Electrical Work Requests (EWR) For Solar Installations

If you’re considering a transition to solar energy, it’s essential to grasp not only the hardware involved but also the administrative steps. One critical administrative requirement for Australian homeowners and business owners is the Electrical Work Request (EWR). This article will shed light on the significance of EWR in solar installations, what it entails, and the procedure for fulfilling this requirement.

What Is an Electrical Work Request (EWR)?

An Electrical Work Request is an official document submitted to either the relevant Retailer or Distribution Company. The document serves multiple purposes:

• It notifies them about new installations or changes to existing electrical setups.
• It formally requests actions such as connection, disconnection, or alterations to an electrical system, including solar installations.
• It provides details like the size of the solar system, inverter specifications, and other crucial technical data.

An EWR must be submitted for all new installations, alterations, or additions to existing electrical systems that involve the Distribution Company, like metering changes or new consumer mains.

Why Is an EWR Necessary for Solar Installations?

An EWR ensures your system’s compatibility with local regulations and facilitates its safe and efficient connection to the grid. Specifically it details:

• Regulatory Compliance: The EWR ensures that your solar installation complies with local and national regulations, including safety standards. It’s the first step in getting approval from the electricity distributor for your solar system to be connected to the grid.
• Grid Connectivity: As solar energy systems often feed surplus electricity back into the grid, the EWR informs the distributor of your plans, allowing them to make any necessary adjustments to their infrastructure.
• Safety Measures: The EWR helps identify if any special conditions or equipment are needed to ensure the safe operation of your solar system in the broader electrical network.
• Network Changes: If the installation or alteration will affect the distribution network, network assets, or metering, the EWR also outlines these aspects.

How Does the EWR Process Work?

Pre-Installation
Before your solar system is installed, the planned installation needs to be pre-approved by the energy distributor with a Grid Connection Application made. Once approved, installation can proceed.

Installation and Connection
After receiving approval, the next step is the installation of your solar system. Once the system is installed it will be issued with a state-specific Certificate of Compliance (COC) —such as the Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work (CCEW) in NSW, Electrical Safety Certificate in QLD, or Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES) in VIC. These are generally done by the electrician who installed the system or in Victoria by an independent inspector.

EWR Application

After installation and sign off, an official EWR document must be completed with accurate details of the installed system. This often includes customer information, installer details, technical specifications, the type of work which was undertaken and the Certificate of Compliance (COC).

Once the form is completed, it is submitted to the electricity distributor for assessment. This phase allows the distributor to evaluate your installation’s compliance with safety standards and regulations and make any necessary adjustments to their infrastructure.

Once accepted, the distributor will allow your solar system to be connected to the grid.

Finalisation

Once you’ve obtained both EWR approval and your state-specific compliance certificate, you’re nearly ready to go. At this stage, you’ve secured grid connection approval, meaning your solar system is eligible to be connected to the grid.

However, one final step may remain – your energy retailer upgrading arranging the installation or upgrade to a solar meter. This special meter is essential for accurately tracking both your grid energy consumption and any surplus energy your system feeds back into the grid.

At 1KOMMA5°, we simplify the process by helping you through each step, from filling out the EWR to ensuring your installation is up to code with state-specific compliance certificates. Our aim is to make your transition to solar energy as smooth as possible.