Dynamic connections for installers
To support more solar, batteries and other generation being connected to our network we are offering dynamic connections as a smart alternative to our normal connection arrangements. Read below to find out how a dynamic connection works and how to implement a dynamic connection for your customers.
The information applies to customers installing up to 30kVA of solar. Information on dynamic connections for above 30kVA will be provided here soon.
Dynamic connection standards
The connection standards for dynamic connections are applicable for the following connection types:
- For systems 30kVA and under - STN3510 Dynamic Standard for Small IES Connections (PDF 836.1 kb)
- For systems above 30kVA to 1500kVA - STNW3511 Dynamic Standard for LV EG Connections (PDF 1.1 mb)
Export limit
Solar system details | Result of initial solar application^ | ||
---|---|---|---|
No network restrictions | Network restrictions due to high solar saturation | ||
Basic Connection Offer | Basic Connection Offer | Dynamic Connection Offer | |
Inverter size per phase | 10 kVA (per phase) | ≤10 kVA | ≤10 kVA |
Export permitted per phase | 5 kW (per phase) | 0 kVA | 10 kW |
Permitted #battery size (AC) – if solar inverter capacity of 10 kVA is utilised | 0 kVA | 0 kVA | ≤10 kVA |
The above table relates to customers on the main electricity grid – refer to STNW3510 (PDF 836.1 kb) for further details including limits applicable to customers on the regional SWER network.
# Please note a hybrid inverter is assessed as both a solar and battery inverter from an AC inverter capacity perspective. Both a basic connection and a dynamic connection can only have a maximum 10 kVA hybrid inverter capacity approved to be installed on a single-phase connection.
^Customers can request a network study to be carried out (fee applies) if they wish to be considered for a negotiated connection agreement that may result in different inverter / export arrangements being approved.
How to apply for a dynamic connection
Selecting a dynamic connection is simple:
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1 Connection application
Submit the connection application via the Electrical Partners Portal
You may choose to apply for dynamic connection at this stage, or you can apply for a basic connection and wait for the result of the assessment to then choose a dynamic connection.
Please note: You can search for the site on our Network Capacity Map to help you understand if export restrictions may be applied, without a Dynamic Connection.
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2 Connection assessment
We will assess the application and advise the outcome of the assessment
If the outcome of the assessment is limited or no-export and this does not meet your needs, you may opt to change to a dynamic connection via the Portal.
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3 Accept connection offer
Accept the connection offer on behalf of your customer in the Portal
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4 Installation
Install the compliant dynamic embedded generating (EG) system with a compliant inverter or gateway device
Ensure you follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer of the inverter or gateway device to understand the dynamic connection commissioning process.
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5 Registration
Complete our Dynamic EG registration form to finalise the system connection to our Dynamic Utility Server.
Please note: You can complete the registration before installation of the system, which will allow you to confirm the inverter or gateway device is successfully connected to our server when you install the system (allow up to 10 business days for us to process your registration). If the connection is successful, the system will operate under a dynamic connection.
Our How to apply Dynamic Connections under 30 kVA (PDF 987.0 kb) portal user guide has been developed to assist when applying for a Dynamic Connection Offer in the Electrical Partners Portal.
Additional information
For a single-phase connection, you can have up to 10 kVA solar inverter capacity plus 10 kVA battery inverter capacity.
For dynamic connections using a hybrid inverter, a lower total limit of 10 kVA applies. For example, if you have a 10 kVA hybrid inverter, capable of connecting solar and batteries, the combined inverter capacity limits of each technology (eg. solar and battery) cannot exceed 10 kVA in total.
For a three-phase connection the limit is 1500 kVA.
The majority of customers on the network will experience either minimal to no limiting of their solar system’s export, most of the time. Export limiting is more likely to happen on clear, sunny days around autumn and early spring where there is also less demand on the electricity network and/or where there is a large number of solar systems installed on the local network. Under a dynamic connection, once the system is registered and maintains a communication link with us, even when there is a need to reduce solar export, the premises will still be allowed to export 1.5 kW, unless there was a significant emergency event requiring all solar generation to be restricted.
Yes, our Network Capacity Map shows details about the local electricity network, including historical load, the amount of generation connected and the capacity of network assets.
