The solar emergency backstop is a mechanism that allows electricity distribution businesses like AusNet to remotely turn down or switch off rooftop solar systems during an energy supply emergency. This is only used as a last resort to avoid widespread power outages. This change has been mandated by the Victorian government.
Watch our technical webinar recording for further information.
On some mild, sunny days, Victorian households create and export more energy than the grid can use. Sometimes this causes an unstable electricity supply, which in extreme situations, can lead to outages. We want more households to install solar.
The solar emergency backstop device will safely manage the amount of solar being exported to the grid in extreme situations. This allows more customers to connect their solar and also supports our renewable energy future.
The Australian Electricity Market Operator (AEMO) constantly monitors the electricity grid and predicts when too much energy is going to be generated. They then tell us when to activate the emergency backstop, and for how long. The emergency backstop will only be used in rare cases, when solar exports are too high to be safely managed.
This intervention will help to avoid blackouts, ensuring a safe and continuous electricity supply for Victorians.
From 1 October 2024, your new or upgraded solar system must have an AusNet approved inverter. You’ll also need a reliable internet connection, preferably Ethernet. Your installer will help you with this.
From 1 October 2024, you’ll need to install an AusNet approved Common Smart Inverter Profile Australia (CSIP-Aus) inverter and connect the system to the customer’s internet, preferably ethernet. We'll keep our approved inverter list updated as we test and add more approved inverters.
We’ll give you more information closer to 1 October, so you can confidently install the device on new and upgraded solar systems. From 1 October, we’ll also have a dedicated support desk to help you through the new process.
Solar applications approved before 1 October 2024 don’t need to be backstop enabled.
CSIP-Aus approved devices need to be tested by AusNet in order to be approved for installation on our network. Manufacturers should continue working with us so we can test and approve all CSIP-Aus certified inverters.
We'll keep our approved inverter list updated as we test and add more approved inverters. If you would like to add your inverter to this list, please email us immediately to arrange for Software Communications Client testing: solarbackstop@ausnetservices.com.au.
On 1 October we’re excited to launch our new connections portal and our new Installer Support Desk. Our dedicated help desk for industry will operate Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
The list below outlines the key dates and milestones for the solar emergency backstop and CSIP-Aus mandatory implementation.
1 March 2024: Mandatory requirements for Solar Homes rebate customers
All solar PV inverters accessing Victoria’s Solar Homes rebate must be CSIP-Aus ready. This means they must be listed on the Clean Energy Council’s Approved Inverter list to conform to IEEE 2030.5-2018 and CSIP-Aus. The approved Solar Homes inverter product list was updated in August 2024 - only products that meet this requirement are included.
1 July 2024: Mandatory requirements for Solar Homes rebate customers
All solar PV inverters installed under Victoria’s Solar Homes rebate must have an active internet connection where possible. This allows more customers to connect solar to the grid in the future.
1 July 2024: Implement utility servers to support certified solar system testing
Under the emergency backstop requirements, we must operate a utility server that is capable of remotely turning down/switching off rooftop solar systems from 1 October 2024.
Aug 2024: Solar installer training and engagement
For solar installer training and engagement needs, please email solarbackstop@ausnetservices.com.au.
1 Oct 2024: Emergency backstop for small and medium systems commences
From 1 October 2024, rooftop solar installers must add a solar emergency backstop device on any solar system (equal to and less than 200kW) that they are installing, upgrading, repairing or replacing.
Typically, this involves:
For more information, see Solar FAQs. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, please email solarbackstop@ausnetservices.com.au.
Training is now available for solar installers, visit Solar Victoria.
Download our solar emergency backstop customer fact sheet (PDF, 290 KB) and solar emergency backstop commissioning checklist (PDF, 155KB).
We will continue updating this page with information about this mandatory emergency backstop. We’ll be directly contacting solar installers from August with more information and advice.