Battery storage connections
Before installing your battery storage system, you or your installer must submit an application to advise the intent to connect your battery storage system to the network.
Generally, your battery installer will manage this process. They should follow connection instructions provided by the manufacturer and by us, and they will be your point of contact if you have questions or concerns about the system.
Export or non-export system
Before you arrange to install a battery storage system, you'll need to decide whether or not you want to export electricity back to the grid. There'll be a different connection process depending on which option you choose.
If you do not intend to export electricity back into the grid
Your installer should submit an online network connection application on your behalf via our Electrical Partners Portal. Or you can apply yourself via our Customer Self Service.
If you originally go with a 'non-export' system and would like to be able to export electricity in the future, you'll need to submit a new network connection application.
If you want to export electricity back into the grid
If you have more power than you need, you may wish to have your battery storage system export electricity back to the grid. Some battery storage systems are designed to allow this while others are not. Note that you will not be able to do this if you're on the original 44c/kWh feed-in tariff and wish to keep it.
Your electricity retailer may be prepared to pay you their own solar feed-in-tariff, but this will be through a separate negotiation process between yourself and the electricity retailer.
Your installer should submit an online network connection application on your behalf via our Electrical Partners Portal or you can apply yourself via Customer Self Service.
Options for charging your battery storage system
From the grid
You may decide to charge your battery storage system from the electricity grid. This may be a good option if you'd like to take advantage of any low-cost tariffs for which you are eligible. You can then use the stored power during peak times.
Talk to your electricity retailer about the most suitable tariff to connect your battery storage system. Remember that some tariffs charge less for electricity used to charge your battery but are not available 24 hours a day.
Grid-connected battery storage systems must meet the Australian Standard AS4777 Grid Connections of Energy Systems via Inverters. These rules are the same for solar PV inverter connections.
With solar power
If you're considering charging your battery storage system with solar power, setting your connection up so you can also charge your battery from the grid will give you a safety net when there's extended overcast weather. You may be able to prioritise your battery storage system so that it charges first from solar and then from the grid, or from solar only.
Switchboard wiring
If you decide to connect your battery storage system to your solar PV system, you'll require some rewiring of your switchboard. Your battery installer will be able to provide advice.
It's necessary to submit a new network connection application to us prior to this occurring.