Important update for solar system owners 

What is a solar inverter? 

An inverter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a solar energy system. It's a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity, which is what a solar panel generates, to alternating current (AC) electricity, which the electrical grid uses. 

Why you may need to upgrade your solar inverter 

On 13 November 2025, the government widened the allowable voltage range on the electricity network. In simple terms, this means the voltage on the lines supplying your home can now safely run a bit higher than before to enable more generation.  

You may need to have the voltage settings in your inverter updated - not because something is “wrong” with your solar system but because the electricity rules your system operates under have changed. 

What’s changed? 

• Previously, the standard voltage was 230V ±6% 
• It’s now 230V ±10%

This change helps the network support more solar systems overall which is good news for renewable energy and future solar growth.  

So why does this affect your solar system? 

Most systems installed before the industry changes in November 2025 were set up to reduce or stop exporting power if the voltage went above the old limit. That was the correct setting at the time. 

However, as network companies around the country start increasing their voltages in line with the new regulations, those older settings may cause your inverter to behave like there’s a problem – even when everything is actually operating normally. (Note, it would pay to check with your local network company when they plan to upgrade their voltage settings.)  

If your inverter isn’t updated: 

• It may reduce how much solar energy you generate 
• In some cases, it may temporarily stop producing power altogether 
• You might not notice a fault, but you could be missing out on solar savings

In short, your inverter isn’t faulty – it’s just following old safety limits. As the network voltage is allowed to run higher, older inverter settings can mistake normal conditions for a problem and temporarily switch off. Updating or upgrading the inverter brings it back into sync with the network. 

What you should do next 

If you have already heard from your solar installation company and they have updated your systems settings, there’s nothing you need to do. 

If you haven’t heard from your installation company or are unsure, please contact them to: 

• Check whether your inverter has been updated to the new settings (this can often be done remotely) 
• Request they update the voltage response settings to the latest recommended standard (AS4777.2:2020 “Australia A” or updated “New Zealand” settings)

Not sure who to contact? Select from a list of providers (choose whether you are a residential or commercial customer.) Please note this is not a directory or site affiliated with Contact Energy.