Once the data is focused down on in more detail the situation gains complexity in terms of EDB's infrastructure requirements. The complication is that the existing grid is one that was designed and installed with one way supply in mind. Distributed generation presents challenges that the EDBs and grid infrastructure suppliers are well aware of with solutions available, at a cost. https://www.eteltransformers.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Voltage-regulation-WEB.pdf
In our own personal situation in a rural location our local transformer is 50 kVA capacity which has already had adjustments made (tapped down) to better cope with the current our 15 kW of solar injects through it into the local grid (which was causing excessive grid voltage that our inverter was struggling against). AFAIK we are the only solar enabled customer feeding into that transformer but the comment from the tech who tapped the transformer down was that a 100 kVA unit would be better suited for that location, and would definitely be necessary if more solar capacity was installed in its catchment. A transformer upgrade would entail a twin pole installation rather than the 50 kVA's single pole mounting so significant cost to Powerco, our EDB. Even more if the upgrade included an automatic onload tap changer enabled unit.
Yes that was a very good point too. There is no reason not to have it available and it will be increasingly valuable as we try to match variable generation and demand.
I would think those areas experiencing a summer peak would be experiencing it during the day , not at night. So even more ideal match for school solar.
Once the data is focused down on in more detail the situation gains complexity in terms of EDB's infrastructure requirements. The complication is that the existing grid is one that was designed and installed with one way supply in mind. Distributed generation presents challenges that the EDBs and grid infrastructure suppliers are well aware of with solutions available, at a cost. https://www.eteltransformers.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Voltage-regulation-WEB.pdf
In our own personal situation in a rural location our local transformer is 50 kVA capacity which has already had adjustments made (tapped down) to better cope with the current our 15 kW of solar injects through it into the local grid (which was causing excessive grid voltage that our inverter was struggling against). AFAIK we are the only solar enabled customer feeding into that transformer but the comment from the tech who tapped the transformer down was that a 100 kVA unit would be better suited for that location, and would definitely be necessary if more solar capacity was installed in its catchment. A transformer upgrade would entail a twin pole installation rather than the 50 kVA's single pole mounting so significant cost to Powerco, our EDB. Even more if the upgrade included an automatic onload tap changer enabled unit.
Good insights thanks!
Thanks Larry - lots more could be done here with more data too!
Yes that was a very good point too. There is no reason not to have it available and it will be increasingly valuable as we try to match variable generation and demand.
Yes, absolutely!
I would think those areas experiencing a summer peak would be experiencing it during the day , not at night. So even more ideal match for school solar.
Thanks for reading David. Yes absolutely! Summer peaks and School Solar are the perfect match!