New DER technical requirements for consultation
We’re working hard to enable more households and businesses to connect to the benefits of rooftop solar. The good news is, we'll soon be updating our DER Technical Requirements to remove hosting capacity restraints across most of our networks.
To facilitate this change, all new connections will need to be energy managed - with the introduction of Smart Connect Solar.
We want the industry to have a say on the proposed changes
Before they take effect in 2024. This is an opportunity for you to understand more about these changes and provide your feedback.
Download a copy of the draft Technical Requirements below.
What's changing?
To enable more households and businesses to install rooftop solar
Most systems will need to be energy managed via a Secure Gateway Device connected to Horizon Power's DER Management system (DERMS).- The draft Technical Requirements for Basic EG Systems - outlines compatible inverters, internet connection options and how to commission Horizon Power's SGD during install.
- The draft Technical Requirements for Low Voltage EG systems - have been updated to facilitate the new DERMS requirements and SGD supplied by Horizon Power.
Watch the video to learn more about Smart Connect Solar...
Compatible inverters
For Basic EG connections, only the following inverter makes and models are initially compatible with the SGD (supplied by us). This list will continue to grow as more inverters become compatible.
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Fronius models
Model Supported inverter sizes Symo (SnapInverter) SYMO 3.0-3-S SYMO 3.7-3-S SYMO 4.5-3-S SYMO 3.0-3-M SYMO 3.7-3-M SYMO 4.5-3-M SYMO 5.0-3-M SYMO 6.0-3-M SYMO 7.0-3-M SYMO 8.2-3-M SYMO 10.0-3-M SYMO 12.5-3-M SYMO 15.0-3-M SYMO 17.5-3-M SYMO 20.0-3-M Primo (SnapInverter) PRIMO 3.0-1 PRIMO 3.5-1 PRIMO 3.6-1 PRIMO 4.0-1 PRIMO 4.6-1 PRIMO 5.0-1 PRIMO 5.0-1AUS PRIMO 5.0-1 SC PRIMO 6.0-1 PRIMO 8.2-1 Eco (SnapInverter) FRONIUS ECO 25.0-3-S FRONIUS ECO 27.0-3-S Symo GEN24(+) 6.0kW 8.0kW 10.0kW Primo GEN24(+) 3.0kW 3.6kW 4.0kW 4.6kW 5.0kW 6.0kW -
GoodWe models
Model Supported inverter sizes D-NS GW5000D-NS GW3000D-NS GW3600D-NS GW4200D-NS MS Series GW5000-MS GW6000-MS GW7000-MS GW8500-MS GW10K-MS ET Series GW5KL-ET GW6KL-ET GW8KL-ET GW10KL-ET EH Series GW6000-EH GW5000-EH GW3600-EH -
Growatt models
Model Supported inverter sizes MIN TL-X Series MIN 2500TL-X MIN 3000TL-X MIN 3600TL-X MIN 4200TL-X MIN 4600TL-X MIN 5000TL-X MIN 6000TL-X MIN 7000TL-X MIN 8000TL-X MIN 9000TL-X MIN 10000TL-X MOD TL3-X Series MOD 3000TL3-X MOD 4000TL3-X MOD 5000TL3-X MOD 6000TL3-X MOD 7000TL3-X MOD 8000TL3-X MOD 9000TL3-X MOD 10KTL3-X MOD 11KTL3-X MOD 12KTL3-X MOD 13KTL3-X MOD 15KTL3-X -
SMA models
Model Supported inverter sizes Sunny Boy AV-41 SB3.0-1AV-41 SB3.6-1AV-41 SB4.0-1AV-41 SB5.0-1AV-41 SB6.0-1AV-41 Sunny Tripower AV-40 STP3.0-3AV-40 STP4.0-3AV-40 STP5.0-3AV-40 STP6.0-3AV-40 STP8.0-3AV-40 STP10.0-3AV-40 STP 15000TL-30 STP 20000TL-30 STP 25000TL-30 STP50-40 STP50-40 -
Sofar models
Model Supported inverter sizes Sofar SOFAR 3KTLM-G3 SOFAR 3.6KTLM-G3 SOFAR 4KTLM-G3 SOFAR 4.6KTLM-G3 SOFAR 5KTLM-G3 SOFAR 5KTLM-G3-A SOFAR 6KTLM-G3 SOFAR 7KTLM-G3 SOFAR 7.7KTLM-G3 SOFAR 8KTLM-G3 SOFAR 9KTLM-G3 SOFAR 10KTLM-G3 -
Sungrow models
Model Supported inverter sizes Sungrow SH5.0 RT SH6.0 RT SH8.0 RT SH10 RT
All systems must be configured with Australia Region C settings in accordance with AS4777.2:2020
All systems must be configured with Australia Region C settings in accordance with AS4777.2:2020.
