Solar and Other Technologies

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Help & Support

Emergency Backstop Mechanism

Connection Charges For Solar and Other Technologies

Jemena Approved List of Inverters

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Solar and Other Technologies

5 Steps to Solar Success

If you're keen to join the growing number of Victorian households lowering their energy bills and carbon footprint with solar and other technologies, we're here to guide you through the process.

Victoria’s Emergency Backstop Mechanism

The Victorian Government has introduced changes that require Distribution Businesses, such as Jemena, to remotely turn down (reduce) or switch off solar generation during an emergency, such as when we have a supply and demand imbalance within the electricity network. This temporary action will be taken at the direction of AEMO to protect the stability of the network.
The final stage of changes, which come into effect from 1 October 2024, will impact households and small businesses installing a new, replacement or upgraded system.

Getting the Most From Your Solar

Basic Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your solar panel system safe and efficient. Each year, you should:

Clean the panels by removing dirt and grime. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s guide beforehand, or hire a professional to do the work for you.

2. Follow the maintenance schedule from your installer to maximise efficiency of the panels.

Self Consumption vs Export

Using your solar power at home is the best way to save money on your electricity bill. While you get paid a little for sending extra energy to the grid, it’s less than what you pay for electricity when your system isn’t producing any.

To get the most out of your rooftop solar system, try shifting more of your electricity usage to peak solar production time (when the sun's out). Here are some tips:

If you have devices that use a lot of electricity (like an electric vehicle, washing machine, or dishwasher), try to use or charge them during the day when your solar panels are producing power.

2. Invest in smart devices or a home energy management systems to automate usage to when your solar is producing energy during the day.

Tracking Your Electricity Usage

Did you know you can view and manage your electricity bill by logging into Track My Electricity Usage?

Check on your electricity consumption and compare it to other users in your suburb. Check your home's CO2 emissions and set targets to reduce them by managing your electricity use efficiently. Save money by comparing energy retailer offers on websites like Victorian Energy Compare.

Keep Your System Connected to the Internet

From 1 October 2024, all new or upgraded solar system inverters must remain connected to the internet.

Ask your installer how to check the connection using your solar app and how to reconnect if your connection is lost. If your internet connection is not stable, ask for advice on arranging a wired internet connection.

Other Technologies

We welcome connection of other renewable technologies to our network, including Embedded Generation (EG), Batteries and Electric Vehicles. EG involves any form of onsite generation installed on your premise that may require a connection to the electricity network.

Types of Embedded Generation include: 

Inverter Energy Systems (IES)
Battery Storage (when exporting to the network)
Wind generators
Solar panels

Non-IES (rotating)
Synchronous machines like diesel generators or gas generators
Induction machine

All generation systems that require a connection to our electricity network must be reviewed and approved by Jemena prior to connection and operation. This is to ensure safety and compliance.