Got an Evoenergy inverter test reminder in Canberra?

Why did I get an inverter test reminder from Evoenergy?

Because your inverter's five-yearly test is due. Evoenergy's Solar safety page says: “You are required to have your inverter tested at least once every five years. This test is performed by an electrician to check it is still safely connected to our network. We will send you a reminder when this testing is due.”

The test checks the inverter's anti-islanding protection: that it stops supplying power when the grid goes down, and waits before reconnecting. What is timed, and why, is on our page about the anti-islanding test.

Evoenergy sets the test out in three short PDFs: the periodic inverter testing procedure, an FAQ and the declaration form. This page follows them.

Do I have to get the test done?

Yes. Evoenergy's FAQ says all owners that have an inverter at their property agreed to test their inverter every five years during the application process, and that testing is required to comply with Evoenergy's embedded generation technical requirements.

The current version of those requirements for small systems, PO0845 version 4, was published on 27 August 2026 and keeps the test: “Perform periodic verification of the system every five years as per the Evoenergy periodic inverter test procedure.” It also says the consumer shall maintain records of periodic tests and provide Evoenergy with a copy of the test results.

What if I can't get the test done in time?

Contact Evoenergy. Its FAQ says that if you cannot have the test done within 60 days, you need to contact Evoenergy and tell them why. Under certain circumstances it may grant an extension. Evoenergy's number is 13 23 86.

For solar inverters the test needs enough daylight output to be valid, so a run of cloudy days can push a booking back. Getting in touch early leaves room for that.

Who can do the test, and does Evoenergy do it?

Evoenergy's procedure warns that the tests involve working with live DC and AC voltages, and says the testing must only be carried out by an ACT licensed electrician. You cannot do it yourself. Its FAQ says any licensed electrician can test your inverter, and points to the company that installed your solar panels, which often has qualified staff who offer the test.

You can also book it with us: call 0400 331 705, or use the form at the foot of this page. We test inverters across Canberra and the rest of the ACT, and our service areas page lists where we work.

What happens on the day?

Here is the order we work in, from booking to handover.

1. Before we come. We confirm what is on site: how many inverters, and whether there is a battery with a separate backup main switch. A photo of your reminder and your suburb is enough to start.
2. A daylight slot. For inverters with PV panels connected, the test is only valid while the system is producing more than 20 per cent of the rated output of the PV array or the inverter, whichever is less.
3. Tests 1a and 1b. We turn off the inverter main switch and time how long the inverter takes to stop supplying power. Then we restore mains and time how long it waits before supplying power again.
4. Tests 2a and 2b, if they apply. On a battery system with a separate backup main switch, we explain the risk to backup loads first, and with your consent repeat both timings on that switch.
5. The declaration. We complete Evoenergy's declaration, keep the original, give you a copy and email a copy to Evoenergy.

Evoenergy's procedure sets the pass marks: the inverter must stop supplying power within two seconds of a loss of mains, and must not resume until mains have been present for more than 60 seconds. The battery tests are explained on our page about battery and backup systems.

What paperwork do I get?

A copy of Evoenergy's Inverter anti-islanding test declaration.

The form records the installation, the owner and the electrician's details, whether every inverter was tested and passed, and for each inverter its make, model, ratings and two timings. A third page, the Inverter backup system anti-islanding test declaration, is only needed if tests 2a and 2b were performed.

Evoenergy's copy goes to distribution@evoenergy.com.au. Keep yours: Evoenergy encourages you to keep all test records while the inverter remains in service and connected to the network.

What if my inverter fails the test?

Evoenergy's FAQ says an inverter may fail if it takes too long to disconnect after a power interruption, or if it reconnects too quickly after power is restored. After a fail:

1. The declaration still goes to Evoenergy, as it does after a pass.
2. You arrange the repair or replacement. Evoenergy's FAQ suggests reviewing the terms of your warranty with the installer who performed your installation.
3. A replacement is approved first. Evoenergy's Solar and battery page says your installer will need to receive approval before completing the work, and its technical requirements say all replacements require approval from Evoenergy.
4. The tests are carried out again. The declaration form requires a test record showing the rectified installation passes to be emailed to Evoenergy.

Evoenergy's FAQ adds that if, in Evoenergy's opinion, the inverter is unsafe, it will be disconnected, and you will be advised in writing of the reasons. When the work is done, book the retest with us.

What happens if I don't get the test done?

Evoenergy's Power quality page lists a system that hasn't completed its periodic anti-islanding testing as non-compliant, and says Evoenergy will let you know how to rectify it.

Its technical requirements describe the process. Evoenergy “may contact the installer, installation company and/or generator in addition to the ACT Electrical Inspectorate and request that the system is rectified within a specified timeframe.” If the non-compliance is not adequately addressed within that timeframe, Evoenergy will take steps to have the system disconnected from the network. The process may vary depending on the severity of the safety risk.

To stay compliant, book the test when the reminder arrives.

Who is responsible if I rent, or have just bought the home?

The property owner. Evoenergy's FAQ says that if you're renting, inverter testing is the responsibility of the property owner. If a reminder reaches you as a tenant, pass it to your landlord or property manager.

If you have just bought a home with solar, the owner is now you. Evoenergy's FAQ says that as the new owner of the property, you are responsible for ensuring that your inverter installation adheres to Evoenergy's rules, requirements and contractual obligations.

Either way, Evoenergy's procedure says a copy of the declaration must be provided to the owner of the installation.

What if I have more than one inverter?

Each inverter is tested and recorded. Evoenergy's procedure says that if there is more than one inverter, you must use separate forms for each. The exception is multiple micro inverters of 1 kVA or less connected to the same inverter main switch, which can share a form.

The declaration's first page records how many inverters are at the address and whether all of them were tested, and Evoenergy's FAQ says the test may take longer if you have more than one inverter to test. Tell us how many you have when you book: the number of inverters is one of the things that changes the cost of a test.

What else do people ask?