Innovative Solar Management Trial in South Australia
A pioneering trial aimed at solving the challenge of effectively managing large quantities of rooftop solar energy without resorting to shutting off solar systems or imposing additional charges on customers has been doubled in size.
Engie has received approval from SA Power Networks (SAPN) to increase its flexible exports offering from 50 to 100 customers in South Australia over a 12-month trial period.
Addressing Solar Oversupply
The trial in South Australia builds on the state’s leading efforts to address the surplus of rooftop solar energy during sunny days when generation exceeds demand. Engie’s initiative allows residential customers, currently numbering 40, to adjust the amount of energy exported to the grid from their solar panels when there is an excess supply and prices are negative. Importantly, these customers are compensated for their cooperation.
Ryan Wavish, Engie’s general manager of retail innovation, describes the trial as a “win-win situation” where the retailer avoids double payments by compensating customers for excess solar energy instead of paying a feed-in tariff and export costs. This approach benefits both the network and customers by reducing congestion and the need for expensive grid upgrades, ultimately lowering prices.
South Australia’s Leading Role
South Australia has been at the forefront of integrating rooftop solar energy, becoming the first state to implement flexible export limits for solar systems. New regulations require all new or upgraded solar installations to be compatible with flexible export limits, allowing households to adjust their exports based on grid requirements.
The focus has now shifted to retailer-level management of flexible exports, with Engie and AGL Energy participating in the current SAPN trial. Engie’s Solar Advantage offer, part of the Market Active Solar trial, has seen strong interest, prompting an expansion to accommodate up to 100 participants.
Rewards for Solar Generation
With traditional solar feed-in tariffs decreasing, Engie’s trial offers customers an alternative way to be rewarded for their excess solar generation. By responding to market signals and curtailing exports during negative price periods, customers can benefit financially while reducing the need for network curtailment.
The trial’s success in South Australia could pave the way for similar initiatives across the National Electricity Market, promoting collaboration and shared infrastructure to enhance efficiency and customer benefits.
As the energy industry continues to evolve, innovative trials like Engie’s demonstrate the potential for customer rewards, grid stability, and cost savings through effective management of rooftop solar energy.
