Some Aus states are discovering what happens when they've too much rooftop solar
Australian states face challenges from rising rooftop solar installations causing minimum system load events, prompting potential solar system shutdowns. Solutions include promoting daytime energy use and home battery adoption.
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Australian states are facing challenges due to an increasing number of rooftop solar installations, leading to "minimum system load events." These events occur when electricity demand drops significantly, prompting energy authorities to consider turning off solar systems to maintain grid stability. Victoria has recently issued multiple alerts for such events, a stark contrast to the usual alerts for power shortages during extreme weather. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has noted that as more households adopt solar energy, the national electricity market's minimum demand could decrease by 1.2 GW annually. This trend raises concerns about the grid's ability to handle low demand periods, especially as coal-fired power plants retire. Solutions being explored include encouraging households to use more of their solar generation during peak sunny periods and incentivizing industrial users to increase production. South Australia has already experienced significant solar curtailment events, and similar measures may be necessary in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland in the future. Experts suggest that rather than viewing solar energy as a problem, it should be seen as an opportunity, with a push for more home battery adoption to help manage excess generation.
- Australian states are experiencing challenges from excessive rooftop solar energy generation.
- Minimum system load events are prompting authorities to consider turning off solar systems to stabilize the grid.
- The national electricity market's minimum demand is projected to decrease as more households adopt solar.
- Solutions include encouraging daytime energy use and incentivizing industrial production.
- Experts advocate for viewing solar energy as an opportunity rather than a problem.
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6 comments"Oh, we should stop deploying solar and wind" is not the best action on this problem.
The future here will see more solar panels over the already high numbers, more battery parks and "local" batteries (for 200 homes or so) and more vehicles on charge (soaking up the current excess).
The key feature, which is already partially in play, is a smart grid that can adapt to distributed demand and supply.
Can be added to the long list of advantages of WFH adoption.
And to ensure that solar system owners are paying full retail prices for grid electricity, when commercial operators are making insufficient money.
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