Connecting commercial solar to the grid: approvals and export limits

Connecting solar to the grid is a legal and technical step, separate from buying the panels. The network must check that your system will not harm its poles and wires or other customers, and it can set conditions such as an export limit. Your installer normally lodges the application, but you should know what is involved before you sign.

What do kVA and kW mean for a solar system?

Kilowatts (kW) measure real power, which is the work the electricity actually does. Kilovolt-amperes (kVA) measure apparent power, which includes the extra current needed by some equipment such as motors. Solar panels are usually quoted in kW (their DC size), while inverters, the boxes that convert solar power into usable electricity, are rated in kVA (their AC output).

This matters because networks draw their lines at inverter capacity. Each network names its tiers differently: Ausgrid’s fee table uses kW, Western Power and Evoenergy use kVA, and TasNetworks uses kW per phase. The same project can fall in a different tier depending on which figure is used, so ask your installer which figure the network will use.

What does the approval process look like?

Most networks follow the same broad path, although names and steps differ:

• Enquiry. You or your installer describes the site and system and asks whether it can connect.
• Application and technical assessment. The network studies the effect on its network and tells you the conditions, such as an export limit or upgrade costs.
• Agreement and approval to operate. You sign a connection agreement, any required meter changes are made, and the network approves the system to switch on.

Western Power’s page for inverter systems over 30 kVA follows exactly these three stages: enquiry, application and request for approval to operate. The network says it contacts you within five business days of an enquiry, and an NER engineer is required.

What do the networks we checked say?

These are the networks where we could read the details on the network’s own page. Fees and thresholds change, so check the page linked in each row before you rely on a figure.

Other networks: check the connection page

For these networks we could not confirm current fees, thresholds or export limits on the network’s own page, so use the official page instead of relying on a general figure:

• Energex and Ergon Energy (Queensland): the larger-system pages for over 30 kVA
• AusNet (Victoria): the large connections pages
• Jemena (Victoria): the mid-scale embedded generator page
• CitiPower and Powercor (Victoria): the negotiated connection pages on each network’s website
• Endeavour Energy (NSW): the connection pages for business
• Essential Energy (NSW): the negotiated connection pack
• Horizon Power (regional WA): technical requirements
• Power and Water (NT): the negotiated connection page

Find your network on your electricity bill or from the NMI (National Metering Identifier) printed on it. If you are not sure, ask your installer who your distributor is.

What are export limits and zero export?

An export limit caps how much solar power your site can send back to the grid. Networks set limits so that many exporting customers do not overload the local network. Western Power’s page, for example, sets a default of 30% of total inverter nameplate capacity for larger systems, and lower limits where there is no off-take agreement. Evoenergy publishes limits for its small systems. Most networks set theirs case by case.

Zero export means the system is controlled so that no power flows to the grid, and it only supplies your own site. It suits some businesses with a steady daytime load. Do not assume zero export skips the process: some networks may still require a connection agreement for systems limited to zero export, so check with yours.

What is interface protection?

Larger systems usually need a dedicated protection device that disconnects the solar if the grid voltage or frequency goes outside safe limits. It’s often called interface protection. Ausgrid’s fee schedule lists the 30 kW to 200 kW tier as one that requires interface protection. The exact threshold varies by network, so ask for it in writing on the quote.

Why must approval come before install?

Networks generally want to approve a system before it is energised, and installing first can leave you with equipment you are not allowed to switch on, or one that must be redesigned. Western Power’s page says the network access and meter changes must be completed before an approval to operate can be released. Rules differ by network, so the safe approach is to have the connection application lodged, and the network’s response in hand, before you commit to the final design.

There is a second reason from 1 October 2026. To claim STCs on a system above 100 kW, you must give the Clean Energy Regulator evidence that planning and approval requirements were met, including network connection approvals where applicable. Our guide to mid-scale solar and STCs lists everything to keep.

What should you ask your installer?

• Which network are we in, and which connection tier will our system fall into?
• Who lodges the application, and what fees does it include?
• What export limit do you expect, and what happens to the design if the network sets a lower one?
• Do we need interface protection, a new meter or network upgrades, and who pays?
• How long do you expect approval to take, and what is the plan if the network asks for changes?
• Can you show us the approval before we pay for equipment?

Use our guide to choosing a commercial installer and the commercial solar calculator to prepare. For common sizes, see the 100 kW and 200 kW pages.

This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rules, rebates and prices change, so check the linked sources before you decide. Facts checked 31 October 2026.