This Notice to Market remains in effect until 30 June 2023. For new mandatory requirements and recommendations that come into effect from 1 July 2023, see Notice to Market 2023–24.
What is the Notice to Market?
The Solar Victoria Notice to Market provides the solar industry in Victoria with a clear overview of the rules and expectations for participation in the Solar Homes and Solar for Business programs from 1 July 2022.
The requirements for participants, systems and products outlined in the Notice to Market will help ensure the ongoing improvement of the solar industry. They focus on worker and customer safety, fit for purpose and future-proofed product installations and ensuring all Victorians benefit from clean and affordable solar energy.
Download the Solar Victoria Notice to Market
Replacing all previous versions, this Notice to Market comes into effect on 1 July 2022:
For new mandatory requirements and recommendations that come into effect from 1 July 2023, see Notice to Market 2023–24.
Participation in the Solar Homes and Solar for Business programs is governed by the requirements set out in this Notice to Market, as well as Solar Victoria's terms and conditions such as those for retailers and for installers.
Participants must comply with the requirements in this notice for rebates to apply to solar PV, solar battery and hot water systems.
New recommendations introduced 2022–23
There are five new recommended requirements. They relate to product and system updates, as well as additional obligations for retailers.
We encourage industry to meet these recommended requirements to help deliver the best safety and quality outcomes for Victorians who have enthusiastically embraced solar.
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Recommended from 1 July 2022: Solar PV systems are recommended to have the capability to conform to an API in accordance with Australia’s Common Smart Inverter Profile (CSIP-AUS) and the IEEE 2030.5-2018 standard, via either direct inverter integration, an external control system or via a vendor cloud - or equivalent.
Reasons for this recommendation:
- An industry adopted communications protocol will help to standardise the interoperability approach. Interoperability is seen as the key enabler to unlock future energy markets through widespread aggregation and orchestration of DER.
- Australia’s Common Smart Inverter Profile (CSIP-AUS) previously referred to as the ‘Australian Implementation Guide’ of open communications protocol IEEE 2030.5, was released in September 2021.
- The guide is accessible at:
- Solar Victoria will strongly consider mandating compliance to CSIP-AUS at an appropriate time, in consultation with industry.
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Recommended from 1 July 2022: Install ‘Non-load break DC disconnection points’ where appropriate, in lieu of rooftop DC isolators, in accordance with AS/NZS 5033:2021.
Reasons for this recommendation:
- ‘Non-load break disconnection devices’ may in certain cases provide increased consumer safety outcomes over rooftop DC Isolators.
- Rooftop DC isolators if installed incorrectly (or damaged over time) can suffer from internal arcing due to water ingress and subsequent fire risks.
- AS/NZS 5033:2021 offers a choice to installers to either instate a rooftop DC isolator or a DC ‘disconnection point’ to align with New Zealand (and other global jurisdiction approaches).
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Recommended from 1 July 2022: Arc Fault Protection Equipment (AFPE) to IEC 63027 where a string inverter system is installed.
Reasons for this recommendation:
- Arc fault protection can reduce the likelihood of sustained Arcing through early detection and protection, increasing safety outcomes.
- The IEC 63027:2019 standard applies to equipment used for the detection and optionally the interruption of electric DC arcs in photovoltaic (PV) system circuits.
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Recommended from 1 July 2022: Solar battery systems are recommended to be installed in a manner that prevents “Cross Phasing”.
Reasons for this recommendation:
- Ensuring solar batteries and solar PV are on the same phase for multiphase customers improves direct self-consumption.
- Victoria's net metering arrangement does not require per phase balancing for multiphase customers. A solar PV and solar battery system can be installed on separate phases – with no financial impact to a customer (except where grid export limits are reached).
- Battery cross phasing can result in network unbalance, potentially avoided higher line voltages and unnecessary exacerbation of power qualities in the network.
- Victoria's Net Metering arrangement is defined in:
- Chapter 7 of the National Electricity Rules
- AEMO’s Metrology Procedures
- Victoria's Service and installation rules.
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Recommended from 1 July 2022: We recommend solar PV retailers to advise system owners of the Victorian Energy Compare website and to utilise the solar saver tool prior to installing a solar system.
Reasons for this recommendation:
- This Victorian Energy Compare website is a Victorian state government initiative that includes a solar savings calculator using NMI (National Mering Identifier) specific data.
- The solar calculator can be used by homeowners to compare the proposed solar system to their actual usage and tariff structure.
- Victorian Energy Compare can be accessed at:
There are no new mandatory requirements. Mandatory requirements remain the same for retailers and installers in the Solar Homes and Solar for Business programs, however you might notice some have been re-worded.
How was the Notice to Market developed?
We consulted with key stakeholders on the Notice to Market 2022–23 and carefully considered feedback in designing the recommended and mandatory requirements.
Direct interviews with chosen representatives from key peak bodies and relevant government agencies were invaluable in designing requirements. We are confident they will help ensure safety and continue to achieve quality standards within the solar industry.
Representatives from the following agencies contributed to the Notice to Market 2022–23:
- Australian Energy Market Operator
- Australian Renewables Agency
- Clean Energy Council
- Clean Energy Regulator
- Consumer Action Law Centre
- Electrical Trades Union
- Energy Networks Australia
- Energy Safe Victoria
- Fire Rescue Victoria
- National Electrical and Communications Association
- RACV Solar
- Smart Energy Council
- WorkSafe
Reviewed 17 May 2023