Horizon Power has been made aware of an issue with the connect and reconnect over-frequency setting in AS4777.2:2020 (Section 4.7 in our DER Technical Requirements). For new Basic and LV EG connections, this setting is required to be updated to 50.5Hz to comply with the new draft Technical Requirements.
Horizon Power is working with Standards Australia to have this updated in AS4777.2:2020. However, in the interim, a manual update to this setting is recommended to ensure inverters operating in our service area work correctly.
Training requirements
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Do I need to complete training or be accredited?
Yes. To install solar in Horizon Power towns that have Smart Connect Solar, you will need to complete a free micro accreditation through the:
Get ahead of the curve by completing the training before it’s rolled out to the first town, Carnarvon in early 2024.
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What else do I need to do before I can install a Smart Connect Solar system?
After completing theCEC micro accreditation, you'll be sent an email to register for SwitchDin's Stormcloud. This online application is what you'll use to successfully commission the SGD as part of the solar install.
Once you have completed the registration process you can download the Stormcloud App on your mobile or tablet. -
Where can I find more help and support?
You can find additional resources and useful articles on Smart Connect Solar, including installation and troubleshooting guides on the SwitchDin website.
If further assistance is required during install, SwitchDin's technical support will be provide assistance:
Changes to installation day
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How do I get the SGD?
Once your application to connect to the Horizon Power network has been approved, we'll deliver the device (SwitchDin Droplet Plus) to your nominated address.
Don't forget to inspect the contents of the box to ensure all parts are present and there are no signs of physical damage.
If any parts are missing or damaged, please contact SwitchDin helpdesk via email:
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Can I use an inverter that isn't compatible with Smart Connect Solar?
Not for Basic EG connections (up to 30 kVA). The solar inverter needs to be compatible with our DER Management system (DERMS). The good news is, this list will grow in size over time.
Low Voltage EG connections (greater than 30 kVA) can use any solar inverter from the Clean Energy Council's approved list of solar inverters. -
Will the customer’s system be energy managed immediately after the installation?
Yes, your customer's solar system will be energy managed upon commissioning the installation via the Stormcloud application.
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Does Smart Connect Solar affect battery installations?
Smart Connect Solar only impacts the operation of DC batteries connected to a hybrid inverter. It may limit the batteries’ ability to export during certain times of the day.
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Why must I commission the SGD in daylight hours?
Commissioning of the SGD needs to be carried out during daylight hours. This is to successfully confirm the solar generation controls can be tested as part of the installation process.
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Should I check internet connectivity before an installation?
Yes! It's crucial to ensure there's an active internet connection at the property before installation day. Otherwise, the customer may not able to connect their system to the network.
Internet connectivity is a mandatory technical requirement for all solar installs and essential to successfully commissioning the SGD.
What to tell your customer
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The connection request was approved, but Smart Connect Solar is rolled out in town before installation day?
Your application and approval will include the conditions your installation must comply with. These are outlined in the “Offer to Connect” email provided when the connection request was approved by us.
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What is the impact to my customer's payback period due to Smart Connect Solar?
Yes for Smart Connected towns. Customers will need to apply for a Smart Connect reference number via their MyAccount.
They'll accept the Smart Connect Solar Terms & Conditions and then issued a unique reference number. The customer will then forward this on to you - so you can submit the application to connect. -
Are there changes to the connection request process?
Yes. Customers will need to request a Smart Connect reference number via their MyAccount. They just need to accept the Terms & Conditions and will be issued a unique reference number to forward.
You'll need this number to complete the application to in a Smart Connected town. -
What if my customer has an issue with Smart Connect Solar?
Initially, customers may contact you first if they encounter any issues with their solar system. If you suspect an SGD fault, please:
- consult SwitcheDin's technical and troubleshooting guides;
- confirm with your customer if they're connected to the internet: and
- ask them to power cycle both their SGD and inverter.
If these steps fail to resolve the issue, your customer should contact Horizon Power.
Troubleshooting
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Who do I contact if I have an issue during installation?
For detailed fault-finding processes, please consult our troubleshooting guides on the SwitchDin website.
If further assistance is required, please contact SwitchDin for technical support: -
What if my customer has an issue with Smart Connect Solar?
Initially, customers may contact you first if they encounter any issues with their solar system. If you suspect an SGD fault, please:
- consult SwitcheDin's technical and troubleshooting guides;
- confirm with your customer if they're connected to the internet: and
- ask them to power cycle both their SGD and inverter.
If these steps fail to resolve the issue, your customer should contact Horizon Power.
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Where can I find more help and support
For detailed fault-finding processes, please consult our troubleshooting guides on the SwitchDin website.
If further assistance is required, please contact SwitchDin for technical support:
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.