DER Compliance Frequently Asked Questions

If your compliance percentage is under 90% you will be given automated warnings over a 21-day period prompting you to fix your compliance level. If your compliance rating does not increase to or above 90% after 21 days, you will be blocked from submitting further applications.

If your compliance percentage has remained below 90% after receiving three warnings over a 21-day period, your ability to submit new SEG applications has been blocked. To remove the block you will need to close our your non-compliant applications in order to raise your percentage above 90%.

You can filter your non-compliant approvals through the SmartSA dashboard.
 

All applications submitted via SmartSA that have evidence of installation will be monitored against current compliance requirements and be included in your overall compliance percentage.

Everyone has a role to play in DER Compliance.

• Solar retailer: It is the responsibility of each solar retailer to ensure that their employees and contractors are keeping up with compliance standards and following the correct processes. You are ultimately responsible for the compliant install of the systems that you sell.
• Solar installer: it is your responsibility to ensure the installation and commissioning of DER equipment meets all relevant standards and regulations. If you are contracted to work for a solar retailer, they may request you re-attend site if there are compliance issues.

The installer can retrieve each site using the NMI and Meter ID, but we are working towards an upgrade in future that will allow the SmartSA applicant to assign the application to the installer, ensuring it is visible on the Installations tab upon login.

Access to the Installations tab in SmartSA is granted only to registered electricians. This is to ensure that the person that was physically on site installing the system is the one closing out the application. If there are particular circumstances that are preventing your installer from closing out the application in SmartSA, we strongly recommend you reach out to the New Energy Services team to discuss your options.

There are legal implications for sharing applications across multiple users of the same domain. We are investigating the rules and requirements of such a function for a possible future update, but it is not something we are able to provide at this stage.

No. SmartSA account creations are monitored and access will be removed if you are seen to be making multiple accounts.

Mandatory compliance training will be automatically prompted when you raise your first application after logging into SmartSA. Our team has the ability to reassign this training at any time. If this is required, please contact the New Energy Services team on 13 12 61 and select option 2.

The Installations form and STC (small-scale technology certificates) are used by different organisations for different purposes, and therefore integration is not achievable at this time.

If the equipment installed by another company has not been closed out in SmartSA, it may be deemed non-compliant and impact your subsequent installation. If you come across any applications like this, please reach out to the New Energy Service team. 

Bi-directional chargers have different technical requirements compared to standard EV chargers. For more information, please contact the New Energy Services team by email newenergyservices@sapowernetworks.com.au or on 13 12 61, opt 2.

Any alteration to a site with existing solar must ensure that all equipment meets current standards. This includes things like Relevant Agent, site wide export limits, dynamic capability, and Flexible Exports requirements. 

For further information, please refer to OTR website.
 

We are working on a staged approach to manage DER compliance. The DER Compliance program monitors the ongoing adherence of DER installations against current compliance requirements. The roll-out of the Program has been set up in stages, to ensure a smooth transition to compliance management. 

The stages of compliance are:

• Stage 1 – Verify Install (Close Out) - LIVE
• Stage 2 – Flexible Exports Commissioning - LIVE
• Stage 3 – Export Limits – COMING SOON
• Stage 4 – Volt Var – FUTURE

Device registration is the process of electronic provisioning of the customers NMI and device with SA Power Networks. This is required to establish communications to a site, and for the site to receive a flexible export limit. The process differs for the specific manufacturer and inverter you are installing, but is usually done through the manufacturers app. Refer to your inverter manufacturer for more information on this process. 

The capability test is a short test conducted whilst you are on site to confirm whether Flexible Exports sites are configured and operating correctly. The test is a mandatory requirement of the SA Government Dynamic Export regulations and therefore is a condition of DER Compliance.

The default Relevant Agent for sites with a Flexible Exports connection is SA Power Networks – Flexible Exports. All other fixed installations will need a Relevant Agent selected at the time of application. 

You should refer to wiring guides and technical standards to ensure you have met your obligations as a solar installer.

There are Relevant Agent metering options for customers who do not have the internet. More information can be found on the Relevant Agent FAQ page.

Installation close outs can be done on site from a phone, tablet or laptop, or once you are back in a location with internet.