Solar Installers Checklist for Jemena Connections

1. Before installation

• Check the inverter is on the CEC list of CSIP-Aus compliant inverters.
• Check the inverter is also on Jemena’s list of approved inverters (so max. export limit can be applied if installation/commission is done correctly).
• Confirm an internet connection is available at the premises.
• Familiarise yourself with the inverter manufacturer guide.
• Download/install inverter manufacturer software to complete commissioning onsite.
• If needed, submit an “Approve my embedded generation and battery storage” application.

2. Installation (onsite)

• Install the inverter according to the manufacturer’s guide.
• Apply correct settings (Australia region A: AS 4777.2:2020).
• Apply low static export limit (0.5kVA per site).
• Establish an internet connection to register the inverter¹.

Note: For installation on sites with existing solar:

• Upgrade existing inverter(s) to CSIP-Aus compliant inverters,

or

• Ensure low static export limit (0.5kVA per site) is active.

3. Commissioning (onsite)

• Register the inverter via the inverter manufacturer portal.
• Obtain LFDI.
• LEI to sign off and issue CES.
• Prepare information required for Jemena commissioning (incl. photos of inverter A settings, low static export limit, CES, LFDI and NMI).
• Submit “Commission my CSIP-Aus Inverter” application via My Portal.
• Check the inverter is connected to the internet to enable Jemena to complete commissioning².
• Leave the inverter ON.

4. Jemena testing & commissioning

• Allow time for Jemena to conduct the necessary testing prior to commissioning.

5. After installation

• Ensure the customer understands the importance of maintaining an internet connection.
• Provide the inverter user guide and show the customer how to check and reconnect the inverter’s internet connection.
• If required, submit the meter reconfiguration service order via the customer’s chosen energy retailer.
• Provide the customer with contact information for the inverter manufacturer, installer, and Jemena.
• Ensure the customer understands that there may be planned testing for ongoing compliance.

Jemena Approved List of Inverters

In 2024, the Victorian Government mandated changes that impact customer solar installations up to and including 200kVA in size (small – medium installations).  Under the changes, all Electricity Distribution Networks like Jemena must ensure that all new, replacement and upgraded solar systems are Emergency Backstop enabled.

This means all new solar installations  must have an active communications link between the solar system  and Jemena’s systems.  For most customers, this communications link will be via the internet to a CSIP-Aus compliant inverter.

Read more about the Emergency Backstop here.    

Important information about connecting to the Jemena network from 1 October 2024

To connect to the network, inverters must be on the Clean Energy Council list of compliant inverters, as well as on Jemena's approved list of inverters too.  Inverters that are not on Jemena's approved list cannot connect to or be commissioned to the Jemena network.

The following must be taken into consideration*:

• The inverter must be connected to the internet at all times;
• The approved inverter must also be on the list of inverters approved for Jemena connection as shown in the table below (please note that we are regularly adding to this list as we continue to test and approve inverter manufacturers). 
• Any applications (with total solar inverter capacity of 10kVA single phase and 30kVA three phase or below) with an inverter that’s not on Jemena’s approved inverter list will be rejected. Installers must ensure theycheck Jemena’s approved inverter list before submitting a “Commission my CSIP-AUS” application to avoid any delays or rejected applications.
• If the inverter cannot be accessed via the internet, we’re unable to access your solar PV system remotely, and the system’s solar export limit will be reduced from 5kVA per phase to 0.5kVA (Total Export Limit).

* Once all validation activities are completed, Jemena will send a confirmation letter to the OEMs/aggregators to notify them of approval and add them to the list below. It's essential that OEMs/aggregators understand the guidelines and follow the correct format in the document to generate the Long Form Device Identifier (LFDI).

Click here to view Jemena's approved list of inverters

Connections Charges for Solar and Other Technologies

Jemena will apply a connection charge to cover the costs and time for our team to assess your application. 

From time to time, we may be required to augment our network to facilitate your Embedded Generation (EG) system. Our team will contact you if we do need to make any augmentation and advise of any associated costs. 

Embedded Generation Connection Charges

* Note: for embedded networks, the EG application must be submitted for the parent NMI and must include total inverter capacity (all existing and new embedded generators for each child NMI within the embedded network, behind the parent NMI/ gate meter). Jemena only has visibility of the parent NMI and does not have visibility of child NMIs. This EG application is required to be submitted to Jemena for and on behalf of the Embedded Network Operator (ENO), and paid by the ENO, who owns the parent NMI and is responsible for all the EGs within their embedded network. The EG connection agreement is between Jemena and the ENO.

* Note: for all negotiated connection services, further connection charges will apply. All Solshare at Jemena goes through negotiated connection process.

Connection Charges for Sites with an Inverter Energy System (Inc. Batteries)