Solar inverter settings
If you use solar power and the inverter keeps switching off or reducing output, this means your system is responding to changes in voltage.
This does not necessarily mean there is a problem. However, there are possible causes that you can investigate. Not all solar systems have the right settings when first installed. We recommend speaking to your solar installer or an electrician to check that your inverter settings comply with the mandatory settings, not the factory settings.
If you have concerns due to your inverter recording voltage above 258V or your safety is at risk, contact us and one of our crews will investigate the issue as soon as possible.
If your inverter settings match the settings below, you can contact us to investigate.
Your electrical contractor/solar installer must apply the following mandatory power quality settings for PV inverters to minimise nuisance tripping.
Further information also within Australian Standard and Technical Standard TS129.
Sustained operation for Voltage variations (Clause 7.5.2 of AS4777.2-2020)
| Reference | Voltage in volts |
|---|---|
Vnom-max |
258 |
Volt-Var response mode (Table 3.7 of AS4777.2-2020 per the Australia A region)
| Reference | Voltage in volts | Volt-Var % rated VA |
|---|---|---|
V1 |
207 (default) |
44% leading (sourcing vars, 2.4%/volt) |
V2 |
220 (default) |
0 |
V3 |
240 | 0 |
V4 |
258 | 60% lagging (sinking vars, 3.3%/volt) |
In addition to the above settings, also apply a Volt-Watt response mode as per below if the inverter allows this in addition to the above Volt-Var response mode.
Volt-Watt response mode (Table 3.6 of AS4777.2-2020 per the Australian A Region)
| Reference | Voltage in volts | Power % rated power |
|---|---|---|
V1 |
207 (default) |
100% (default) |
V2 |
220 (default) |
100% (default) |
V3 |
253 (default) | 100% (default) |
V4 |
260 (default) | 20% (default, 11.4%/volt) |
When set correctly, your inverter will respond to changes in voltage rather than shutting down when the voltage briefly reaches the upper limit. This will optimise your solar-generated power.
Voltages exceeding 258v
You need to contact us to report voltages exceeding 258V. We will then check voltage and safety up to the service point. We can fix network equipment faults while on site, for example, loose wiring connections. More complex issues related to the total operation of the network take longer to fix and need more testing.
Our team can only fix faults on our network and will not inspect or repair any faults on your equipment, such as your inverter.
We may need to monitor our network in your local area, which takes around three months to complete.
Before we do this, your solar installer or an electrician can check your inverter’s settings and test if the issue is on your side or on ours.
If your inverter has the correct settings, you will need your solar installer’s or an electrician’s written confirmation as proof before we will investigate the issue.
Your solar system does not meet the Australian Standard. If this is the case, you will need to get your solar installer or an electrician to change your inverter to the mandatory settings.
Your system must use these settings. Your inverter should not contribute to high voltage or switch off after you make these changes.
We will ask you for written proof of your inverter’s settings from your solar installer or an electrician.
We will monitor our network voltage in your local area. This takes around three months to complete.
Once we know the issue and can fix it, we will complete these changes within three months for minor work or 12 months for larger projects.
If we find no fault on our side, we will not be able to fix the issue. You will need your solar installer or an electrician to test your solar system. We recommend double checking that your solar system has the mandatory settings. In some cases, you may need to make changes to your electrical system, such as upgrading your internal wiring.
Contact us about your voltage issue.
Why inverters switch off or reduce output
There are three reasons why you experience these issues:
-
1
The voltage rise between your solar system and the service point is above the Australian Standard.
-
2
Our network is supplying power higher than 253V at the service point.
-
3
Your solar system, although set to match the Australian Standard, raises the network voltage over the 253V limit at the service point when exporting power.
When solar users in your area are exporting a lot of power to the grid, the network voltage may increase. This may cause your solar inverter to switch off temporarily to protect it from damaging your solar panels. During this time, you won’t be generating or exporting power until the voltage reduces. With the right settings, your panels will be able to continue exporting power.
Your system will adjust its output in response to several factors, including:
- network voltage
- weather conditions
- the usage in your home.
Your system should disconnect from the grid if:
- the average voltage goes over 258V for 10 minutes
- the voltage goes over 265V for one second.
Contact us about your voltage issue.
The settings control the way your inverter behaves as voltage levels change throughout the day. These settings will meet the best balance between the amount of power you use or export, the protection of your equipment and our network, and your overall safety. Having a solar system that meets the Australian Standard provides all solar power users with the same opportunity to export energy.
Your solar system is a Small Embedded Generator (SEG). As a generator, you take on certain responsibilities. The Electricity Distribution Code and the Australian Standard set these responsibilities. We need to make sure that when you connect to our network you meet these standards, so our network can operate reliably, efficiently and safely.
No. Your technical support should come from a solar installer. We are not a solar installer.
You may be able to check your settings without your solar installer or an electrician. We recommend you refer to your operating manual, solar installer or manufacturer to find out if you can and how to do so.
Check with the manufacturer’s instructions. In most cases, only an accredited person, such as a solar installer, can change your inverter’s settings.
Any qualified solar installer or electrician.
Voltage is never constant. Electrical faults, storm events, changes in demand and generation, and other network conditions cause the voltage to change.
We must keep the voltage to your service point within 216V and 253V. There are other factors, such as the amount of power at your sockets or appliances due to the size or length of consumer wiring. However, this is not a part of our network and is beyond our control.
The Australian Standard for voltage (AS60038) requires the supply to the service point to be within 216V and 253V. However, solar systems can raise the voltage on your side of the connection. If you are testing it yourself, you should switch off your solar system. Your inverter should automatically limit solar exports if the voltage is reaching the higher end of the range.
For overhead powerline areas, the service point is usually on the eave, fascia or riser bracket of the home or office building.
If the supply to your property is underground and the street supply is overhead, the service point may be a black box midway up a nearby stobie pole.
For underground cable areas, the service point will usually be from a small green service pit or pillar that you will often share with at least one neighbour.
For rural, commercial or industrial premises, your service point may be at our transformer.
We are only responsible for maintaining the supply up to the service point. Beyond this point, it is the property owner’s responsibility.
Your inverter is correcting itself during times of high voltage so that it can remain on. This is normal behaviour during these times. The panels will continue exporting once the voltage reduces.