I want to generate my own electricity

If you want to connect generation to our network you should:

  • Identify if your proposed generation is in an area of congestion on the map above and become familiar with our Congestion Policy. If your proposed generation sits in an area of congestion, PowerNet may require you to curtail or temporarily disconnect your generation.
  • Ask your installer what application you will be applying for:
    • Part 1A (Fast-track) Application

You can apply for a fast-track application (Part 1A) if you meet all of the following criteria:

      • If you have a single-phase inverter its size is 5kVA or less or if you have multiple single-phase inverters in parallel the phase imbalance is 5kVA or less
      • Your total inverter size is 10kW or less
      • Your maximum export power is less than the export power threshold for your location
      • All inverter(s) are AS/NZS 4777.2 2020 compliant.
      • All inverter(s) have both their volt-var AND volt-watt protection modes enabled.
    • Part 1 (Default) Application
      • If you can’t meet all of the criteria for the fast-track application, but your total inverter size is still 10kW or less you can still apply for a default application (Part 1).
    • Part 2 Application
      • If your total inverter size is greater than 10kW you can apply for a Part 2 application.

Get Connected

Online DG Application Form

Read our standard

Distributed Generation Standard

Read our policy

Congestion Management Policy
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Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to connect?

Export congestion occurs when electricity injected into our network causes a component in the network (for example, a line) to operate beyond its rated maximum capacity or give rise to an unacceptably high level of voltage at the point of connection to the network. The purpose of identifying areas of the network that are subject to export congestion is to provide you, at the earliest possible time, with information that may impact your decision to invest in distributed generation.

 

Congestion levels for the PowerNet managed Networks are included below:


Simply zoom into your desired location and see if it falls into a highlighted area. If not, it’s likely you are not in a congested area (can input 10kW as export power threshold on the online application form).

 

Presently there are two specific locations on the PowerNet managed network at which PowerNet is aware of export congestion for small-scale generation connected to the LV network or at which PowerNet expects export congestion for small-scale generation to occur within the next 12 months.

It is highly likely that more export congestion will occur as more generation is connected to the network and it is vital that people considering installing new or additional small-scale generation follow the PowerNet processes. Connection of large-scale generation (1MW or above) will always be engineered on a case-by-case basis.

Distributed Generation may be curtailed or interrupted if it poses a safety risk or is in an area of congestion

How much will it cost to connect?

Charges associated with processing applications to connect to generation systems are listed below. Approval will not be processed prior to payment of fees being received in full.

 

Generation Capacity Application Type Fees (NZD incl. GST)
Application Witness and Commissioning Test
≤ 10kW1 Default 230.00 69.00
Fast Track 115.00 69.00
> 10kW and ≤ 100kW Part 2 575.00 138.00
> 100kW and ≤ 1000kW Part 2 1150.00 1380.00
> 1000kW Part 2 5750.00 1380.00

1 For fast-track applications: 5kVA is the maximum permissible size and phase imbalance for single-phase inverters and multiple single-phase inverters in parallel respectively

 

PowerNet may need to perform further detailed investigative studies to identify any potential adverse effects the generation may have on the system. A fee will be chargeable for this; we will advise you before we approve the connection if this is required.

Tell me more about solar?

Light energy hits solar panels, which are usually placed on a roof facing the sun. The photons excite the electrons in a semi-conducting material (such as silicon), producing an electric current.

Solar electricity systems are also known as photovoltaic or PV systems.

When the sun is shining, electricity generated by the solar panel is consumed by the load and any surplus solar energy generated can be exported back to or network or be redirected to your other loads such as your electric hot water cylinder.

Grid-connected solar energy will usually not be enough to supply a house in the event of an outage.

PowerNet envisions that there would be an increase in roof top solar panel installation on residential households in the next 5 to 10 years.

If you are considering solar panels on your roofs, here are some questions that might be useful to ask your solar provider / installer before installing solar panels on your roofs:

  • Are you a SEANZ member?
  • How do you determine the best solar system for my house?
  • Do I get better value directly using electricity or selling to retailer?
  • What is the best solar panel angle and position for my house?
  • What kind of maintenance is required?
  • What is the expected solar energy profile for my house, and how does this compare on my load profile?
  • Does it really save me money in the long term?
  • How does grid-tied solar power work, how do I ‘sell back’ energy, and is it economical to do so?
  • How do I heat up my hot water with excess solar energy generated?
  • Do I need batteries to store excess generation to use at times when there is low solar generation?

Tip: You can request your energy consumption data from your energy retailer.

What about wind?

New Zealand has one of the best wind resources in the world. Small wind turbines are well suited to generate electricity in the right setting. Generally, these are better suited for rural areas with strong and constant wind flow. Wind in urban areas can be turbulent and erratic, affected by buildings, trees and other obstacles – this can result in poor energy generation.

The wind turns the rotor blades of the turbine which then spins a shaft connected to a generator which generates electricity.

 

If you are considering wind generation on your site, here are some questions that might be useful to ask your wind turbine provider / installer before installing:

  • How do you determine the best wind generation system for my site?
  • What is the best wind turbine type? Horizontal, Vertical, or something else?
  • What is the best location for wind generation?
  • What is the expected wind energy profile for my site, and how does this compare on my load profile?
  • Does it really save me money in the long term?
  • How does grid-tied wind power work, how do I ‘sell back’ energy, and is it economical to do so?
  • How do I heat up my hot water with excess wind energy generated?
  • Do I need batteries to store excess generation to use at times when there is low wind generation?

Tip: You can request your energy consumption data from your energy retailer.

Click here to find out more information on wind generation.

What about batteries?

If your home is connected to our network and your generation creates more electricity than you need, you can store it to use at a later time using a battery.

For example: high generation during the day when there is little demand could result in your battery charging. This would discharge later on when your resource has reduced and you need it.

The Clean Energy Council’s Battery Assurance Program includes a list of lithium-based batteries (energy storage devices) that meet industry best practice requirements. It also includes a best practice guide.

More information is available on the Smarter Homes website.

What are inverters?

An inverter is a device that converts current between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). DC is created by devices such as solar panels and batteries which is converted by an inverter to provide AC power to devices in your home. An inverter is required if you want to connect to our AC network and sell your excess generation.

 

Inverters should have safety features that disconnect the generating equipment if there is an outage so that electricity doesn’t backfeed to our staff through the grid when we are trying to fix the issue. They should also regulate the voltage to ensure that our network stays within regulatory limits.

The Clean Energy Council has a list of inverters that meet AS/NZS 4777 and IEC 62109 standards.