WEL launches rapid solar & battery connection system
WEL Networks has launched an automated approval system for residential solar-and-battery connections, following a project with data and integration specialist Adaptiv.
The companies said the digital platform checks network capacity and issues approvals for residential properties in five minutes. The platform assesses applications and flags cases that need engineering review.
WEL Networks and its subsidiaries build, own, and operate electricity network infrastructure valued at $842 million. The group connects more than 102,000 residential households and businesses.
Manual process
WEL Networks previously used a manual approach for assessing customer applications for home solar and battery connections. The process had been in place for more than 10 years, according to the companies.
Customers had to complete a detailed application form that collected around 50 fields of data. WEL Networks said it already held much of the information required for these assessments. The business kept the data in multiple locations, which made access difficult.
"The process required customers to complete a detailed application form, which collected around 50 fields of data. Ironically, we already had most of the data we needed, but it was spread across multiple locations in the business, and it was a struggle to access it," said Craig Marshall, Project Lead, WEL Networks.
The project formed part of a wider digital transformation programme at WEL Networks. The utility decided to adopt an integration platform as part of that work.
"Our vision was to have an integration platform which would enable us to transform how we delivered our services," said Dilan Prasad, Technology Platforms Manager, WEL Networks.
Automation rollout
WEL Networks said the new approval system went live in October 2025. It uses real-time network and registry data to calculate available capacity, according to the companies.
The platform automatically identifies applications that require further engineering review. WEL Networks positioned the approach as an automated method for processing standard residential connection requests.
The companies said early results drove a further expansion of the automated approval settings. They said WEL Networks also removed application fees for 10-30 kW three-phase installations.
WEL Networks also released an online calculator called "Distributed Generation Export Check". The companies said the tool gives customers a point-in-time view of export capacity in seconds.
Integration focus
Adaptiv said the work created a foundation for additional customer-facing tools and changes. The company linked the project to a broader integration strategy across WEL Networks' systems and data sources.
"The DG integration project provides WEL with a foundation to deliver ongoing improvements and new customer-facing capabilities, like this tool, more quickly over time," said Nikolai Blackie, Chief Technology Officer, Adaptiv.
WEL Networks also linked the project to investment decisions around its integration platform. The utility described the solar-and-battery approvals system as an example of how it expects to use the platform across other services.
"DG Automation is an example of a great project with a strong use case - it clearly illustrates the business value of our integration platform and provides confidence in the ROI and potential of the investment," said Prasad.
WEL Networks said the automated approvals approach would continue to guide further changes to its customer application processes and digital tools for distributed generation.