Single phase vs three phase: what does it mean for solar?
By My Energy Mate Editorial · Last updated
Quick Answer
Single-phase homes have one live wire from the grid; three-phase homes have three, tripling supply capacity. For solar it decides your inverter type and export limit: many networks cap single-phase exports at 5 kW but allow 15 kW on three-phase.
Check your switchboard: three ganged main-switch poles means three-phase. Most Australian homes are single-phase; larger, newer or ducted-aircon homes are often three-phase.
On three-phase, install a three-phase inverter even if it costs A$500-1,000 more: it balances load across phases and avoids export limits that throttle a big system's payback.
Three-phase also matters for EV charging: a 22 kW three-phase charger fills a car three times faster than single-phase 7 kW.
Go deeper: Solar Inverters comparison table or the cost guide.