Domestic solar panels and other small-scale renewable generation are usually connected to our low voltage electricity networks without needing our consent, and without causing any significant impact on our network. This project is looking at what will happen when these forms of renewable energy become more mainstream by equipping 20 secondary substations and 10 PV installations with LV network monitoring equipment.
This project focuses on understanding the impact of clusters of photovoltaic generation on the distribution network and validating the photovoltaic (PV) connection assessment tool that we developed.
Increasing clusters of solar panels connected to our electricity network will increase two-way power flows on our cables and substations. Our challenge is to design smarter ways to support increasing use of small-scale distributed generation, without risking overloading the electricity network.
We plan to implement clear policy guidelines advising planners when further investigations might be necessary before connecting large clusters of solar panels to our electricity network. Having studied requests for photovoltaic (PV) connections in concentrated areas, like housing estates, we developed a draft policy. Now we are validating those guidelines.