System Specifications – VPP pilot

Purpose

This document sets the minimum requirements for solar, battery, inverter, metering, and communication components used in the current WE Share Pilot Installations. The goal is to ensure safety, performance, and interoperability across residential VPP-ready deployments. This version applies to the pilot phase and is subject to revision.

 

System Architecture Overview

  • Minimum 5 kWp solar PV generation
  • Minimum 5 kWh battery storage
  • Hybrid-ready system (grid-tied with battery)
  • VPP-compatible architecture (modular, scalable)
  • Residential installation ready

 

 Component Specifications

  1. Solar Panels
  • Tier 1 manufacturer strongly recommended (e.g. LONGi, Trina, REC, JA Solar)
  • Salt mist resistance (IEC 61701 Level 6) required for coastal installations
  • Minimum warranty: 10 years product / 25 years performance

Note: Tier 1 status per BloombergNEF offers warranty and bankability confidence but is not mandatory.

  1. Inverters
  • Hybrid inverter (grid + battery capable)
  • EPS functionality
  • Compliance: AS/NZS 4777
  • Approved by Vector
  • Supports (or in process of compliance) Ecotricity VPP API access requirements
  1. Batteries
  • Modular, expandable
  • Compatible with listed inverter types
  1. Mounting & Racking systems
  • Roof/ground options allowed
  • Compliance: AS/NZS 1170.2 wind loading + corrosion protection
  1. Metering & Communications
  • Smart metering required. DG meter MUST be installed prior to client handover
  • Remote monitoring with WE Share & Ecotricity access
  • Compatible with VPP backend interface

Installation & Compliance

All installations must:

  • Be submitted with full technical specs for approval
  • Follow SEANZ standards + local council electrical codes
  • Be installed by qualified and licensed professionals
  • Comply with AS/NZS 5033, 4777, 1170.2, and Vector/retailer requirements

Designs must be approved by the WE Share Technical Coordination Lead prior to deployment.

Customer Requirements

Customer Documentation (Required at Handover)

Supplier / Installer must provide:

  • Site-specific Owner’s Manual including:
  • As-built diagram
  • Datasheets for solar panels, inverter, battery, gateway and other main components)
  • Warranty certificates for solar panels, inverter, battery, gateway or other main components)
  • Code of Compliance / Record of Inspection (CoC & RoI)
  • DG meter approval (Vector)
  • Safety & shutdown procedure
  • Maintenance & Troubleshooting guide
  • Installer contact info
  • Platform login details (if applicable)

Supplier / Installer must:

  • Review system documentation with the customer
  • Train customer on shutdown/start-up and EPS isolation (if present)
  • Confirm monitoring access on smartphone/computer and instruct customer on use

Document Governance

This document is a living specification. Revisions must be approved in writing by WE Share Technical Coordination Team. All exceptions or innovations must be documented.

 

Version: 1.1 (Draft)
Maintained by: WE Share Technical Coordination Team
For: Installers, Specifiers, and System Suppliers

_ | Date:

_ | Signature:

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Appendix 5: Document Feedback Submission Form

This form is to be used by field partners, installers, or site leads to submit suggestions, corrections, or additions to this guide. All feedback will be reviewed as part of the ongoing improvement of the WE Share pilot documentation.

☐ Name of submitter:

☐ Organisation or team:

☐ Date of submission:

☐ Section(s) of the document you are commenting on:

☐ Description of the feedback or suggested change:

☐ Reason for suggestion (e.g. clarity, safety, accuracy, efficiency):

☐ Has this issue been observed in the field? □ Yes □ No

☐ Optional: supporting photos or documentation (to be emailed or uploaded)

Please return this form to the project coordinator or upload to the WE Share shared resource folder for review.