Session 12 - Integration Challenges.pptx

Details on Renewable Energy and its benefits across India

1. The World Bank SUPRABHA TA Program Session 12 : Integration of rooftop solar PV with utility grid – Challenges and Mitigation measures Presented by The World Bank SUPRABHA TA Program 1

2. Session: Contents Suggestions to Utility when implementing net metering Examples of action taken to resolve specific issues Examples of action taken to resolve state specific technical issues

3. Effects of SPVRT Plant on the grid

4. Example of Imbalance Causes Different capacities on different single phases Demand variations across locations and times Varying radiation leading to variability of generation Leading to higher reverse flows and losses (energy and revenue) Affects retail power / distribution as well as bulk power / transmission imbalances Possible mitigation Scheduling and dispatch of Demand Response Energy storage Even distribution of SPPs on each phase

5. Example of Imbalance Possibility of applying bulk level balancing model to distribution level Three important aspects for balancing Monitoring demand, loads, storage, generation and grid (SCADA) – meters, communication Short term forecast and real time dispatch control possible parameters (load not possible) Forecasting and Scheduling Balance Zones or Micro Balancing Areas Phase / circuit / feeder / substation Leading to Micro-Grids, Storage devices, Smart grids, adjustments to transformer voltage levels

6. Solar PV Rooftop Feed to the DISCOM Network

7. Limited DG Penetration Reduces Feeder Loading

8. Effect of High Penetration

9. Effect on Voltage due to SPVRT Generation

10. Effect on Voltage due to SPVRT Generation

11. Effect on Voltage due to SPVRT Generation

12. Suggestions to utility

13. Suggestions to Utility While Implementing Net Metering Implementation Phases Challenges Suggestion Phase-I (Information Access) To encourage subsidised consumers to opt for Net Metering To educate consumers on a relatively new subject To develop data bank meeting requirement of all consumers To establish multiple channels for dissipating information To enable information access though web portals, E-mails etc. To develop information manual covering key requirements, guidelines, Forms / Formats etc. Phase-II (Application Process) To develop application process with respect to all consumer categories Technical & Safety Requirements Process & Procedures Reporting requirements Time lines, Charges & Fees etc. To develop single multi user application form to avoid any confusion Different sections to gather information like personal details, technical, safety etc. Minimum layers of process and checks to reduce the processing time Phase-II (Application Screening) To design strict and fast screening process Design Screening Criteria Interconnection Study Training of Utility Personal Determine timelines & Charges To develop fast track screening process Organise training program for utility personal to reduce the processing time To communicate majorly through on-line media

14. Suggestions to Utility While Implementing Net Metering Implementation Phases Challenges Suggestion Phase-IV (Installation & Inspection) To inspect the facility with respect to Safety & security Standardised equipment Compliance with rules & regulations To check and install meters Upgrading of distribution network To establish a dedicated cell for periodic inspection and checks of approved rooftop facilities Approve / Empanelment of System Installers or implementing agencies Certification of key equipment (mainly meters and inverter) Continuous training of utility personals Phase-V (Post Installation) To inspect the rooftop facility & safety equipment To take meter readings and check accuracy of meters To resolve post installation technical issues of consumers Data monitoring, recording and reporting requirements Improvement in utility practices from time to time To designate competent authority at SS level to resolve concerns & queries of consumers To create solar help desk centre either online through web portal or phone line or both. Use of IT tools to monitor, record and maintain useful data Adopting best practices followed to implement Net Metering

15. More Actions Set up procedures for approvals Set up procedures for payments, credits, inspection, arbitration Empanel vendors / manufacturers Register / certify products and particular models Capacity development within organization New dimension for grid management – real time monitoring, load shedding, outages, balancing and so on Data collection and analysis for learning and further actions Suggestions to Utility While Implementing Net Metering

