South Australia SA Power Networks Smart Apply Solar Pre-Approval Guide

Key Takeaways

• The Smart Apply Portal is SA Power Networks' online system for small embedded generation applications in South Australia.
• Applications are auto-approved if technical requirements are met and no network constraints exist.
• New exporting systems applied for installation from 1 July 2023 must be dynamic exports capable.
• An accredited installer manages the application and commissioning process, and you should not attempt to change grid-protection settings yourself.

Understanding SA Power Networks' Smart Apply Solar Pre-Approval in South Australia

SA Power Networks (SAPN) manages the electricity distribution network across South Australia. If you plan to connect a new solar power system or upgrade an existing one, you must apply through their Smart Apply online Portal. This system streamlines the application process for small embedded generation, including solar and EV chargers.

Your application will be auto-approved if it meets all technical and compliance requirements and there are no known network constraints for your site. This process ensures your system operates safely and reliably within the South Australian electricity network.

The Small Embedded Generation (SEG) Application Process

Connecting a small embedded generation system, such as rooftop solar, to the SA Power Networks grid involves a structured process, typically managed by your accredited installer.

Here are the steps:

1. Explore Needs: Your installer will discuss your energy requirements and present suitable solar options.
2. Apply Online: Your installer completes the application using the SA Power Networks Portal. They will need your National Meter Identifier (NMI), meter number, customer details, and system specifications.
3. Approval: If your application meets technical and compliance requirements and there are no network constraints, it will be auto-approved. A copy of the approval and connection offer is then emailed to you.
4. Prepare for Installation: Your installer will check specific equipment guides to ensure proper setup.
5. Install & Commission: The equipment is installed and commissioned according to all technical and compliance requirements.
6. Close Out: After commissioning, your installer uses the Portal to close out the installation.

An electronic Certificate of Compliance (eCoC) is a regulated document required by the South Australian Government for these installations.

Fixed vs. Flexible Export Connection Options

SA Power Networks offers two primary connection options for solar customers: Fixed Export and Flexible Export. These options determine how much electricity your solar system can export to the grid.

Fixed Export Limit

This is a standard connection option for new or upgrading solar customers. It involves a permanent and fixed export limit, typically between 0 and 1.5kW per phase, depending on your specific network area. This limit remains constant all year round.

Flexible Export Limit

Introduced as a standard connection option for eligible customers throughout South Australia, Flexible Exports allow for a variable export limit. This limit automatically adjusts between 0kW or 1.5kW up to 10kW per phase. The dynamic limit is based on available network capacity, your installed inverter capacity, and the reliability of your internet connection. If an internet outage occurs, your solar exports will ramp down to 0kW or 1.5kW until the connection is restored.

For customers supplied by single-wire earth-return networks (SWER), Flexible Exports allow for up to 10kW of solar and 10kW of battery capacity, an increase from the historical 5kW limit for both. In these areas, the lower bound limit for Flexible Exports is offered as 0kW instead of 1.5kW. Similarly, for a small number of properties with low hosting capacity sites (LHCS), both Fixed and Flexible Export minimum limits will be set to 0kW.

Flexible Exports became a standard service offering for new and upgrading small embedded generation solar customers within eligible areas from 1 July 2023.

Requirements for Dynamic Export Capable Systems

As of 1 July 2023, all new exporting generation systems applied for installation in South Australia must be dynamic exports capable. This requirement ensures that solar systems can adapt their export levels to support grid stability.

Key requirements include:

• Inverter Compatibility: Your system must include certified dynamic exports capable inverters from the Clean Energy Council's (CEC) inverter list.
• Export Monitoring: The system may require the capability to monitor site-wide export, often achieved through an export monitoring device or CT clamp.
• Gateway Device: If your inverter needs a separate gateway device for dynamic exports communication, this may be required.
• Multi-Inverter Sites: For sites with multiple inverters, all inverters (both new and legacy) must be brought under the site-wide export limit.

Certain systems are exempt from dynamic export requirements:

• Zero export systems: Any system permanently configured for zero export.
• Battery systems: Exemptions apply for battery-only installations.
• SCADA connected systems: Typically systems exporting more than 200kW, which already have a SCADA connection to SA Power Networks.

The Role of the Relevant Agent

The Relevant Agent plays a critical role in managing embedded generation systems in South Australia. This function is mandated for all new embedded generation installations in South Australia since 28 September 2020.

The Relevant Agent initiates control of your embedded generator's output as directed by the SA Government or the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to reduce the risk of blackouts or network instability. For sites enrolled in a Flexible Exports connection option, SA Power Networks is the default Relevant Agent.

Your installer is responsible for ensuring the system is commissioned to comply with regulations, allowing the nominated Relevant Agent to perform remote disconnection and reconnection activities. Reliable internet access is essential for this remote capability. If a solution for remote disconnect/reconnect cannot be found, a zero-export system may be required for exemption from the Relevant Agent requirement.

Only solar generation installed after 28 September 2020 needs to be remotely disconnected. Existing systems require this capability only when a declared component, such as an inverter, is replaced (unless it's a warranty replacement of the same model). Battery-only installations do not require a Relevant Agent nomination if only a battery inverter and battery are added. SA Power Networks supports inverters from manufacturers such as Alpha ESS, Fronius (excluding Symo Hybrid or GEN24 inverters), Ginlong Solis, GoodWe, Growatt, Huawei, LG Energy Solution, Redback Technology, SMA, SolarEdge, SolaX, and Sungrow for their Relevant Agent service.

What you can check yourself, and what you cannot

As a homeowner, you can prepare for the solar connection process by gathering necessary documentation. You can ensure you have your NMI and meter number readily available for your installer. You can also discuss with your accredited installer whether a Fixed or Flexible Export connection is most suitable for your needs and property.

However, you should not attempt to change any grid-protection settings on your inverter yourself. These settings are configured by an accredited installer to comply with Australian standards like Australian inverter connection standards and your connection agreement with SA Power Networks. Modifying them without proper authorisation can breach your connection agreement and compromise grid stability.

What the published sources do not tell you

While the SA Power Networks website provides a clear overview of the Smart Apply Portal and connection processes, certain specific details are not publicly available. These include the exact user interface design or detailed step-by-step guides for using the Portal beyond the high-level process description.

The precise technical specifications for "dynamic exports capable inverters" are not detailed beyond requiring certification from the Clean Energy Council's (CEC) inverter list. The full content of the "Service & Installation Rules (Manual 32)" is also not provided on the public website. Additionally, specific feed-in tariff rates are not detailed by SA Power Networks, as these are dependent on your electricity retailer.