Read on Twitter
If you hear someone complaining that rooftop solar is driving up voltages which threaten to melt-down the grid, send them link to Energy Security Board paper below. It explains substantial voltage non-compliance by networks, even if we had no solar.
…https://prod-energycouncil.energy.slicedtech.com.au/sites/prod.energycouncil/files/200502%20ESB%20cover%20note%20on%20UNSW%20Voltage%20Report.pdf
…https://prod-energycouncil.energy.slicedtech.com.au/sites/prod.energycouncil/files/200502%20ESB%20cover%20note%20on%20UNSW%20Voltage%20Report.pdf
Quote from ESB report:
"The key finding of the paper is that, even in the absence of solar PV, there is a significant level of high voltage across all DNSPs in all NEM"
"The key finding of the paper is that, even in the absence of solar PV, there is a significant level of high voltage across all DNSPs in all NEM"
Another choice quote:
Maximum voltages recorded are generally towards the upper bound of acceptable voltage in
all States and DNSPs, in all seasons for all daily hours.
Maximum voltages recorded are generally towards the upper bound of acceptable voltage in
all States and DNSPs, in all seasons for all daily hours.
More:
"The report notes that the increasing level of output from solar PV is, in turn, slightly
increasing the voltages on most electricity networks. However, the report also finds that
many sites experience higher voltages during the night when solar PV is not operational."
"The report notes that the increasing level of output from solar PV is, in turn, slightly
increasing the voltages on most electricity networks. However, the report also finds that
many sites experience higher voltages during the night when solar PV is not operational."
"The UNSW Report appears to point to a material level of technical non-compliance [by networks with voltage standard]...there would appear to be a greater degree of noncompliance on the high-voltage side than the low-voltage side."
"This may mean that there are relatively simple options available...to lower the overall system voltage...and improve overall compliance levels. Improving compliance with voltage would create additional ‘head room’ for solar PV and other DER exports to the grid."
I really hope that ESB chair Kerry Schott has read this report. She has said that "people's appliances are going to blow up" as a result of too much rooftop solar (e.g. https://www.afr.com/companies/energy/need-for-speed-how-to-power-a-new-generation-20191015-p530u1).
I also hope @ClareSavage17 has read it?
I also hope @ClareSavage17 has read it?
