🛠 Application & Connection Process

Remember to inform Network Tasman that Flash will be completing the livening.

Here is a simplified step-by-step of how the process with NTL works for solar / Distributed Generation (DG) systems:

Early engagement
– Before you purchase equipment / fix everything, it’s wise to contact NTL. They say “we recommend you involve us in the process as early as possible” for DG. (Link to Network Tasman Solar)

Select your system and ensure compliance
– Choose equipment (panels, inverter, etc) that meets the required standards.
– Ensure your installation will comply with the relevant technical standards and NTL’s documents. For bigger systems (>10 kW) there are more detailed requirements.

Submit the appropriate application
– For systems 10 kW or less, use the “Part 1 / Part 1A” application pack. (Link to Information Pack less than 10kW)
– For systems greater than 10 kW, use the “Part 2” application pack which has more detailed information (e.g., single line diagrams, detailed data) required. (Link to Information Pack greater than 10kW)

Review & Approval
– NTL will review your application. They have rights under the code and their contract to approve, impose conditions (including export limits) or reject based on network capacity / safety / technical risk. (Link to Network Tasman)
– For example: they talk about “export congestion” where parts of their network may already be at capacity for hosting DG.

Installation & Compliance Check
– Once approved, you install the system. It must meet the technical standards and NTL’s conditions. Post-installation you may need to provide certification (e.g., Electrical Certificate of Compliance) for NTL to connect it.

Connection & Operation
– After all is approved and certified, the system can be connected. You must operate within any conditions (e.g., export limit, inverter remote shutdown, etc) that NTL may impose.

📋 Key Additional Technical & Operational Conditions
Here are some of the specific conditions NTL mention which are important:

Export / congestion management:

NTL says that in some areas their network is “reached capacity for hosting solar generation … No further distributed generation can be accommodated without export to grid restrictions or network upgrades.”
Overvoltage shutdown: For solar generation systems, the inverters are required to have an overvoltage shutdown facility (for example with NTL they reference 248 V) to protect the network.

Remote disconnection / network interaction: When exporting to the grid, the system must allow safe operation — network disturbances, power quality, reverse flows etc must be managed.

Battery storage systems: If you’re installing solar plus battery/hybrid systems, NTL has a policy on “Battery Energy Storage System Grid based charging”. Batteries add an additional layer of complexity. (Link to Network Tasman)

👥 What this means for homeowners & installers
If you are a homeowner considering solar (especially grid-connected), you should involve a licensed electrician (or certified installer) who understands DG connections and the standards.
You should check with NTL before purchasing your system about whether your site is in an area where export or connection may be restricted.
Ensure your inverter and other equipment meet the required AS/NZS standards referenced above.
Be aware that systems >10 kW have significantly more stringent requirements (single line diagrams etc).
Ensure certification and compliance documentation is prepared so that NTL can approve connection.

Remember to inform Network Tasman that Go Flash will be completing the livening.

Electricity Retailer

Retailer: Contact your electricity retailer and request a metering change to import/export metering. Please ensure Flash is on the service request form.