Inverter system greater than 30kVA to 200KVA
Who is this for?
You want to connect an embedded generation system (such as solar panels) Inverter system greater than 30kVA to 200KVA.
How long will it take?
We will contact you within five business days with your project number, or request additional information if needed for your project.
How much will it cost?
Enquiry fee - $250 plus GST.
Application fee - $5,000 plus GST.
What will I need to complete this application?
Application process
Enquiry
1
The enquiry stage involves a high-level feasibility assessment, which usually determines whether there are any network impediments to the generator connecting. If there is sufficient hosting capacity we'll provide you with an application form.
Start enquiry
Application
2
Western Power will conduct various studies and prepare Technical Schedules for the generator.
Request for Approval to Operate
3
Assessment of your commissioning report and updated Technical Schedules.
Additional information you need to know
- The services of a National Engineering Register (NER) engineer will be required to advise in general on the process to be followed, the system design, and the equipment to use.
- Installation needs to be compliant with the requirements of the Technical Rules, AS/NZS 4777.1, 4777.2, AS/NZS 3000, WASIR, WAER and other relevant Standards and Good Industry Practice.
- Customer needs to provide a copy of the off-take agreement for the requested export capacity. The permitted export shall be the lowest value of the off-take agreement and the value determined by the network impact assessment – the default export limit value is 30% of the total inverter nameplate capacity to manage hosting capacity on the network. Without an off-take agreement, the installation shall be export limited to 5% of the total inverter capacity. This is a soft export limit based on the requirements of AS/NZS 4777.1 and AS/NZS 4777.2.
- The site’s electrical retailer is required to submit an ETAF (Electricity Transfer Application Form) to Western Power and a service request to change the site’s meter to bi-directional (required regardless of whether the generator is exporting or not). These must be completed before an Approval to Operate can be released.
FAQs - Adding a battery
A Battery Add-on is adding storage to an existing commercial solar system so surplus energy can be used later. The battery can be DC-coupled to the current inverter or AC-coupled on its own. The connection method decides which application pathway we use. We expect the Federal Battery Subsidy Scheme to drive greater numbers of Battery Add-ons.
Yes. Section 15 of the WA Service and Installation Requirements says any change to a generation system must be approved by the network operator first.
Lodge a battery enquiry through our Connect my solar or battery page. We’ll review it and tell you whether you need a Basic, Reduced or Full application, then issue an updated Approval to Operate.
We aim to approve a Basic application within 45 days, a Reduced application within three months and a Full application within 12 months, provided we get accurate information on time.
A flat $250 + GST enquiry fee applies. After that: Basic – no extra fee; Reduced – $2 500 + GST; Full – $5 000 + GST (systems up to 200 kVA). We’ll quote larger systems after your enquiry.
It depends on how much the battery changes the original Approval to Operate. A like-for-like DC-coupled install usually means a Basic application; new protection settings call for a Reduced application; AC-coupled or other major changes trigger a Full application.
FAQs - Basic battery application
A Basic application simply adds a battery to a system we’ve already approved, with no change to the original conditions. We issue an addendum to the existing Approval to Operate.
Your original install already uses a hybrid inverter and you’re adding a DC-coupled battery.
You replace the inverter with a new hybrid model set to the same protection settings.
Fill in the online enquiry form, and provide:
- A single-line diagram of the proposed battery
- Photos showing inverter settings (Region B)
- The signed Standards & Requirements Conformance Statement
We expect to issue the Approval to Operate within 45 days of receiving your enquiry and payment.
$250 + GST enquiry fee only; no further charges.
Visit our Connect my solar or battery page, pick the product that matches your system size, complete the enquiry and upload the documents. We’ll invoice the enquiry fee and start the assessment once it’s paid. We’ll let you know which application pathway is right for you.
FAQs - Reduced battery application
A Reduced application fast-tracks approval when only minor changes affect the original system (for example, new protection settings) and the network connection point is untouched.
When the protection settings of the new inverter differ from the original approval, with no other alterations.
- Completed online enquiry form, and
- Single-line and site diagrams
We issue a Connection Recommendation and updated technical schedules.
You will need to complete commissioning and send us the report.
Your enquiry assessment can take up to 15 days, and a revised Approval to Operate should be issued within 75 days of payment.
Visit our Connect my solar or battery page, pick the product that matches your system size, complete the enquiry and upload the documents, pay the enquiry fee, and we’ll confirm if the Reduced pathway applies. We’ll let you know which application pathway is right for you.
FAQs - Full battery application
A Full application is the standard, detailed process when the battery changes the site’s network connection point or other key operating conditions.
When you are:
- Adding a DC-coupled battery and increasing inverter capacity, generation or export limits, or
- Adding an AC-coupled battery, or
- Removing a protection relay
Fill in the online enquiry form, and provide:
- Single-line diagram and site plan
- Any additional data we request as the assessment progresses
Your enquiry assessment can take up to 15 days, and a revised Approval to Operate should be issued within 180 days of payment.
$250 + GST enquiry fee, then $5 000 for the Full Application.
Visit our Connect my solar or battery page, pick the product that matches your system size, complete the enquiry and upload the documents. We’ll invoice the enquiry fee and start the assessment once it’s paid. We’ll let you know which Application pathway is right for you.