The standard for inverter product, AS/NZS 4777.2, has a new update that comes into effect on 23 August. Clean Energy Council Product Manager Aron Cane explains what solar system manufacturers, retailers and installers need to know.
Australia is a world-leader in distributed energy. Not only have Australian inventors driven some of the most significant advancements in solar technology, but this country also boasts the highest per capita rooftop solar capacity globally. And this is only the start of our electrification journey, as Australians increasingly adopt home batteries, virtual power plants (VPPs) and electric vehicles (EVs).
At the heart of our distributed energy systems are inverters, which help turn our DC electricity from solar panels into the AC form appliances such as kettles and TVs use. As with every other component of rooftop solar systems they’re getting smarter, more efficient and higher performing, and product standards need to keep pace to ensure systems are safe and reliable.
Last year, Standards Australia published AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024, an important update that covers product requirements for inverters. This update is due to come into effect on 23 August 2025.
The Clean Energy Council maintains a list of inverters that meet Australian standards. Inclusion on the list is essential for various network and program requirements, including the Clean Energy Regulator’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). To align with the updated standard, the Clean Energy Council is revising its inverter listing requirements and processes, ensuring that Australia remains at the forefront of safe and effective energy innovation.
How to stay on the Clean Energy Council product list
AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024 introduces several updates, including revised supply type terminology, removal of IEC 62109 requirements for battery-only products, generation limit control parameters, enhanced documentation and marking requirements, new region C set points, and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) specific clauses. Manufacturers of inverters and power conversion equipment (PCE) should review the updated standard in detail. The amendment is available for free download from the Standards Australia store .The Clean Energy Council has determined that for currently approved inverters, manufacturers must only update the region C set points and provide proof of this update to remain on the approved product list. Details on documentation for region C set points will be shared with manufacturers in late-February.
Once proof of updated region C settings is submitted, inverter details will be updated on the Clean Energy Council’s product list. Updating these settings is straightforward and can often be done remotely, so we expect all manufacturers of listed inverters will be able to provide proof of this update. Retailers and installers will need to verify that inverters remain eligible by consulting the product list after 23 August 2025.
The introduction of vehicle-to-grid charging
The most exciting change from AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024 is the introduction of specific clauses on electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), which paves the way for the introduction of bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Australia.
Bidirectional EV chargers allow the transfer of power from electric vehicles back to the home (vehicle-to-home, V2H) or grid (vehicle-to-grid, V2G). As EVs have such large battery capacity they can play a huge role in supporting stronger, distributed energy networks and helping households manage home energy use.
In line with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amd 2:2024, the Clean Energy Council has issued new guidance on applying for the inverter product list, which includes new categories for EV chargers.
Retailers and installers can expect to see bi-directional EV chargers join the list over the coming months.
A final reminder that some solar PV panels are set to expire
Since August 2023, the Clean Energy Council has been notifying the industry of a standards change to approved PV modules.
From 1 October 2024 most PV modules were required to be certified to the 2021 edition of the IEC 61215 series to remain on the Clean Energy Council’s products list.
Some manufacturers sought and were granted extensions for some PV modules to 31 March 2025.
After this date all new solar installations will be required to use modules that meet 2021 standards (IEC 61215:2021).
Retailers and installers should check the expiry dates of their PV modules on our product list at cleanenergycouncil.org.au/products and use up stock before it expires.
For more information, visit cleanenergycouncil.org.au/products
This article featured in the Feburary edition of ecogeneration.
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