AusNet's single-wire rural lines: solar export limits and what to check
Some rural properties on AusNet's network are supplied by a single-wire line. That changes the solar rules: a lower export limit, and no instant approval. Here is what AusNet's connection policy says.
What a single-wire line is
A single-wire earth return line, or SWER line, is a single-wire distribution line that supplies single-phase power and uses the earth as the return path for the current[1]. AusNet's policy ties its SWER rules to the limited capacity of those lines and the rural nature of its network[1].
The export limit on a SWER line
AusNet's connection policy from 1 July 2026, approved by the Australian Energy Regulator, sets its standard household connection at an export capacity under 5kW per phase, or under 3.5kW per phase on a SWER line, unless a flexible export limit applies[1].
So on a SWER line the export ceiling is lower to start with, and because the line is single-phase, that one limit is all there is.
No instant approval
AusNet's online tool instantly assesses most household solar and battery applications, up to 10kW of inverter capacity per phase and 5kW of export. SWER connections are the exception: the policy says all of them must be assessed case by case[1]. Expect the approval to take longer, and do not sign a contract that assumes a limit before AusNet has set it.
Flexible exports and the low static limit
Flexible export conditions apply to every customer connecting solar or a battery to AusNet's network. Where a connection is not eligible for a flexible limit, a low static export limit applies instead, and in a limited number of places AusNet may apply a zero static limit where exports would breach voltage or other technical limits and fixing that would cost more than it is worth[1].
AusNet's flexible exports trial ran from 2021 to 2023 and let participants export up to 5kW; AusNet says it has since implemented flexible connections for eligible constrained customers[2].
If you are adding load as well
SWER lines have limited capacity in both directions. AusNet's policy sets a lower threshold for SWER connections before a customer may have to contribute to network upgrade costs: a maximum demand of 10kVA, against 100A per phase elsewhere[1]. That is about drawing power, not exporting it, but it matters if a solar or battery project comes with an electric car charger, a heat pump or a workshop. Ask about it before you commit.
What it means for sizing
With a lower export ceiling, more of a big array's midday surplus goes unused. The case for using power during the day, and for a battery to carry it into the evening, is stronger on a SWER line than in town. Size the array to the house first, then decide how much export headroom is worth paying for.
What to ask the installer
Whether the property is on a SWER line, and how they checked. What export limit AusNet approved, after its case-by-case assessment. Whether the inverter can stay online for flexible exports. And, if you are also adding a charger or other big loads, whether the 10kVA threshold applies.
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Common questions
What is AusNet's export limit on a SWER line?
AusNet's standard household connection allows under 3.5kW of export per phase on a single-wire earth return line, against under 5kW on other lines, unless a flexible export limit applies.
Can a SWER connection be approved instantly online?
No. AusNet's policy says all SWER connections must be assessed case by case.
How do I know if my property is on a SWER line?
Ask your installer to check before they size the system, or ask AusNet. A SWER line is a single wire supplying single-phase power, with the earth as the return path.
Sources
- Australian Energy Regulator, final decision April 2026, AusNet Distribution Connection Policy, effective 1 July 2026 (Attachment 16, Appendix A). Read 2026-10-26.
- AusNet, Flexible exports. Read 2026-10-27.