The resources and training on this page step solar installers through the emergency backstop requirements and how to comply, with a focus on connection requirements and what you need to do to ensure customers can maximise their exports.
To keep safely installing rooftop solar and support the renewable energy transition, new, upgrading and replacement solar systems in Victoria need to be installed to comply with the emergency backstop requirements from 1 October 2024.
Update: emergency backstop for small and medium solar systems
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is aware that distribution businesses are experiencing challenges in implementing certain processes necessary for the operation of the incoming emergency backstop for small and medium solar systems (up to 200 kW). DEECA has reviewed the industry’s readiness to meet a 1 July 2024 commencement date.
To support a smooth transition to the new requirements, the emergency backstop for small and medium systems will now commence on 1 October 2024.
Webinar to discuss emergency backstop requirements
If you missed the webinar we hosted on Wednesday 11 September, you can view the recording here.
The webinar included a Q&A session. These Q&As will be published soon. Please also refer to the DNSPs’ emergency backstop webinars and resources at these links:
How to access eLearning for installers
For installers to access this course:
- Click below to access the eLearning course in LearnLAB, the Clean Energy Council’s Learning Management System.
- In LearnLab, go to ‘CPD Elective’ then select ‘Victorian Emergency Backstop’ (20 CPD points are available).
- If you were recently accredited, you may need to enrol as a non-installer.
For support accessing this course, please email LearnLAB@cleanenergycouncil.org.au.
This eLearning course is designed to guide solar installers through the new obligations for solar installations to be capable of being remotely turned off during system security emergencies.
It is offered free of charge to accredited installers and designers and solar businesses working in Victoria and covers the following in a self-paced, structured and flexible format:
- introduction to the new requirements for solar installations in Victoria
- industry compliance with CSIP-AUS (Common Smart Inverter Profile Australia) compliant inverters
- how the emergency backstop will enable solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to be remotely turned down or switched off during system security emergencies, as a last resort
- how the requirements apply to different types of PV systems.
How to access eLearning for non-installers
- Go to LearnLab on the CEC website. As a new user, register by clicking the ‘Register’ button in the top right corner.
- Enter your details in the registration form and follow the instructions to verify your account.
- Once registered and verified, log in to your account.
- In the search box, type ‘Victorian Emergency Backstop’ and select the course from the results.
For support accessing this course, please email LearnLAB@cleanenergycouncil.org.au.
Guidance for installers
For a summary of the steps involved in each stage of the installation journey and helpful links to more detailed information, see Industry guidance.
You can also download a detailed Emergency backstop industry guide. This guidance is intended to support solar installers to navigate a solar system installation in Victoria.
Talking with customers about the emergency backstop
We encourage you to discuss the benefits of the emergency backstop with your customers, including:
When you discuss the benefits with customers, you can also give them a copy of the ‘Emergency backstop customer factsheet’ which explains what emergency backstop means for them in plain language and with FAQs.
The emergency backstop mechanism
Rooftop solar installers will need to install new, upgrading or replacement solar systems (less than or equal to 200kVA) to comply with Victoria’s emergency backstop requirements.
Typically, this will involve:
- selecting CSIP-AUS compliant equipment (or combination of equipment) connecting the inverter(s) to the internet – a requirement under section 3.2.1 of the Notice to Market.
- connecting the inverter(s) to the internet, and
- configuring the installation to communicate with the relevant distribution business’ utility server.
To be emergency backstop enabled, a solar system must be able to communicate using CSIP-AUS and be connected to the internet.
The use of CSIP-AUS technology aligns with existing mechanisms in other states. Victoria is implementing CSIP-AUS technology so that our approach maximises national consistency, including through the use of a single national product list of inverters with software communication channels compliant to CSIP-AUS.
For more information, see Victoria's emergency backstop mechanism for solar.
Solar industry guidance
Use this guidance to help keep workers and customers safe and put industry leading standards into practice.
Notice to Market to lift standards and quality across Victoria’s solar industry
Solar Victoria has released its Notice to Market for 2024–25, to ensure all clean energy systems are installed safely, are fit-for-purpose and future-ready under the Solar Homes Program.
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