Isolated networks solar capacity

In isolated communities, the challenges of managing renewable energy integration into our networks are different when compared with our national grid connected networks.

Grid connected systems can face challenges associated with power quality on distribution networks. In isolated networks, the challenges are related to energy load displacement and the intermittent nature of renewable resources, which results in the need to implement power station management strategies.

The two key issues when integrating renewable energy into isolated networks are stability and minimum demand. If isolated power station operating limits are exceeded due to high levels of solar power feeding into the network, repeated power outages can occur in the community.

We need to manage both minimum electricity demand and stability if we are to ensure renewable energy can be reliably integrated. Depending on what level of renewable energy is present, we have varying solutions to manage new renewable connections.

While limiting the exports of proposed solar PV installations may assist in management of these risks, it won’t mitigate reliability of electricity supply risks from solar PV installations.

Dynamic solar connections can help us manage these other risks for new renewable energy systems on our isolated networks.

Dynamic solar PV connections

Our Isolated Networks Strategy 2030 (PDF 575.3 kb) is to enable more community renewable energy systems, like solar PV, in our isolated networks.

One way we can do this is to install dynamic solar PV connections. This new technology allows us to control the amount of solar PV export into the network. It fluctuates depending on network capability to accept the solar PV export.

This technology works by allowing near real time integration of the power station and the distributed solar PV installations. The system then responds as required to the various levels of energy loads, or demand.

Using dynamic solar PV connections, we can significantly increase the renewable energy capacity that can be installed on our isolated networks, while still maintaining the reliability of electricity supply to the community.

Solar capacity on our isolated networks

The table below shows the available solar PV hosting capacity remaining on our isolated networks. It can be significantly increased using dynamic solar PV connections technology.