Solar installers

Industry partnersSolar installers

Installing the right hardware and configuring it correctly allows customers to get most from their solar systems. This page explains the connection process, lists hardware approved to connect to our network, and shows how to make installations comply with the Victorian Government’s emergency backstop requirements.

Steps to connection

All new, upgrading and replacement rooftop solar systems, at or below 200kVA, must be emergency backstop enabled. To be emergency backstop enabled, a solar system must be able to communicate using the Common Smart Inverter Profile Australia (CSIP-AUS) technology protocol and be connected to the internet.

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Before you go

Presale

  • Consult with the customer regarding their requirements and explain the solar installation process
  • Check the Clean Energy Council website for approved CSIP-AUS ready inverters and software communication clients
  • Check our list of onboarded inverters
  • Confirm the customer has a reliable internet connection
Application and offer
  • Check with the manufacturer to make sure you have the required hardware for the installation, including an export limiting meter
  • Submit a pre-approval application via eConnect and advise the customer of outcome

While on site

Install

  • Install an approved CSIP-AUS solar inverter and export limiting meter as per the manufacturer’s installation guide
  • Configure the inverter and associated equipment to the customer’s internet
  • Ensure the device has the latest firmware and inverter is set to Region A settings AS4777.2.2020

Register

  • Register the customer’s solar inverter via the manufacturer’s app
  • Create and verify a Long Form Device Identifier (LFDI) for the inverter
  • Confirm successful registration with CitiPower or Powercor

Test and close out

Test

  • Initiate the capability test (takes about 10 minutes)
  • Confirm capability test is successful

Close out

  • Arrange for a Licensed Electrical Inspector (LEI) to inspect and approve the installation
  • Submit the alteration in eConnect and attach the Certificate of Electrical Safety (CoES

Support and assistance

Our New Energy Services team are the first point of contact for solar installers.

Contact them at newenergyservices@powercor.com.au or on 1800 772 940 (8am-4pm, Monday to Friday).

Downloads

    Solar pre-approval resources

    Detailed guides on how to submit pre-approval requests to connect rooftop solar to the network via eConnect.

      CitiPower only documents

        Powercor only documents