Whilst all individual connection applications are subject to our normal connection assessment processes, this may provide a general indication of whether a site may have particular export restrictions applied. Please note the information is subject to change and may not be directly applicable to the customer's point of connection.
For details on how to use this map and interpret the results, click on the 'Information' icon on the map and read 'About this Map'.
Yes, we have customer friendly information on our Dynamic connections for homeowners & small business web page. We have also have this Dynamic Connections Factsheet (PDF 1017.0 kb) that we encourage installers to provide to their customers.
Subject to any requirements contained in the site-specific technical study, a dynamic connection on a dedicated transformer (TX) can have up to:
- Dynamic export up to 100% rating of the transformer
- Dynamic import up to 120% rating of the transformer
- Aggregate Inverter Energy Systems (IES) capacity up to 200% rating of the distribution
transformer; where both PV and storage inverters are used. Note that PV inverters shall be limited to 120% of the distribution transformer capacity
in accordance with the requirements in STNW3511.
The Dynamic Operating Envelope (DOE) is calculated live and published to the proponent based on the Distribution Network capability at any point of time with a forecast of 24 hours given as a guide.
Please read our Dynamic Connections Factsheet - Dedicated Transformer Connections (PDF 312.4 kb) for how it works and some FAQs.
The fees for a dynamic connection from 1 August 2024 for systems up to 30kVA is $206. For full details on our connections fees, refer to our 2024-25 Connection Fees and Charges Information Sheet (PDF 170.3 kb).
Dynamic connections CPD training
We have partnered with the Clean Energy Council to develop an online Queensland Dynamic Connections training course for installers. The course outlines how a dynamic connection works, the customer benefits, how to apply for a dynamic connection, and how to install and commission dynamic connections for EG systems (up to 30kVA) in Queensland. The course is eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) under Solar Accreditation Australia’s CPD training, course code CPD037.
Dynamic connections compliant providers list
You will need to utilise a compliant inverter or gateway device. Installers can contact a provider from the Dynamic Connections Compliant Providers (PDF 221.1 kb) list to enquire about the current approved inverters and devices for Dynamic Connections. The number of providers will grow over time as more systems become certified with our utility server.
How do inverter manufacturers gain certification?
Manufacturers interested in gaining certification for their equipment (inverters, gateway devices) are requested to review the Smart Energy Profile (SEP2) Client Handbook (PDF 991.6 kb) and follow the steps to become a compliant provider.
Case study
A solar installer explains their experience of installing a solar PV system under a dynamic connection.
Dynamic Connections customer testimonial
Skip to descriptionSo, I work for a solar installation company as an electrician.
I decided to go onto the dynamic export set up – purely to try and work out, from an end user home-owners point of view, what that would be like to become a Beta tester and so far it’s worked out pretty well.
In particular, I was just keen to see what the interface would look like for the dynamic connections and what sort of exports they should expect to see this early on in the system. And so far, I think I’m really happy with how it’s been going. I’ve seen pretty much an unrestricted export limit so far.
For the dynamic connection device that I have in this house is called the Catch Solar Relay. So, it’s just a third-party device. It has its own App. It’s called the Monocle App. It shows your production of the system, and it shows your consumption within the home. And it shows your allowed export throughout the day at any given time.
It’s super easy to use and understand… and yeah, it’s a great App.
So, I think the dynamic connection is a great option for customers who are looking into getting a system perhaps with an AC-coupled battery. It’s going to allow them more flexibility in what they can install.
I think for people who are already export-limited, they might have transformer restrictions already, jumping on the dynamic connection would be a great option for them to hopefully get a bit more export throughout the day if that’s what they’re looking for.
I think, just for future certainty and assurance, that’s a good option to jump on board – just to make sure that in the future as the network does become more and more constrained due to increased solar installations – at least there is going to be a level of export that you will be able to have in the future.
See what Shane Williams has to say about the benefits of a Dynamic Connection.
More information
Read our FAQs which may help with any other queries you may have.
If you have further questions on dynamic connections, please email our Solar and Renewables Team at ergongeneration@energyq.com.au or call us on (07) 4789 5959 (Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm).