maintenance work means it has the same maximum power rating, same phase, same quantity and/or has a Western Power approved battery (current CEC approval and volt var, volt watt, IEC 62116).
For all other work you will need to apply via our application page.
Please note - if you have a three phase connection and are replacing a single phase inverter with one greater than 3kVA, you now need to apply for approval. This is because, the new inverter will not operate at optimal efficiency.
*PV stands for Photovoltaics otherwise known as solar panels
Before applying to connect this type of equipment, tenants or owners with shared connections should first seek permission from their strata company or management body to use a portion of the total network capacity allocated.
Failing to do this may prevent others from connecting their equipment, or require the management body to upgrade the connection to our network to accommodate the needs of all owners and or tenants.
It's important to remember that the strata company or management body is ultimately responsible for the management of the common connection to the network and the common electrical system. Effective management of this shared resource will allow the benefits of renewable energy solutions to be shared by all.
More information about strata titling principles can be found in Landgate's Guide to strata titles.
Stratas, lifestyle villages and other multi-residential sites usually share a single connection to the grid. These properties can have tens or even hundreds of homes behind a 'shared connection', which means that the combined total of installed solar generation can easily pass the 30kVA limit. Above this limit an installation needs to comply with more complex connection requirements and higher costs associated with the larger (above 30kVA) application.
To allow residents of such sites to take advantage of solar power an exemption is available to the land-owners or their representative e.g. the strata management company, of multi-residential sites to allow these sites to contain up to 500kVA of generation without incurring the fees associated with a larger application.
This exemption is applied for by the land-owners of the site or their representative.
How this may affect your application:
- If it's predicted that the site will exceed 30kVA of aggregated embedded generation, the land-owners of the site or their representative should apply for a Multi-residential exemption as soon as possible
- Once the site has exceeded 30kVA, the technical exemption will be required before any further solar applications can be processed and you may need to quote the exemption identification number during your solar application
- An approved exemption will describe a maximum amount of solar that can be installed at a site, how this allowance is shared among residents of the site is the responsibility of the land owners or their representative – you will need to check with them before applying
- Within the exemption, individual homes can have up to 5kVA of generation but the land-owners or their representative may advise that a lower limit needs to apply
Multi residential land-owners
- Further technical information is available on the Multi-residential exemption application form
- This application requires the certification of a suitably qualified registered electrical engineer.
Find an engineer via the National Engineers Register or contact Engineers Australia for more information.
See also: Do I need permission from my strata company before applying for my connection?