Solar or diesel generation

Connect to our network

Generation equipment sometimes referred to as distributed generators or embedded generators, can be installed to produce electricity for use at home or by a business. They may also be capable of putting surplus energy back into Orion's distribution network. These generators can take several forms:

  • solar
  • wind or micro-hydro turbines
  • diesel
  • other generation

You will need to apply for approval when installing generation equipment, this allows us to ensure it’s safely connected to our network.

Getting approval and connecting to our network

For applications 15kW or less, our aim is to have your approval within five working days.

Ready to apply? You can apply for 15kw or less through Orion online services(external link)

Larger solar and diesel applications may take 10 working days.

Connecting to the Orion network requires:  

A licenced electrician to complete wiring and electrical documentation. 

  • A licensed inspector is to complete a record of inspection (ROI). 
  • An approved inverter. An inverter is an electrical device that transfers energy from the solar panels to your house supply. The inverter has built-in electrical protection systems that keep you and electrical workers safe. 
  • Information on the size of your energy system. This allows us to manage network congestion of surplus energy. 

The Electricity Authority has information(external link) on the rights and responsibilities of a person or organisation wanting to connect a distributed generation system to an electricity network and the network provider.

Information guides and applications

Please select from the below generation guides that explain what you need to do to connect your power generation equipment to our network:

Ready to apply? You can apply for 15kw or less through Orion online services(external link)

Solar home/business 15kW or less information guide [PDF, 761 KB] 

Solar business 15kW or more information guide and application [PDF, 1.4 MB]

Diesel business 15kW or more information guide and application [PDF, 2.4 MB]

Compliant inverters 

Please check this pre-approved list of compliant inverters to see if your chosen inverter is included. If your inverter is not on this list, you will need to supply a copy of the specifications and a current certificate of suitability to AS/NZS 4777 with your application. 

Compliant inverters (AS 4777 and AS/NZS 4777.2:2015) [PDF, 309 KB]

For further information, please contact us on 03 363 9731 or email us.