Part 1A, the simplified route most homes use
This page is more technical than most of our site. If you only want to know whether your install will be held up, the short answer is that a standard residential system almost always goes through the simplified process and is rarely the thing that delays a job.
If you want to know why, read on.
What Part 1A is
The Electricity Industry Participation Code sets out how distributed generation connects to a network. Part 1A is the streamlined path for straightforward, small-scale connections up to 10kW.
The point of it is that a standard rooftop system on a standard house does not need a bespoke engineering assessment. It needs a check against a known standard. Part 1A is that check.
Part 1A and Part 2, side by side
| Part 1A | Part 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Applies to | Straightforward, small-scale connections up to 10kW | Systems generating more than 10kW |
| The assessment | A check against a known standard | A bespoke assessment methodology |
| Export limit | A 10kW default, a dynamic equivalent, or a justified lower limit | No default — the distributor sets one by bespoke assessment |
| What to expect | A form rather than a study | A longer assessment, so have the conversation early |
| Typically | A standard rooftop system on a standard house | Larger homes, lifestyle blocks and small commercial sites |
What the 2026 amendment changed
The Code amendment that came into force on 11 May 2026 attached a default export limit to this process. For a Part 1A connection your distributor must apply a default static export limit of 10kW, offer a dynamic or flexible export limit which must be at least 10kW whenever your export is not being actively controlled during a congested period, or apply a lower static limit justified through a standardised Export Limits Assessment Methodology rather than as a matter of policy.
The amendment also tightened the equipment side. Part 1A applications must comply with the inverter installation standard AS/NZS 4777.1:2024. All low voltage distributed generation must comply with the inverter performance standard AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 including amendments 1 and 2. And the Australia A voltage response, frequency and protection settings became the default in that performance standard.
Sources: Electricity Authority.
What this means practically
For a standard residential install, very little. Your system is designed to a standard your installer already works to, the application is a form rather than a study, and the export limit that comes back is 10kW or a dynamic equivalent.
Where it matters is at the margin. A system being sized at 9.8kW versus 10.5kW is not just a difference of a few panels. It is a difference of connection process. Worth knowing before you choose between two quotes that look similar.
We lodge the application, you do not
A standard residential system almost always goes through the simplified process, and we confirm which process applies before quoting.
Common questions
General information about Code requirements as at the date shown. Not engineering or legal advice. Code provisions, standards and distributor processes change. Your connection process and export limit are confirmed with your distributor before installation.
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