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Emergency Solar Management

To maintain the stability of the electricity system and support the continued installation of rooftop solar, the WA State Government has introduced emergency solar management (ESM) – the capability to remotely turn off (and on again) new and upgraded rooftop solar systems.

From 14 February 2022, all new and upgraded rooftop solar systems with an inverter capacity of 5kW or less, and participating in the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS), must have the capability to be remotely turned off in an ESM low load event.

On mild, sunny days (usually weekends), the electricity generated from rooftop solar systems in the network is generally high while demand for electricity is low – affecting the stability of the electricity system as supply and demand are unbalanced. This can cause an 'ESM low load event ', requiring the remote management of rooftop solar systems to balance supply and demand in the electricity system.

ESM low load events are expected to be infrequent and required only for short time periods to prevent the interruption or loss of electricity supply during these times. Remote management is only intended to be used when all other available options to protect the electricity system have been exhausted. 
ESM does not interrupt electricity supply from the network – only rooftop solar generation is turned off. You will continue to receive electricity from the network if your rooftop solar system is remotely managed on an ESM low load event.

The introduction of ESM and the delivery of the WA State Government’s Distributed Energy Resources Roadmap, a plan to integrate solar PV, batteries, electric vehicles, and other energy storage and generation devices into the electricity system, are part of WA's Energy Transformation Strategy.
ESM represents a stepping-stone, to assist in maintaining security and reliability in the electricity system, that could enable renewable generation to continue to be installed and connected to the network.

For more information on ESM and more, please see FAQs below or: 

  • Energy Policy WA (EPWA), the WA State Government’s energy policy agency, here.
  • The WA State Government’s statement regarding ESM, here.
  • Western Power’s ESM technical requirements, here.

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Emergency Solar Management FAQs

Who does emergency solar management apply to?

Emergency solar management applies to all customers with new and upgraded rooftop solar systems with an inverter capacity of 5kW or less and participating in DEBS. These customers include:

•            residential properties that consume < 50MWh/a

•            any customer that is a school, university or other educational institution or a non-profit making organisation

What is emergency solar management?

Emergency solar management (also known as ESM, Distributed Photovoltaic Management or DPV management) refers to the management of rooftop solar systems. Put simply, ESM is the ability to turn down or turn off the capability of rooftop solar systems to generate solar energy remotely.

Presently inverters are not technically able to be turned down via remote management and so if ESM measures are required, rooftop solar systems will only be able to be turned off. In the future, technology may also allow inverters to be turned down.

Why do rooftop solar systems need to be remotely managed?

Distributed rooftop solar is an important source of low cost and low emission power. However, WA’s main electricity grid was not designed for the large uptake of renewables that has occurred in recent years. Large amounts of rooftop solar energy are making the electricity system more vulnerable and increasing the risk of electricity supply interruptions.

As a last resort measure, emergency solar management could assist in managing the current risks to the electricity system and allow rooftop solar systems to continue to be installed and connected to the grid as we transition to a more sustainable energy future.

How soon will emergency solar management measures be used?

Emergency solar management is not expected to be needed at all until the end of 2022, however Energy Policy WA (EPWA), the State Government's energy policy agency considers it is necessary to introduce the capability now. This is intended to ensure that there is enough rooftop solar capability that can be remotely managed by Synergy (in response to a request by Western Power, the network operator) to help manage future emergency operating conditions in the system and enable rooftop solar systems to continue to be installed.

How will I know that my rooftop solar system has been switched on or off for an event?

Depending on the type of system you have, you may be able to see if your rooftop solar system is operating via the system itself or via a third-party app. Synergy will turn rooftop solar systems back on that have been turned off on an ESM low load event day.

Soon after an ESM low load event day, Synergy will also update the yellow banner at the top of this webpage to provide more information to customers. 
Synergy will also periodically test that the onsite hardware for your rooftop solar system can be remotely managed to ensure that appropriate actions can be taken in an emergency solar management event. 

You should contact your solar installer if there are any technical issues with your rooftop solar system. 

What if there are technical issues with my rooftop solar system?

Depending on the type of system a customer has, they may be able to see if their rooftop solar system is on or off. Although the solar installer is generally the first point of technical support for customers, a customer might wish to restart their inverter themselves by following the shut-down and start-up procedure noted on the inverter to see if that first corrects the issue. It may take up to an hour for the inverter to revert to usual programming following an event or test. 

Why is the WA State Government responding now to low load issues?

A report by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has found that risks associated with low load in the network have increased due to the accelerating uptake of rooftop solar systems. In 2020 the installed capacity of rooftop solar increased by over 300 MW (or 24%) in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS). The installation rate of rooftop solar in the SWIS has consistently exceeded forecasts, including those from AEMO.

The WA State Government has implemented ESM arrangements so that the electricity system can better manage in periods where there less demand for electricity or 'low load' in the future. ESM (or DPV management) requirements apply to new and upgraded rooftop solar systems with an inverter capacity of 5kW or less from 14 February 2022.  ESM has been introduced following a recommendation from AEMO.

