Smart inverters set the standard for rooftop solar

A new ‘smart inverter’ standard which became mandatory for all Victorian rooftop solar systems late last year will allow households to generate more solar power than ever before, helping the transition to our net-zero future. 

Karl Edwards, Jemena’s General Manager Asset & Operations - Electricity, said that a smart inverter system is an essential feature of a rooftop solar system which links the solar panels at your house to the electricity network. 

“Renewable energy, including rooftop solar, is a growing source of power generation in Australia. To enable our low carbon future, we need to enable all the renewable energy we can. Jemena is working hard to transition our electricity grid to safely and reliably support that future. We know we are on the right journey as we have been ranked in the top 20 electricity networks in the world in the Smart Grid Index.  

“When our customers are able to generate more solar energy from their rooftop panels, this has the dual benefit of solar powering their home leading to lower power costs for their household, and generating lower-emission energy for the wider community,” he explained. 

“By moving to a new standard for smart inverters used across Australia, the stability of the overall electricity grid will be improved and it will also allow the electricity grid to host more solar. These advanced inverters have power quality and voltage settings that will make rooftop solar systems more resilient to fluctuations in voltages across the electricity network. For customers this means a more reliable connection and the ability to generate more solar energy,” he said. 

Karl said the new smart inverters would also play an important role in enabling the grid to host more electric vehicles over the longer term. 

“Not only will electric vehicles help with the decarbonisation of the transportation sector, but their ability to act as an electricity grid-connected battery while being charged allows them to contribute to the stability of the grid overall. 

“Jemena is proud to be contributing to the energy transition via initiatives such as the EV Grid: Enabling Electric Vehicle Friendly Networks and Neighbourhoods trial and by working with our customers to lead the adoption of smart inverters for rooftop solar.  

“It’s an exciting time for the industry and we are well-positioned to meet the changing energy demands of our customers, supporting a net-zero future,” he said.  

Jemena customers can learn more about the new solar inverter standards here.