SA Power Networks Flexible Exports for Solar PV Trial
Summary
SA Power Networks (SAPN) and AusNet Services have partnered with inverter manufacturers Fronius SMA and SolarEdge, and energy management software company SwitchDin, to develop technical capabilities underpinning flexible exports for Australian solar PV systems drawing on international smart inverter technical standards. SwitchDin will lead integration architecture design and develop the core integration software platform.A 600-customer trial will include new and existing solar PV customers facing zero/near-zero export limits in South Australia and Victoria.Two configurations will be tested: built-in integration of flexible export capability within one of two of the inverter partners, purchased by project participants; and a retrofit using SwitchDins Droplet device as a gateway combined with a compatible inverter.The aim is for standards-based flexible exports capability to be built into Australian products from leading inverter manufacturers, and to be enabled in other inverters through the SwitchDin Droplet.A flexible connection will enable solar customers to export more energy by reducing exports only when the network is constrained. The trial will quantify the extra value this can create for solar customers in constrained areas compared to zero-near-zero export limits, informing the business case for DNSPs to invest in this capability.Through providing a new solar connection option, the project will explore the end-to-end customer journey over a year of operation.Customers will have greater choice, the ability to export more from their solar panels, access to cheaper energy, and improved security and quality of supply all without costly network upgrades. Alongside other initiatives, this could double how much renewable energy the distribution network can accommodate over the next five years.