16. Examples of action taken to resolve specific issues

17. Actions To Be Taken for Issues Identified - Activity

18. Actions Taken for Issues Identified Issue 01 There are no clear guidelines for consumers nor is the scheme being promoted Issue 02 Consumers need to purchase net meters as DISCOMs do not procure/provide these Issue 03 No empanelment of installers for help of consumers Action Taken Prepare document for consumers and Discom engineers. Develop helpline, web portal and advertising campaign Action Taken Estimate required meter numbers and types and float bid for meters. Alternatively, empanel meters with rate contract through bidding and procure as per requirement Action Taken Refer to installers empanelled by MNRE and / or state nodal agency

19. Actions Taken for Issues Identified Issue 04 Products like meters and inverters not being empanelled by DISCOMs Issue 05 Requirement of manual disconnect switch is being questioned by consumers Issue 06 Consumers have requested permission for using Micro Inverters Action Taken Empanel meters and inverters, with rate contract, through bidding and publish data on website for consumers to purchase directly Action Taken This is essential from DISCOM safety point of view and also mandatory by CEA notification for distributed generation sources. Therefore, this cannot be avoided Action Taken Micro inverters, if they meet all requirements of standards and certifications, can also be permitted

20. Actions Taken for Issues Identified Issue 07 Consumers wish to install oversized solar arrays which are greater than the sanctioned capacity Issue 08 An existing open access consumer has applied for net metering Issue 09 Three phase consumer wishes to install smaller single phase RTS system under net metering Action Taken Technically it is correct to oversize the PV array as compared to inverter capacity. The design should be vetted for each system to check whether oversizing is as per inverter specifications Action Taken Open access consumer may not be given permission for net metering due to complications in accounting banked energy from net metered system Action Taken This may be permitted on case to case basis or should be completely rejected for all cases. The main issue would be of phase imbalance created due to such systems

21. Actions Taken for Issues Identified Issue 10 Consumer says existing building earthing will be used for system earthing Issue 11 Consumer has not installed lightening arrestor saying it is not necessary Issue 12 After installing net metered system the consumer is complaining that grid is off frequently and he is not able to utilise solar Action Taken Each system needs to have minimum three separate earthings . The AC earthing of these can be joined to existing building earthing . DC and LA earthings need to be separate Action Taken LA is compulsory from safety point of view. Existing building LA, if covering full array area and meeting requirements, can be considered as LA for the system. No one should totally avoid the LA Action Taken The grid availability should be checked before implementing rooftop system. The consumer has an option of grid-connect hybrid inverter in such cases where he would be using solar energy for battery charging rather than wasting it

22. Actions Taken for Issues Identified Issue 13 Consumer wants to increase capacity of existing approved and installed PV system Issue 14 Consumer has complained to senior management that his net metering application was rejected Action Taken It is possible, but should be considered as a fresh application and be processed afresh. The issue of agreement should be considered in doing so. Action Taken Keeping up to date records right from application to final synchronization is utmost important to avoid such complaints.

23. Actions Taken for Issues Identified Issue 15 Consumer wants to install number of systems in a campus and wishes that each system is connected to the individual building in the campus Issue 16 Lineman needs to work on a feeder or pole where number of PV systems are installed Action Taken This can be permitted only if reading and recording more than one solar meter for one net meter is possible in the DISCOM ERP and also its meter reading mechanism. Action Taken He needs to switch off all the systems, complete the work and then put on all the systems. For ease of operation a common switches on upper grid line from number of systems should be planned and implemented.

24. State Specific Data Slides

25. State Specific Issues/Challenges <State> Issue 01 Issue 02 Action Taken Action Taken

26. Quiz: Jumbled Statements

27. What are the types of challenges in implementing SPVRT program? What are the key development challenges? What are the key management challenges? What are the key technology challenges? What is your suggestion to avoid electric shock from SPVRT system? What is your suggestion to avoid fire hazards from SPVRT system? Mention two such challenges faced by your organization Give 2-3 suggestions to overcome such challenges Recapturing the Session