Learn how IEEE 2030.5 connects solar, batteries, and EVs to the grid, helping New Zealand build a smarter, more flexible energy system.
IEEE 2030.5 is a communication standard built for smart energy devices. It defines a secure, internet-based communication protocol for managing distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar inverters, batteries, and electric vehicles.
It enables devices to support demand response, energy monitoring, remote control, and status updates, making it easier for systems to communicate with each other. And because it runs over everyday internet technologies like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and cellular networks, it doesn’t require complex or custom setups.
As more homes and businesses install solar panels, batteries, and smart appliances, standards like IEEE 2030.5 enable the coordination of these resources at scale. The standard will support utilities, aggregators, and energy companies to effectively manage energy across the grid, improving resilience and maintaining grid balance. IEEE 2030.5 was approved as an international standard by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in 2021.
IEEE 2030.5 is an application-layer protocol that securely connects energy devices to the grid, providing standardised ways to register, control, monitor, and report data. It is made of multiple components:
IEEE 2030.5 is modular. It defines function sets, such as:
CSIP originated from the California Rule 21 Smart Inverter process, which mandated standardised communication for DERs in California. CSIP specifies a subset and usage model of the IEEE 2030.5 standard, tailoring it specifically for smart inverters and DER communications.
It has since been adopted and adapted in other regions, such as Australia (CSIP-AUS, Common Smart Inverter Profile – Australia), to fit local grid requirements and regulations.. CSIP-AUS is adapted explicitly for dynamic operating envelopes (DOEs). It enables utilities and DERs to exchange real-time export/import limits that adapt to grid conditions.
IEEE 2030.5 defines four key roles that work together to manage energy devices on the grid, utility server, aggregator, DER client and end device.
The Utility Server manages and controls DERs. It sends out control commands (like export limits), monitors device data, schedules events, and handles security. It acts as the main point of coordination for grid stability and flexibility services.
The Aggregator manages groups of DERs on behalf of the utility or the market. It collects data from devices, relays commands from the Utility Server, and may manage devices that do not speak IEEE 2030.5 directly. Aggregators help scale up DER management by acting as a bridge.
The DER Client is the device or system being managed — typically a solar inverter, battery, EV charger, or a site energy management system. The DER Client accepts commands, sends status updates, reports alarms, and applies controls (like limiting export power).
The End Device is the actual piece of hardware — the physical inverter, battery, or EV charger. It might be the DER Client directly, or it might be managed through a gateway that acts as the DER Client.
As New Zealand builds a smarter, more flexible grid, IEEE 2030.5 and CSIP-AUS offers a ready-made, proven pathway to connect and manage energy assets and implement dynamic operating envelopes (DOEs) to enhance grid security. It supports remote control, real-time monitoring, and smart coordination, making it easier for utilities, aggregators, businesses, and private users to maintain grid stability, maximise local energy use, and support the transition to a low-carbon energy system.
If your business is involved in managing or integrating solar systems, batteries, electric vehicles, or energy management platforms, IEEE 2030.5 provides a proven method for connecting to the grid. It enables remote control, monitoring, and coordination of energy assets, supporting compliance with emerging grid requirements.
By adopting IEEE 2030.5, businesses can future-proof their systems, improve integration with utilities and aggregators, and unlock new value from distributed energy resources.
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