For over a decade, SunEnergy has been empowering Australian homeowners to go solar, reduce their energy bills and help the environment.
With over 30 years of industry experience and more than 70,000 systems installed in Australia wide we are proud to be contributing to the enthusiastic adoption of distributed energy resources, specifically rooftop solar.
A recent Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) technical report has highlighted several challenges that the industry is facing as a whole arising from the increasing and unmanaged support of electricity to the grid from rooftop solar.
Key Points (TLDR)
- New technical standards and requirements are in effect as of Monday the 28th of September 2020.
- An exception applies if the intended owner or operator (or their agent) of the plant had submitted an application to connect to SA Power Networks’ distribution network on or before Monday the 10th of August 2020.
- Manufacturers and their importers can enter into a legally binding arrangement with the Technical Regulator to be provided a transitional period to Wednesday the 31st of March 2021 to complete their manufacturer testing where certain conditions are met.
- SunEnergy is working with our key suppliers and partners to ensure that all of the systems that we sell and install meet the necessary technical standards and requirements.
About Voltage Ride Through
The AEMO has reported disconnection of large portions of the grid connected power inverter fleet in South Australia during disturbances which resulted in brief low voltage excursions.
This appears to be due to some models of inverters disconnecting immediately upon measuring a grid voltage below the minimum set by Australian Standards.
From Monday the 28th of September 2020 any generator connected via an inverter to the SA Power Networks distribution network must comply with new under voltage ride-through performance standards designed to mitigate impacts on the South Australian power system during disturbances.
These requirements also apply to existing electricity generating plant connected via an inverter when the current inverter is being replaced, unless that inverter is being replaced under warranty.
Additionally, an exception applies if the intended owner or operator (or their agent) of the plant had submitted an application to connect to SA Power Networks’ distribution network on or before Monday the 10th of August 2020.
New Technical Standards And Requirements In South Australia
Following the advice provided by the AEMO, a number of new technical standards and requirements for smaller generating systems, such as rooftop solar, have been introduced in South Australia and are in effect as of Monday the 28th of September 2020.
1. Voltage ride through standards for generating systems connected via an inverter
A proposed new technical standard for generating systems connected via low voltage power inverters to the South Australian distribution network will require that they meet ride-through standards as demonstrated by testing in accordance with testing standards in AS/NZS4777.2 and any applicable AEMO testing standard.
This will contribute to ensuring new and replacement inverter connected distributed energy resources can ride through power system disturbances.
2. Remote disconnection and reconnection requirements
A proposed new technical standard will require prescribed generating systems connecting to the South Australian distribution network to be capable of being remotely disconnected and reconnected by an agent registered with the Technical Regulator.
This will contribute to increasing the ability of the distribution network to host distributed energy resources and secure operation of the power system.
3. Export limit requirements
A proposed new technical standard will require that prescribed generating systems connecting to the South Australian distribution network are capable of being export limited and for export limits to be updated remotely.
This will contribute to increasing the ability of the distribution network to host distributed energy resources by avoiding scenarios where the energy exported may exceed the capacity of the local network, or where there is insufficient demand for that energy in other parts of South Australia.
4. Smart meter minimum technical standards
A proposed new technical standard for smart meters will require that they must be capable of separately measuring and controlling an electricity generating plant and controllable load from essential load and must be installed in accordance with any guidelines issued by the Technical Regulator.
5. Tariffs to incentivise energy use in low demand periods
A proposed new requirement will apply to electricity retailers operating in South Australia to have a standing offer which includes a tariff structure that incentivises electricity use in low demand periods.
SunEnergy’s Response
SunEnergy is working with our key suppliers and partners to ensure that all of our installed systems meet the necessary technical standards and requirements.
1. Voltage ride through standards for generating systems connected via an inverter
We will ensure that the inverters we sell and install support the necessary ride-through standards.
2. Remote disconnection and reconnection requirements
The inverters that we sell and install can provide remote disconnection and reconnection and are therefore compliant with this requirement.
We recommend that customers installing an inverter in South Australia use SA Power Networks as their agent.
3. Export limit requirements
The inverters that we sell and install have this as a native ability and therefore are compliant with these requirements.
4. Smart meter minimum technical standards
The deployment and installation of the market meter are separate from the solar system installation.
We will work with our key suppliers and partners to ensure that the appropriate wiring arrangements are in place to suit the various types of installation.
5. Tariffs to incentivise energy use in low demand periods
Our intelligent inverter solutions can work with Smart Energy devices to maximise the benefit of the Tariff structures.
Why Choose SunEnergy?
SunEnergy partners with industry leaders known for their technology, quality and after sale service.
From industry-leading quality tech across Panels, Inverters, and Batteries, you’re empowered by online App or PC monitoring with real-time fault alerts.
Plus accredited local installation with technical support, online and onsite.
But we don’t stop once you’re installed.
Our support team also goes on: with advice, answers, and online App or PC monitoring, right alongside you until you own your solar system outright, and your high energy bills are history.
If you have any questions regarding the Regulatory Changes For Smarter Homes please contact us to discuss.
Sources:
- Responses to South Australian Government Rule Changes for Smarter Homes- September 2020, SolarEdge
- Regulatory Changes for Smarter Homes, Government of South Australia, Department for Energy and Mining
- Voltage Ride Through, Government of South Australia, Department for Energy and Mining
