Why Inverter Region Selection Is Now Mandatory? (And Solar Installers Can’t Commission Without It)
Solar installations are rapidly evolving, and so are the technical standards that help keep Australia’s electricity grid safe, reliable, and able to host large amounts of solar power.
One of the most important change for installers is the requirement to correctly select the inverter region during commissioning. This is not optional anymore, as of now, systems can no longer be commissioned by just selecting the name of the local network like AusNet, Citipower or United Energy. Instead, you must choose the correct region setting, such as Australia A, Australia B, or Australia C, based on the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4777.2:2020.
What Changed?
Previous practice often saw installers picking an inverter setting based on the name of the Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) in the menu. This has now been explicitly ruled out. The inverter must instead be configured using:
Country/Region selection
AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 region profile (e.g. Australia A)
You don’t just pick “Jemena” or “AusNet Services” you pick Australia A for systems in Victoria and Eastern Australia.
Learn about various DNSP here.
What Each Region Means
Under AS/NZS 4777.2:2020, the regional settings correspond to different parts of Australia:
| Setting | Where It Applies |
| Australia A | Victoria, NSW, Queensland, ACT, South Australia, Power&Water |
| Australia B | Western Australia |
| Australia C | Tasmania, Horizon Power |
Note: Manufacturers might label these slightly differently in menus.
Why Inverter Region Selection Matters (Benefits)
It is now a mandatory commissioning requirement, and systems cannot be correctly commissioned by simply selecting the name of the local network.
Modern grid-connected inverters must be configured to operate correctly with the Australian electricity network. This is achieved by selecting the correct region profile in accordance with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020.
Previously, installers often selected a setting based on the DNSP name (such as AusNet, Jemena, or Energex).
This is no longer acceptable.
Instead, you must select the correct Australian region, such as Australia A, Australia B, or Australia C.
This requirement applies to solar PV systems, battery systems, and hybrid inverters.
Getting the region setting right isn’t just bureaucratic red tape it delivers real technical and safety advantages:
Improved Grid Integration
Modern inverters interact with the electricity grid in smart ways. Regional settings ensure:
- Correct volt-watt, volt-var, and freq-watt responses
- Smoother disconnection/reconnection behaviour
- Better handling of voltage or frequency events
This means your system behaves in harmony with the grid, reducing nuisance trips and improving performance.
Higher Solar Export Potential
Pre-set grid support features in the right region profile maximise how much solar energy your system can export, stabilising voltage and supporting network reliability.
Simplified, Standardised Commissioning
With default profiles defined under the standard, installers spend less time figuring out bespoke DNSP settings and regulators can more easily verify compliance during audits.
Minimised Regulatory and Compliance Risk
If your inverter is not configured to the correct region at the time of installation :
- Connect the inverter to the internet and upgrade the firmware according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- An Incorrect region setting can lead to inverter disconnection due to grid incompatibility, causing production loss and non-compliance.
So, skipping this step isn’t just bad practice; it’s a compliance issue.
How To Do It (Installer Guide)
- Go to the inverter settings menu or installer app.
- Select your country/region (usually already populated).
- Choose the AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 region profile e.g., Australia A.
- Turn the inverter on and complete commissioning using the manufacturer’s commissioning tool or app.
Remember: Do not select the distribution network name, only the region profile.
Final Word
Inverter region selection isn’t a “nice to have” it is now an essential part of commissioning modern solar and battery systems in Australia, especially under Solar Victoria programs. Selecting the right region ensures your installation:
- Meets current Australian Standards
- Performs reliably & safely
- Supports the grid effectively
- Is compliant for audits and rebates
So next time you’re commissioning a solar or battery inverter, remember: region selection matters and it must be done right.
Credits: Solar Victoria