Solar System Health Check | Anti-Islanding Test
To ensure your solar system is working at its best, we provide a system health check service and an anti-islanding test. You can book this service online and pick a time that suits you.
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At bbc-1, we understand the importance of ensuring the safety and efficiency of your Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system. One critical aspect of maintaining the integrity of your solar PV system is through regular anti-islanding testing and system inspections.
What is Solar PV Anti-Islanding?
Solar PV anti-islanding is a safety mechanism designed to protect the grid and electrical equipment from potentially hazardous situations. Islanding occurs when a section of the electrical grid becomes disconnected but continues to generate power from a local source, such as a Solar PV or Battery System. This can pose serious safety risks to utility workers and equipment, as well as potentially causing damage to your Solar PV system.
What’s Involved in the Test?
During a Solar PV anti-islanding test, our technicians will assess your system’s ability to detect grid disturbances and shut down properly when necessary. This involves simulating various grid fault scenarios to ensure that your Solar PV system responds appropriately and does not continue to generate power in isolation from the grid.
Exclusive Services
The Anti-Islanding test typically includes:
1
Voltage and Frequency Testing Service:
Checking the system’s response to changes in voltage and frequency, which are indicators of grid stability.
2
Disconnect Testing Service:
Verifying that the system disconnects from the grid promptly and safely when required.
3
Reconnection Testing Service:
Ensuring that the system can successfully reconnect to the grid once it’s safe to do so.
While we are there, you may also want us to undertake a full system health check to ensure your system is working optimally. This includes an inspection of the inverter, panels, array framing, cables, and switches. We recommend you have someone check your system as frequently as every 2 years; however, if that’s a stretch, please ensure your system is inspected every 5 years at a minimum.
Mandatory Anti-Islanding Testing in Canberra
In Canberra, anti-islanding testing for Solar PV systems is mandatory every 5 years to ensure ongoing safety and compliance with local regulations. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in restrictions on system operation. Even if you aren’t in the ACT, however, we do recommend regular testing and maintenance of your system.
Why Is Anti-Islanding Testing So Important?
An anti-islanding test is not optional. It’s a mandatory safety requirement enforced by energy distributors and electricity providers. If your system fails this test, you could be disconnected from the grid or refused permission to connect your new system.
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​Here’s why this test matters:
Protects lives
Prevents electrocution risk to lineworkers during outages.
Ensures
compliance
Required by all DNSPs .
Maintains system performance
Verifies inverter safety functions.
Supports approvals
Required during grid connection or system upgrades.
Avoids fines and delays
Stay compliant to avoid costly issues.
When Do You Need an Anti-Islanding Test?
You may need this test in several situations:
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🔌 Installing a new solar system
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🔄 Replacing your solar inverter
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🔧 Making changes or upgrades to your system
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âš¡ After system faults or failures
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📄 When requested by your DNSP (such as Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy, etc.)
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📆 As part of a routine solar maintenance program
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In some areas, like the ACT, anti-islanding tests are legally required at specific intervals, such as every 5 years. We always recommend our customers to regular testing and maintenance of their system, even if they are not in Canberra.
If you’re unsure whether you need the test, our team can help you to check your local DNSP requirements.
Research Questions About Anti-Islanding Testing
1. How long does an anti-islanding test take?
There are two parts to this test. The first part is to check that the inverter stops supplying power to the grid within two seconds of the mains switch being turned off.The second part is to ensure that the inverter doesn’t start supplying power to the grid again, until at least 60 seconds after the mains power has been restored.The whole process usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes, however it may take longer if your system turns out to be faulty.Most tests take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on system size and access.
2. Will my power be turned off during the test?
Yes, a brief power interruption is required to simulate a grid outage. We’ll let you know in advance.
3. What if my inverter doesn’t pass the test? What happens if my system fails the test?
Once our technician has finished testing your inverter they will advise you of the outcome. In the event they detect a fault and the inverter fails the anti-islanding testing, they will explain what work is required to rectify the fault. After the faulty components have been repaired or replaced, they will run another round of anti-islanding tests to ensure the system is operating safely. Don’t worry — we’ll provide a full report and help you resolve any issues so your system can be retested.
4. Is this test only for new solar systems?
No. It’s also needed when upgrading inverters, making changes to your system, or if requested by your DNSP.
What’s included in the test?
Areas | Anti-Islanding Test Only | Full System Health Check |
|---|---|---|
Automated Evo Energy Notification | Yes | Yes |
Test Report | Yes | Yes |
Overall system condition and recommendations | No | Yes |
DC/AC Isolator Inspection (condition, water ingress, operation) | No | Yes |
Disconnection Test (<2 secs) | Yes | Yes |
Reconnection Test (>60 secs) | Yes | Yes |
Inverter Inspection (condition, water ingress, cable entries, function) | No | Yes |
Panel Inspection (condition, water ingress, signs of degradation, thermal images, cleanliness) | No | Yes |
Array Framing Inspection (clamps and rails secured, loose cables) | No | Yes |
Price (inc-gst)
1 inverter = $ Negotiable
& 2 or more inverters = $ Negotiable
What Else is Included in Our Service?
01
On-site testing by licensed solar technicians
03
Detailed test reports for DNSP or retailer approval
05
Fast response and flexible bookings
02
Use of advanced testing equipment
04
Pre-approval and post-installation support
06
Support for residential and commercial systems
We are planning to expand our business to serve a wide area in other states and can assist with both metro and regional solar testing needs.
