Connect power generation - 10kw or less
Dynamic Distributed Generation (DG) export connections are now available (from 11 May 2026)
From 11 May 2026, Vector is introducing Dynamic Distributed Generation (DG) export connections, enabling eligible single-phase customers to export up to 10kW.
We are currently in the process of implementing a Dynamic Export Management System. Once this system is live and connected to your inverter, your export limit will be dynamically adjusted over the internet based on what the network can safely accommodate at the time. This will help ensure the network continues to operate safely and reliably, while allowing as many customers to export as much solar energy as the network can support.
Your export limit only affects how much electricity can be exported to the network, it doesn't affect how much solar energy your system generates or how much electricity you can use within your home.
To be eligible for dynamic exports, your inverter must comply with the New Zealand standard AS/NZS 4777.2 and support secure communications (CSIP capability). For more information please see our Dynamic Distributed Generation (DG) Export Connections FAQs here
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The following information applies when you generate your own electricity on-site via a small-scale generator (10 kilowatts or less) which is, or will be, connected to our electricity network.
We can approve your application if you provide evidence that your distributed generation complies with our technical requirements.
Your application may be delayed in processing if:
- Your inverter does not meet our technical requirements; and/or
- The information provided in your application was not complete
- More information is required and/or approval from a technician is required
Once your application is approved, unless otherwise agreed, your connection will be governed by the regulated terms (Schedule 6.2) and our Congestion Policy.
If your installation is unsafe, non-compliant, or your application is incomplete, we reserve the right to disconnect your point of connection to our network until the installation is either remedied or disconnected.
Responsibilities
Before you apply
- Check your inverter is approved and compliant using our approved list
- Please read the following documents, which together set out Vector’s connection and operating standards.
After installation provide us with
- A Certificate of Compliance outlining the scope of the installation (including reference to compliance to AS/NZS 4777.1 and AS/NZS 3000) within 10 working days after installation
- Any requested information
Our Process
Initiate | Submit the application form to DGinfo.applications@vector.co.nz . In the email subject line please include the address, ICP number and the amount of export that your application relates to. If we need more information to accept your application, we'll let you know. |
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Approval | We'll review your application and aim to let you know within 10-30 working days if your application is approved or delayed.
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Installation | Install the distributed generation once its approved |
Finalise | You need to provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) from a qualified electrician (who will test and inspect the new generation) within 10 working days after installation. Submit the CoC to DGinfo.applications@vector.co.nz In the email subject line please include the address, ICP, amount of export and reference number provided in your approval. |
Please note: The allowable voltage operating range at the customer point of connection has been expanded to 230V +/- 10%.
What does this mean for distributed generation?
The settings specified for all systems before these changes have a voltage response which will curtail and even disconnect the inverter within the normal operating range of the expanded voltage band.
As such we recommend that all existing installations update their voltage settings to ASNZS4777.2:2020 ‘Australia A’. Similarly all new installations should also use the ASNZS4777.2:2020 ‘Australia A’ settings. If the system has a secondary protection device (typically for legacy installations of 30kW+), these settings will also need to be updated.
We are in the process of updating our standards to reflect these changes.
FAQs
If you are a customer installing equipment to generate electricity at your home, business, or other privately owned property, you are installing distributed generation. If you plan to connect this system to Vector’s network, you will need to follow Vector’s application process.
The main benefit of installing a network-connected distributed generation system is the ability to receive power from Vector’s electricity network when your system is not producing as much power as you need. This is essential for many renewable technologies like solar and wind, which produce intermittent power, and for other technologies that may need to be shut down for periodic maintenance.
An additional possible benefit for some generators is the ability to sell power back to your retailer if you are not using the generated electricity. You will need to check if your retailer offers this service.
Please send us a copy of the data sheet or the certificate of suitability for the inverter make and model as proof that it will comply with our standards. Refer to our checklist for all the information Vector requires for a non-approved inverter.
At this time, and for the next 12 months, we do not anticipate congestion on our network for connecting distributed generation with a capacity of 10kW or less. However, an assessment is done for each application and we encourage you to read our Congestion Policy to understand how congestion may affect your connection or any future applications.
Even if you intend to use the power generated when your system is connected to Vector’s network, you will need to follow Vector’s Distributed Generation application process. There may still be times when excess electricity is not used, and it is passed back to the network. This has a wide range of implications that Vector need to consider, including network performance, service quality, and safety.
Take time to fill out the form correctly, make sure the data is consistent including specifying the inverter make and model and uploading documentation that matches these details. When an application is not complete or information is inconsistent, we will need to clarify this with you before the application is reviewed.
If you have a question or concern about your distributed generation application, please contact DGinfo.Applications@vector.co.nz and include your application reference number where possible. If you haven’t heard back, or would like additional support, you can contact customerdevelopments@vector.co.nz for further assistance.