Will you conduct tests on my rooftop solar system to ensure it is compliant with emergency solar management requirements?

Synergy will periodically test that the onsite hardware for rooftop solar systems can be remotely managed to ensure that appropriate actions can be taken in an emergency solar management event.

For rooftop solar systems using the API cloud solution, Synergy will check that the customer’s inverter is connected to the internet and commissioned on to the inverter manufacturer’s portal. 

For rooftop solar systems using the metering solution, Synergy will check that the customer’s inverter is wired correctly to the meter in line with Western Power’s Basic Embedded Generator Connection Technical Requirements. 

Emergency Solar Management Event FAQs

Does emergency solar management only cover the SWIS (South West Interconnected System)?

At this stage, this only applies to the Western Power network in the SWIS.

How will you decide which rooftop solar systems will be turned off?

Synergy will turn off rooftop solar systems as advised by Western Power to manage supply and demand in the grid in emergency operating conditions.

How will this affect my energy usage/electricity supply?

Emergency solar management turns off rooftop solar systems to prevent excess solar energy being exported to the grid. Customers will continue to have uninterrupted electricity supply from the grid when emergency solar management measures are being used. Emergency solar management is being introduced to help prevent widespread electricity supply interruptions in the grid.

What if there are technical issues with my rooftop solar system?

Customers should contact their solar installer if there are any technical issues with their rooftop solar system. Depending on the type of system you have, you may be able to see if your solar system is on or off.

Will customers be compensated for having their solar turned off?

Rooftop solar system owners will not be compensated when their system is turned off to maintain supply security and avoid the risk of an electricity supply interruption in the grid under emergency solar management measures. Since emergency solar management is intended to only be used as a last resort to avoid the risk of an electricity supply interruption in the grid, it is anticipated the measure will have very little impact on affected customers.

Does the change impact the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme or my return on investment?

The ESM arrangements are not anticipated to have any significant financial impact on households with rooftop solar systems.

The Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS), including the buyback rate for excess electricity exported to the network will, if applicable, continue to apply. DEBS could be impacted if an installation is not compliant with ESM requirements as per the current DEBS Terms and Conditions. 

If a meter upgrade is required to comply with emergency solar management, is the customer responsible for the costs incurred?

The customer is responsible for any additional costs incurred as a result of a meter upgrade. The API cloud solution is currently expected to provide the best outcome for most customers – it is generally lower cost and aligned to future opportunities for Distributed Energy Resources DER participation.

Will my rooftop solar system and/or battery still power my home when they are remotely managed under emergency solar management?

This is dependent on the design and capability of your rooftop solar system (and battery system if you have one) and what emergency solar management measures are being used. 

How will emergency solar management impact life support customers?
Life support customers will still be required to follow the standard application and installation process but will not be impacted by emergency solar management.  Life support customers will continue to be responsible for ensuring their details and information is up to date.

Solar Retailers & Installers FAQ

Who does emergency solar management apply to?

Emergency solar management applies to all customers with new and upgraded rooftop solar systems with an inverter capacity of 5kW or less and participating in DEBS. These customers include:

•            residential properties that consume < 50MWh/a

•            any customer that is a school, university or other educational institution or a non-profit making organisation

What happens on the 14 February 2022?

All applications made on or after 14 February 2022 for new or upgraded rooftop solar PV systems with an inverter capacity of 5kW or less, and participating in DEBS will need to comply with the emergency solar management requirements. This means they must be able to be managed remotely, enabling them to be turned off under remote instruction.

The rooftop solar system must meet the requirements for emergency solar management if you are:

  • Installing a new rooftop solar system with an inverter capacity of 5kW or less on or after 14 February 2022; or
  • Upgrading an existing rooftop solar system on or after 14 February 2022 where the inverter capacity will be 5kW or less.

A grace period was provided where the application for a new rooftop solar system was made prior to 14 February 2022 and the system was installed no later than 13 March 2022.

What are the obligations for a solar installer under the new arrangements?

As a solar installer, you will play an important role in the adoption of new technology. 

Solar installers must ensure their installations and upgrades to existing systems meet the Western Power Basic Embedded Generation Connection Technical Requirements.
 
Solar installers will also continue to be responsible and the first point of contact for customers for any technical issues regarding their rooftop solar systems and any warranty claims regarding their rooftop solar systems and inverters under the Australian Consumer Law.

Does emergency solar management only cover the SWIS (South West Interconnected System)?

At this stage, this only applies to the Western Power network in the SWIS.

How can an inverter manufacturer be registered on Synergy’s Supported Devices List?

To be registered on Synergy’s Supported Devices List for the API Cloud solution, the inverter manufacturer must complete a self-assessment checklist (or nominate a technology provider to complete it on their behalf) and have an API Agreement in place with Synergy’s Integration Partner.

How do AC coupled batteries with 5kW of solar affect export limiting and DEBS?

