Ausgrid vs. Endeavour Energy: A Clear Guide to Solar Export Limits

Navigating the rules set by electricity distributors is a crucial step when installing solar panels in New South Wales. For many homeowners, the key question is how much surplus energy they can sell back to the grid. This is determined by the solar export limit set by your local Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP). In the most populated areas of NSW, this will either be Ausgrid or Endeavour Energy, and their rules differ in important ways.

Ausgrid vs Endeavour Energy solar export limits

When choosing a solar system, the size of the inverter and the export limit are two critical factors that will influence your return on investment. In NSW, these limits are set by the DNSP responsible for the poles and wires in your area.

Here’s a direct comparison of the standard rules for Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy:

It’s important to note that these are the standard limits. Endeavour Energy is actively moving towards a more dynamic model with its Flexible Exports program, which aims to bridge the gap with Ausgrid’s more generous standard limit.

Ausgrid solar export limits residential

Ausgrid services Sydney’s east, north, the Central Coast, and the Hunter Valley. For single-phase residential properties, which make up the majority of homes, Ausgrid allows for a solar inverter with up to 10kW capacity and, crucially, an export limit of 10kW.

This is one of the most generous limits in Australia and means homeowners can install larger solar systems (often up to 13.3kW of panels when oversized by 133%) and be compensated for all the excess energy they send to the grid, up to 10kW at any given moment.

For homes with a three-phase connection, the limit is even higher at 30kW for both the inverter and export capacity.

Endeavour Energy solar export limits residential

Endeavour Energy covers Sydney’s Greater West, the Blue Mountains, the Southern Highlands, and the Illawarra region. Their standard rule for single-phase homes is a 10kW inverter limit with a fixed export limit of 5kW. This means that even if you install a 10kW solar system, your inverter will be programmed to ensure no more than 5kW of power is sent to the grid at any one time. Any excess power beyond this must be used in the home or it will be lost (curtailed).

For three-phase properties, Endeavour allows a 30kW inverter with a 15kW total export limit (5kW per phase). However, Endeavour Energy is leading the charge with a more modern approach to grid management, which is changing the game for its customers.

Ausgrid solar connection process

The process for getting a solar system connected to the Ausgrid network is managed by your solar installer. It’s a structured, multi-step process designed to ensure safety and grid stability.

• Application Submission: Your solar retailer or installer submits a connection application to Ausgrid through an online portal on your behalf. This includes technical details about your proposed system, such as panel and inverter specifications.

• Technical Assessment: Ausgrid reviews the application to ensure it complies with all standards and assesses the capacity of the local network to handle the additional solar energy.

• Approval: Once approved, Ausgrid issues a confirmation. Your installer can then schedule the physical installation.

• Metering and Installation: You may need to arrange a smart meter upgrade with your electricity retailer to measure both imported and exported energy. Your SAA-accredited installer will complete the installation and provide a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW).

AU Solar Panels’s Pro Tip: Ensure your installer provides you with a copy of the CCEW. This document is your proof that the installation meets Australian safety standards. Ausgrid conducts random audits and can disconnect systems found to be unsafe.

Endeavour Energy solar connection process

The connection process with Endeavour Energy is very similar to Ausgrid’s and is also managed by your chosen solar professional.

• Online Application: Your installer will use Endeavour Energy’s online portal to apply for a connection. For most standard residential systems (up to 10kW on single-phase), this service can provide immediate “permission to connect.”

• Assessment: The application is assessed to ensure it meets network requirements.

• Permission to Connect: If the application is approved, Endeavour Energy issues a “Permission to Connect” document. Installation cannot legally proceed until this is received.

• Installation and Metering: An accredited installer completes the work. If needed, your electricity retailer will arrange for a new meter to be installed to track your energy exports.

• Registration: After connection, your installer must register your system in the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Register within 20 business days.

Case Study: A Family in Penrith The Nguyen family in Penrith was struggling with quarterly electricity bills over $550. They installed an 8kW system with Jinko panels and a 5kW Fronius inverter, costing $8,200. With Endeavour’s standard 5kW export limit, they were concerned about wasting excess energy. However, by shifting their pool pump and dishwasher usage to midday, their annual savings are now over $1,800. This puts them on track for a payback period of under 5 years, and their last bill was just for the daily grid supply charge.

NSW solar export limit regulations

The rules set by Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy are part of a broader regulatory framework in NSW designed to manage the massive influx of rooftop solar. These limits exist to prevent grid instability, such as voltage fluctuations or power surges, which can occur when too much solar power is exported in a localised area.

Additionally, NSW networks are introducing “two-way pricing” or export tariffs. This means small charges may apply for exporting energy during the middle of the day when the grid is congested, with credits offered for exporting during high-demand evening periods. This policy encourages self-consumption or storing energy in a battery for later use.

Ausgrid dynamic solar export trial

Ausgrid has been running trials, such as “Project Edith,” to test dynamic pricing models. This project explores how changing network charges in near real-time can incentivise battery owners and other flexible energy users to support the grid. Instead of a fixed export limit, this model uses price signals to encourage exporting when the grid needs it and discourage it when the network is congested. This approach aims to unlock more value for customers with solar and batteries while improving overall grid stability.

Endeavour Energy flexible solar exports

Endeavour Energy is actively rolling out its “Flexible Exports” program, which is a significant evolution from its standard 5kW fixed limit. This program is set to become a standard offer in 2026 for all solar customers in their network.

How it works:

• Increased Exports: Eligible customers can export up to 10kW, which is double the current fixed limit.

• Smart Control: Endeavour Energy communicates with your smart solar inverter over the internet.

• Dynamic Adjustments: On average, customers can export the full 10kW over 95% of the time. Only when the local grid is congested will Endeavour remotely and temporarily reduce the export limit to maintain stability.

This AI-powered service allows more renewable energy into the grid while avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades, ultimately benefiting all customers.

Choosing the right solar system involves more than just panels and an inverter; it requires understanding the rules of your local electricity network. While Ausgrid has traditionally offered higher fixed export limits, Endeavour Energy’s flexible export program is a forward-thinking solution that effectively doubles export capacity for most of the year.