New rules for rooftop solar and batteries are coming to Western Australia’s South West grid from 1 May 2026, and they will affect how new and upgraded systems connect and export energy. The changes are designed to keep the network stable as solar uptake grows, while making it easier for households to opt into future “flexible export” products and virtual power plants (VPPs) if they choose.
Key points
- The change starts 1 May 2026 and applies to new or upgraded solar/battery systems on the SWIS.
- Most homes are included (the rules apply up to 30 kVA total capacity; most residential systems are around 5 kVA).
- You have a choice: if you don’t want (or can’t support) internet-connected controls, you can stay on a standard 1.5 kW export limit and your personal use of solar/battery isn’t affected.
For homeowners, the message is: you can still install solar as normal, and you’ll still be able to use your solar (and battery) for your own home. What’s changing is the standard set of minimum “device functionality” requirements that underpin export arrangements, particularly for customers who want the option of higher or more dynamic exports in the future.
What changes on 1 May 2026
From 1 May 2026, updated connection rules will apply to sites with new or upgraded solar and battery devices with a total capacity under 30 kVA (most homes are around 5 kVA). Systems installed or upgraded before that date are not impacted.
The policy intent is to standardise a baseline capability across makes and models, so customers can opt in and out of new export products without being locked out by incompatible hardware later. The rules build on existing arrangements that already allow devices to be remotely disconnected and reconnected in emergencies. Source ›
Why the network is changing the rules
Rooftop solar is now a major contributor to renewable electricity on the SWIS, and that scale brings operational challenges. When large amounts of solar export are unmanaged in one area, it can strain local poles and wires and increase the risk of equipment damage or outages. Solar output also swings quickly with cloud cover, which adds complexity and cost to running a stable power system.
The updated rules aim to support continued solar and battery uptake by setting clear minimum requirements that reduce network risk—particularly as larger systems and future export products become more common.
Keep it simple, or make it future-ready
One key point in the policy is that customers have the freedom to choose.
If you prefer not to participate in flexible exports or Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), or if your property cannot maintain a stable internet connection, you are not obligated to comply with the new communication requirements. In such cases, your system can continue to operate under a standard export arrangement of up to 1.5 kW. Additionally, your personal use of solar energy and battery storage in your home will not be affected.
However, if you would like the option to participate in flexible exports or VPPs as they become available, your system must be equipped for communication. This generally means that your inverter (and battery, if installed) should be able to establish a communication link—usually through your home Wi-Fi or a separate gateway device. This capability enables your system to receive remote disconnect and reconnect instructions during a power system emergency, and it supports dynamic export settings in future products.
What “communications-capable” means
For most households, this won’t feel like a major additional step because many modern solar and battery systems already include communications features. Where it matters most is in site realities: inverter location, Wi-Fi reliability, and whether older equipment can be updated to the required standard.
The policy also anticipates connectivity dropouts. If communications are lost, devices will default to a lower static export limit. When communications are restored, flexible export capability can automatically apply again, depending on the product or operating arrangements. Importantly, customers are not penalised simply because a retailer cannot communicate with their system.
Who implements the rules
Electricity retailers are responsible for ensuring the site complies as part of approval, installation and commissioning. For most residential households (generally those using under 50 MWh per year), the retailer is Synergy.
Synergy is expected to update its connection requirements and installer guidance to reflect the changes. The policy states Synergy will use CSIP-AUS (the Common Smart Inverter Profile – Australia) to communicate with customer solar and battery systems. Other electricity retailers may choose different approaches, so installers will need to follow the requirements of the relevant retailer for each job.
Upgrades, replacements, and edge cases
The new requirements capture upgrades to existing systems. In many cases, enabling the required standard may be as simple as configuration through an inverter “solar cloud” app during commissioning. For less common or more complex setups—such as mixed inverters, legacy systems that can’t be updated, or a workshop/shed install far from the router—a gateway device, such as a Catch Power device, may be used to establish the communication pathway.
There are also carve-outs. If an inverter is replaced under warranty with a similar or exact replacement, it is not required to meet the new requirements. And if you’re installing a very large system above 30 kVA, these changes do not apply; those installations follow existing requirements and approval processes with Western Power.
Timing: approvals vs install date
The policy aims to reduce confusion by tying the rule change to when the work is performed. Existing rules apply for work performed up to 30 April 2026. The new requirements apply to systems installed on or after 1 May 2026. If you’re planning solar close to that window, it’s worth confirming likely install dates early, especially during high-demand periods.
What to do next if planning solar
You don’t need to become an expert in standards or grid policy to make a good decision here. The planning steps are:
- First, decide whether you want the option to participate in flexible exports/VPPs in future, or whether you’re comfortable staying on the standard 1.5 kW export arrangement.
- Second, ensure your quote and equipment selection align with your retailer’s requirements, particularly if you’re a Synergy customer, where CSIP-AUS compliance is expected as part of the installation pathway.
- Third, consider connectivity at the inverter location; if Wi-Fi is likely to be unreliable, it doesn’t stop you from installing solar, but it can influence whether you choose standard exports or a gateway-enabled solution.
Your scenario
If you’re planning a new solar or battery system for installation on or after 1 May 2026, or you’re upgrading an existing system, PSW Energy can walk you through the simplest compliant pathway for your home, confirm your export options, and ensure the equipment you choose won’t create commissioning delays. Ask for a “post-1 May 2026 SWIS connection check” with your quote so you know, up front, what applies to your site and your goals.
