Energy Networks Australia has today launched the first of a set of guidelines for safe, consistent and efficient connection of solar, storage and battery devices to the grid.

The guidelines are the first nationally consistent approach for installation of distributed energy resources (DER). They address low voltage connections applicable to household, commercial and industrial premises.

“This is about safe, consistent and efficient grid connections to help reduce costs for networks and customers,” CEO Andrew Dillon said.

“With so many households embracing solar and new personalised energy sources, these guidelines will ensure connection processes are streamlined and consistently applied across all jurisdictions.”

While all network companies have detailed connection processes to ensure safety and reliability, until now there has been no standardised approach across all jurisdictions. This has resulted in a range of different technical requirements and inconsistent connection practices.

The development of these guidelines has been driven by network companies and will provide a nationally consistent set of protocols to integrate a range of DER to the grid.

Energy Networks Australia’s Dr Stuart Johnston, in association with CutlerMerz, hosted a webinar today to explain the processes for connection outlined in the guidelines and how they will work.

Work is underway to produce the next set of guidelines to address medium voltage (MV) and high voltage (HV) connections within the distribution system. These guidelines are expected to be released later this year.

The guidelines and further information can be found here.

ENDS