To be eligible, a renewable energy system must have a generating capacity of 5kW or less. A solar PV system with total solar panel capacity of up to 6.6kW and an inverter capacity of up to 5kW is deemed eligible. There is no eligibility limit in relation to home battery or electric vehicle battery size, but all renewable energy systems and batteries must meet Western Power’s Basic Embedded Generator Connection Technical Requirements for connection to the grid to be eligible for DEBS 

How does this impact battery installations?

Battery installations from 14 February 2022 will be required to meet the requirements for emergency solar management as per Western Power’s Basic Embedded Generation Connection Technical Requirements.

  • In the situation where an existing solar system is being upgraded with a battery installation, where the parts of the existing solar system are unchanged during the new installation process, then the existing solar system is not required to meet the new emergency solar management requirements. For example, when adding an AC coupled battery to an existing solar system. However, the battery system must comply with the requirements for emergency solar management.
  • In any other battery installation situations, emergency solar management requirements apply to the entire system.
  • Emergency solar management for battery installations can be achieved by meeting the time of operation for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) requirements, where all systems with a BESS shall not discharge the BESS between 10am to 3pm and not charge the BESS between 6pm to 9pm. Therefore these battery installations do not need a cloud API or AMI metering pathway for emergency solar management.
If a meter upgrade is required to comply with emergency solar management, is the customer responsible for the costs incurred?

The customer is responsible for any additional costs incurred as a result of a meter upgrade. The API cloud solution is currently expected to provide the best outcome for most customers – it is generally lower cost and aligned to future opportunities for Distributed Energy Resources DER participation.

In an emergency solar management event, will households with BESS (Battery Energy Storage System), remain connected, and will generated rooftop solar continue to charge the battery?

Households with a solar system capable of export limiting may continue to charge the BESS. However, provision of the export limiting functionality via a cloud API solution varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Please consult your manufacturer to find out more.

Why is this only applicable to new or upgraded systems?

Emergency solar management is only applicable to new and upgraded systems due to the current challenges with retrofitting existing installations.

How will emergency solar management be implemented?

There are two ways to remotely manage and turn off rooftop solar systems to meet the Western Power Basic Embedded Generation (EG) Connection Technical Requirements for emergency solar management.

  • The API cloud solution uses a software integration - an API (Application Programming Interface) to remotely manage rooftop solar systems. This requires installing a compatible inverter, and the customer maintains a consistent internet service that the inverter is connected to.
  • The metering solution requires a meter with communications capability enabled and the inverter isolated so that it can be remotely managed.
What about new and upgraded solar systems that are larger than 5kW?

In an emergency solar management event, residential rooftop solar systems that are installed or upgraded after 14 February 2022, with an inverter capacity greater than 5kW, will be subject to export limits to ensure they do not contribute to low load events.

Export limits are set in accordance with Western Power’s Basic Embedded Generator Connection Technical Requirements. Where there is no offtake agreement in place with the Retailer, the export limit will be set to no more than 1.5kW.

How do I know if the inverter is compatible with the API cloud solution?

You can review the Supported Devices List here for all API cloud solution compliant devices. If you’re still uncertain, please speak to the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for further advice.

What if the inverter isn't on the Supported Devices List?
The inverter may not be compatible with the API cloud solution and may be required to meet the metering solution requirements instead. The Supported Devices list is under frequent and ongoing review, with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) working closely with Synergy’s integration partner to ensure their devices meet API cloud solution requirements.
What else should I know about the metering solution?
  • Characteristics of the site, such as use of a plug-in meter, or lack of coverage/availability of the mesh network, may make the metering solution unsuitable. 
  • The metering solution may incur additional costs.  For example, in some circumstances, a new meter may need to be installed, or extra wiring may be required to connect the switchboard to the meter.

Please refer to the Western Power website  for more details. 

What if my customer can’t meet the requirements for the API cloud solution or the metering solution?

Export limiting will be an option available to customers who can’t meet the API cloud or metering solution requirements but still wish to install a rooftop solar system. Please note that customers who choose this option are not eligible for the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) and would not be affected by an emergency solar management event

Export limiting applications cannot be completed online. To apply, please complete the Distributed Energy Systems Application up to 30kW form.
How can I find out more about how this impacts me as a solar installer?

Synergy is committed to working with the solar industry to provide timely and easy to understand information about what the new emergency solar management requirements mean in relation to system capability, installation and connection.

Synergy has been working closely with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to support installers through the introduction of emergency solar management and the new Western Power Basic Embedded Generation Connection Technical Requirements. If you have any further questions on the API cloud solution and inverter technical requirements, we encourage you to reach out to your OEM directly for support.

Ongoing updates will be provided by Synergy through planned industry briefing sessions, information fact sheets and content to be made available online. Please register for regular updates and news about emergency solar management by completing the form below.

How will emergency solar management impact life support customers?
Life support customers will still be required to follow the standard application and installation process but will not be impacted by emergency solar management.  Life support customers will continue to be responsible for ensuring their details and information is up to date.