Helping our tamariki stay safe in the water
E tiakina ana ā tātou tamariki kia haumaru i te wai
keep readingAs of 1 April 2026, if you have a single phase domestic connection, you can export up to 10 kW of electricity generated from your solar system back to Top Energy’s network, up from our previous standard 5 kw export limit.
To be considered eligible for this increase, your system must meet our technical requirements :
- Be connected via a single-phase domestic connection,
- Maintain voltage within New Zealand regulatory limits,
- Use an inverter that is compliant with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 (Australia A) and has volt var, volt watt, and frequency watt functions enabled.
- Comply with the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010.
It’s important to note that while the limit has increased, what you can actually export could still be subject to a network assessment based on our network capability.
To increase your existing export limit, please make an application to do so below.
Once approved, a qualified electrician or solar installer will need to physically adjust your inverter to allow it to export up to 10 kW, depending on what your system is capable of.
Embedded Generation Installation Application
Approved inverters
Top Energy approved inverters currently approved by the Clean Energy Council.
Inverters | Clean Energy Council
Export congestion
Areas of congestion for new applications.
Congestion management policy
Top Energy will manage congestion on its network in accordance with this policy.
Regulated terms
The regulated terms can be found in Section 6.2 of the Code. When the Regulated Terms apply is detailed in the Top Energy Specification & Connection Standard, found above.
Fees
Payment in full should accompany completed application forms
| Fee Schedule | Fee (incl GST) |
|---|---|
| Application 10kW or less | $115 |
| - Application deficiency | $92 |
| - Inspection | $69 |
| Application 10kW or less in specific circumstances* | $230 |
| - Observation of testing and inspection | $69 |
| Application 10-100kW | $575 |
| Application 100kW - 1MW | $1150 |
| Application greater than 1MW | $5750 |
| - Observation & testing | $138 |
Glossary
If you need help with industry terms, you can refer to the Electricity Sector Glossary
