Here are some example scenarios to help clarify scheme eligibility for large and complex solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This includes multiple adjoining or electrically connected devices.
The Regulations explain how to determine the boundary of a device where multiple solar PV systems are installed. For example, connected systems which in total exceed 100 kilowatts (kW) aren't defined as 'small generation units' in the Act.
These scenarios aren't intended for typical participants in the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET).
Key concepts
- The National Meter Indicator (NMI) is equal to the grid connection point
- A commercial sub-meter is equivalent to a commercial meter that is subsidiary to the connection point
- A commercial meter records the consumption of electricity for financial transactions between unrelated parties
When a system is off-grid and not interacting with an external transmission or distribution network, the system's entirety, including interconnected components, will determine the boundary of the device.
Systems exceeding a total capacity of 100 kW can be accredited as a power station under the LRET.
Exceptions
We are subject to the Act and supporting regulations when assessing applications for solar PV systems as small generation units and power stations.
If you have a proposed system with technical or contractual arrangements not allowing it to meet requirements, provide details about why:
- the system doesn't meet the requirements
- it's eligible for the relevant scheme.
If we have provided advice that doesn't meet the requirements, contact us before installation to confirm eligibility.
Relevant legislation: sub-regulation 3(2) of the Regulations.
Scenarios
We provide examples of how to determine the boundaries of a solar PV device. You should read this information alongside the Act and supporting regulations. For more information, read our disclaimer.
Scenario 1
5 stores in a retail complex, each with a 50 kW PV system, have commercial sub-meters and connect to the grid via one NMI.
- Commercial sub-meters define the boundaries of the devices.
- Each system is a separate device with a capacity under 100 kW. Each device may be eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STC) under the SRES.
- These systems aren't eligible for large-scale generation certificates (LGC) under the LRET.
Scenario 2
5 stores in a retail complex, each with a 60 kW system, have commercial sub-meters and connect to the grid via one NMI. 2 stores are electrically connected behind the commercial sub-meters.
- Commercial sub-meters define the boundaries of the devices.
- The connected stores are one device exceeding 100 kW and not eligible for STCs.
- The remaining 3 stores with 60 kW each are separate devices and may be eligible for STCs.
Scenario 3
In a retail complex with 2 stores, each with commercial sub-meters and connected to the grid via one NMI. One store has 2 60 kW systems and the other one 60 kW system.
- Commercial sub-meters define the boundaries of the devices.
- The store with 2 systems is one device exceeding 100 kW and is not eligible for STCs.
- The store with one system is separate and may be eligible for STCs.
Scenario 4
A single commercial facility spread over 3 adjacent properties, each with a 50 kW system. All are connected to the grid via one NMI.
- NMI defines the boundary of the device.
- The system exceeds 100 kW and may be eligible for LGCs.
- This system isn't eligible for STCs.
Scenario 5
A single commercial facility spread over 3 adjacent properties, each with a 50 kW rooftop system. Each is connected to the grid via separate NMIs. The electricity generated is used on-site.
- NMIs define the boundaries of the devices.
- Each system is a separate device under 100 kW and may be eligible for STCs.
- These systems aren't eligible for LGCs.
Scenario 6
A single commercial facility spread over 3 adjacent properties, each with a 50 kW system. Each property is connected to the grid via a separate NMI. All properties are electrically connected behind the NMIs.
- As the facility is electrically connected, the 3 NMIs are the boundary of one device.
- The system exceeds 100 kW and may be eligible for LGCs.
- This system isn't eligible for STCs.
Scenario 7
Two retail complexes on adjacent properties, each connected to the grid via a separate NMI. Each complex has one store with a commercial sub-meter and one store without. The stores each have a 60 kW system installed. The 2 stores with sub-meters have an electrical connection behind the commercial sub-meters.
- The 2 connected stores are one device exceeding 100 kW and not eligible for STCs.
- The 2 stores not connected to another store or adjacent complex are separate devices under 100 kW and may be eligible for STCs.
Scenario 8
A university connected to the grid via a single NMI with 2 individual buildings, each with a non-commercial sub-meter. The sub-meters are used to maintain building management systems. The university precinct includes a main building with a 100 kW system and 2 sets of housing with 5 kW systems.
- NMI defines the boundary of the device.
- The sub-meters don't meet the definition of a commercial meter.
- The system exceeds 100 kW and may be eligible for LGCs.
- This system isn't eligible for STCs.
Scenario 9
An apartment complex has a communal precinct with a commercial sub-meter and 4 apartments with non-commercial meters. All are connected to the grid via a single NMI. The communal precinct has a 100 kW system and 2 apartments have a 3 kW system.
- The communal building is a device of 100 kW or less and may be eligible for STCs.
- The NMI defines the apartments' boundary, not the non-commercial meters. The total capacity is under 100 kW, the 2 apartments with 3 kW systems may be eligible for STCs.
- None of these systems are eligible for LGCs.
Scenario 10
A housing estate where each house has its own NMI and a 5 kW system owned by the developer and leased to the householders.
- NMIs define the boundaries of the devices.
- Each system is a separate device under 100 kW and may be eligible for STCs.
- These systems aren't eligible for LGCs.
Scenario 11
A solar farm developer has installed 10 ground-mounted 100 kW systems on 10 adjoining sites. Each with an NMI connected to the grid via one substation installed as part of the development. There is no material on-site use of the electricity generated.
- The system is a device that exceeds 100 kW if at least 3 of the following criteria apply:
- the systems are located at a single site or multiple adjoining sites in the same area
- the systems are installed for the primary purpose of generating electricity for export to a grid
- electrical infrastructure (other than metering equipment) is needed to connect the systems to a grid
- more than 50% of the total kW rating of all systems is from ground-mounted systems.
- This applies regardless of ownership or operational control of the systems and interconnecting infrastructure.
- In this scenario, the device meets all 4 criteria. This system isn't eligible for STCs but may be eligible for LGCs.
Scenario 12
A farm with an 80 kW system on a shed and a 50 kW system on the house, both connected to the grid via one NMI. There is also an 80 kW off-grid pumping system.
- NMI defines the boundary of the grid-connected device. The system is a device exceeding 100 kW and may be eligible for LGCs.
- The off-grid system is a separate device under 100 kW and may be eligible for STCs.
Scenario 13
A residential household with a 50 kW PV system.
- NMI defines the boundary of the device.
- The system is a device under 100 kW and may be eligible for STCs.
- This system isn't eligible for LGCs.
Scenario 14
A one megawatt solar farm with one NMI, connected to the grid via one substation.
- The system is a device exceeding 100 kW if at least 3 of the following apply:
- the systems are located at a single site or multiple adjoining sites in the same area
- the systems are installed for the primary purpose of generating electricity for export to a grid
- electrical infrastructure (other than metering equipment) is needed to connect the systems to a grid
- more than 50% of the total kW rating of all systems is from ground-mounted systems.
- This system may be eligible for LGCs.