AS NZS 4777 2 2020 Inverter Settings Volt-Watt Volt-Var Guide

Key Takeaways

• Australian grid connection rules mandate that all grid-connected inverters comply strictly with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 standards.
• Amendment 2 (Amd 2:2024) formally came into effect on 23 August 2025, de-listing non-compliant inverter hardware from the CEC approved register.
• Key revisions include generation limit control parameters, removal of IEC 62109 for battery-only systems, and dedicated bidirectional EV charging rules.
• Manufacturers must provide official letterhead declarations and documentation demonstrating correct regional grid settings.
• Standardised operational response modes, including Volt-Watt and Volt-VAr curves, protect distribution feeders from sustained overvoltage trips.

National Inverter Standards and the Amd 2:2024 Transition

Australia's high concentration of distributed rooftop generation requires synchronized technical standards to ensure that inverters act as active grid-stabilizing assets. As established by the Clean Energy Council:

"AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024 came into effect on 23 August 2025."

The development of this regulatory milestone followed a structured timeline:

"On August 23 2024, Standards Australia published an update to AS/NZS 4777.2, the standards that cover the connection of inverters.""In August, Standards Australia outlined a 12-month transition period for the new amendment with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024 coming into effect on 23 August 2025."

The regulatory transition timeline established for Standards Australia AS/NZS 4777.2:

• Standards Australia AS/NZS 4777.2 Implementation:
• 23 August 2024: Publication of AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2
• 12-Month Transition: Manufacturer Testing & Declarations
• 23 August 2025: Amd 2 Mandatory / Non-Compliant Delisted

Key Technical Changes in Inverter Product Standards

The revised standard introduced crucial updates to accommodate modern home batteries, dynamic export controls, and electric vehicles:

1. Battery Safety Scope: "removal of IEC 62109 requirements for battery only products"
2. Export Control Framework: "generation limit control parameters"
3. Vehicle-Grid Integration: "electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) specific clauses"

These modifications provide standardized technical frameworks allowing distribution networks to dynamically manage customer exports without requiring physical disconnection.

CEC Approved Product Listing Requirements

To remain eligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) under the Renewable Energy Target, inverters must be listed on the Clean Energy Council approved register:

"From 23 August 2025, the Clean Energy Council only accepts applications that meet AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024."

Manufacturers were required to supply comprehensive technical evidence:

• "A manufacturer declaration on your company's letterhead asserting that all relevant models comply with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024"
• "Supporting documentation showing the updated region settings for all models included in the declaration."

Inverters failing to demonstrate compliance with updated regional trip settings were removed from the approved register.

Bi-Directional Electric Vehicle Charging Integration

A revolutionary addition in the 2024 amendment is the formal technical integration of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) systems:

"AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024 contains clauses that allow for mode 3 and mode 4 bidirectional electric vehicle charging."

The standard distinguishes between two control architectures:

• Mode 4 DC Charging: "Mode 4 charging enables electricity to flow to and from the vehicle and is controlled by Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)."
• Mode 3 AC Charging: "Mode 3 charging enables electricity to flow to and from the vehicle but is controlled by an inverter or PCS."

Electrical Installation Safety and Grid Regional Profiles

All inverters must be installed by accredited electricians in strict accordance with AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) and AS/NZS 4777.1 (Installation requirements). Inverters must be programmed to the correct regional profile (e.g. Australia A for NEM mainland networks, Australia B for Western Power SWIS, or Australia C for Ergon regional networks). Overvoltage sustained disconnect limits (258V 10-minute average) and passive anti-islanding trip settings must never be modified by unauthorized personnel.