Renewable energy system connection

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The most common renewable energy systems are solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, also known as Inverter Energy Systems (IES). Customers could also install a small wind or water turbine. When connected to the network, these systems can feed excess electricity back onto the grid.

Systems must be connected by an installer accredited with the Clean Energy Council. Customers must also ensure they have approval from Ergon Energy before the system is installed. Failure to gain approval is a breach of the Electricity Regulations 2006. Once approval has been granted, customers may be eligible for a range of Federal and Queensland Government incentives.

Our Solar Support Team

A new Solar Support Team has been established to help customers and solar PV industry representatives. The team can assist people with a range of inquiries, from applying for network approval to connecting a solar PV IES, to understanding bills after having an IES installed.

To contact a member of the team:

Phone: 1300 553 924

Email: energysystems@ergon.com.au

Application for Network Connection of a Solar Inverter Energy System forms can be lodged by:

Fax: 1300 554 029

Email: energysystems@ergon.com.au

Post PO Box 308, ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4700

Connecting a renewable energy system to the grid

Under the Electricity Regulation 2006, all systems must be approved by Ergon Energy before it is installed. The steps are as follows:

  1. Customer chooses a system from a retailer.
  2. An Application for Network Connection of an Inverter Energy System (PDF 144KB) is submitted to Ergon Energy. This process is often handled by the installer or system retailer, however, the application must be signed by the customer. The application also requires the customer to specify any government incentives they would like to apply for. The form must be completed fully, including details of the customer and the installer, in order for it to be considered. Incomplete forms will be returned.
  3. Ergon Energy reviews the application. Larger systems undergo a more comprehensive technical assessment. This checks for any potential adverse impacts to the network, the customer’s premises, or their neighbours’ premises.
  4. If no adverse impacts are identified, Ergon Energy will approve connection and issue two copies of a Network Agreement. The customer should sign both copies and return immediately to Ergon Energy.
  5. Once the customer has returned the agreement, the system can be installed and connected to the grid by an accredited installer.
  6. The installer / electrical contractor submits a Form A to Ergon Energy requesting the meter at the property to be changed. This meter allows Ergon Energy to measure how much electricity is being imported from the grid and exported back into the grid.
  7. Ergon Energy inspects the new system and installs the meter.

Please note that some customers may experience delays before meters are installed. This is due to the high volume of IES applications and resource constraints imposed by the holiday period and storm season.

Ergon Energy is committed to connecting all solar PV systems safely and effectively, and appreciates your understanding and patience.

Government incentive schemes

There are a number of schemes that offer customers financial incentives for installing renewable energy systems.

Solar Credits Scheme

Solar Credits provide additional support to households, businesses and community groups that install small renewable energy generation units, such as rooftop solar panels, and small-scale wind and hydro electricity systems.

Solar Credits apply to the first 1.5 kilowatts (kW) of capacity installed for systems connected to a main electricity grid and up to the first 20 kW of capacity for off-grid systems.

For more information visit the website for the Australian Government Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.

Solar Bonus Scheme

Under the Queensland Government Solar Bonus Scheme, customers are paid for the surplus electricity generated from their solar PV system which is exported to the grid. This amount is credited on the customer’s electricity account. Only systems with inverters up to 5kW rated capacity qualify for the scheme. For more information, visit the website for the Office of Clean Energy.

Assessment of applications to connect renewable energy systems

All solar PV systems must be approved by Ergon Energy before installation. For most systems with inverters of less than 5kW, Ergon Energy aims to assess applications within two weeks.

However, some systems require a more comprehensive technical assessment to ensure your system will function properly and that it will not impact on the network or electricity supply to individual premises. Ergon Energy aims to process the following types of applications within five weeks:

  • Systems with an inverter of 5kW and greater;
  • Systems with an inverter of 2kW and greater being connected to a single wire earth return (SWER) section of the network; and
  • All systems being connected to an Ergon Energy isolated generation system in a remote area or community.

This technical assessment considers:

  • The capacity of the inverter;
  • The capacity of the distribution transformer that supplies the premises;
  • The number and capacity of solar PV systems in the local area; and
  • The nature of the local network.

Ergon Energy will refuse or downsize an application if it presents risks to the network or to individual premises.

The assessment does not consider the suitability of the customer’s electrical service and wiring. Customers will need to engage a licensed electrical contractor if they wish to determine whether their service and wiring is suitable for the proposed system.

Options if an application is rejected or downsized

Ergon Energy supports renewable energy and will work with customers to explore alternative options including:

  • Installing an IES with an inverter of a lower capacity. Ergon Energy will advise the maximum capacity that can be connected at the premises to ensure effective operation of the system and to protect the electricity supply in the local area. Customers will need to lodge an updated application form.
  • Exploring the option of upgrading their electrical service and wiring to accommodate a larger inverter size.
  • Paying for an upgrade to the network to accommodate the IES originally requested. Ergon Energy’s Capital Contribution Policy, established under the National Electricity Rules, allows for individual customers to pay for upgrades to the network, where those upgrades are for the benefit of an individual premises. To obtain a quote from Ergon Energy for the necessary upgrades, please call our National Contact Centre on 13 10 46 (7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday) to request a Connection Enquiry Form. There is a fee of $250 to lodge this form, which will be credited against the total cost if you choose to proceed with upgrades.
  • Withdrawing application. Customers may choose not to install a system, in which case they should contact Ergon Energy to withdraw the application.

About the IES Network Agreement

The IES Network Agreement outlines the terms and conditions for the connection of the solar PV system to the Ergon Energy distribution network. It is a legally binding agreement between Ergon Energy and the customer. An agreement must be in place before it is installed and connected to the grid. Ergon Energy will issue two copies of the IES Network Agreement. Customers should ensure they sign and return both copies before installing  the IES to the network. We encourage customers to read the contract carefully and to seek legal advice where necessary.

Information for PV industry participants

The electrical contractor is responsible for ensuring the system and equipment installed at the premises complies with:

  • Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000:2007 - SAA Wiring Rules;
  • Australian Standard AS/NZS 4777:2005 Grid Connection of Energy Systems;
  • Any other applicable Australian Standards, current as at the date of installation; and
  • The requirements of Queensland Electricity Connection and Metering Manual.

Ergon Energy has recently issued the following advice to all accredited solar PV installers in Queensland:

Frequently asked questions

What is the Solar Bonus Scheme?

Under this Queensland Government Solar Bonus Scheme, customers are paid for the surplus electricity generated from their solar PV system which is exported to the grid. This amount is credited to the customer’s electricity account. Only systems with inverters up to 5kW rated capacity qualify for the scheme. For more information, visit the website for the Office of Clean Energy.

What is the Solar Credits Scheme?

Solar Credits provide additional support to households, businesses and community groups that install small renewable energy generation units, such as rooftop solar panels, and small-scale wind and hydro electricity systems.

Solar Credits apply to the first 1.5 kilowatts (kW) of capacity installed for systems connected to a main electricity grid and up to the first 20 kW of capacity for off-grid systems.

For more information visit the website for the Australian Government Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.

Why does Ergon Energy need to approve my application?

All systems must be approved by Ergon Energy before installation. Installing a system without approval is a breach of the Electricity Regulation 2006 and could result in disconnection of the system, disconnection of the premises or in extreme cases, legal action. Ergon Energy carries out more comprehensive technical assessments of systems with inverters of a larger capacity to ensure it will function properly and that it won’t impact on your electricity supply, your neighbours’ supply or the network.

Why was my application rejected or downsized?

Ergon Energy will reject or downsize an application if the technical assessment shows there are potential negative impacts. For some parts of the network, systems with inverters of large capacity could stop the system from functioning correctly, affect electricity supply at your premises and your neighbours’ premises, or it could affect the local electricity network.

I have approval and my system has been installed. When will my meter be installed?

Ergon Energy is endeavouring to install new meters as quickly as possible. However, due to the significant influx in solar PV connection applications, we are experiencing delays in installing new meters in some areas. Please note that installation of the meter will not impact on your eligibility for the Solar Bonus Scheme or the Solar Credits scheme. However, feed-in tariff payments will not begin accruing until the meter is installed.

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