powercor solar export limit powercor solar export limit

Also, given that export limited inverters (supposedly) work the same, regardless of the grid to which they are connected, why is it so, that states have different rules whereby some allow export limited inverters, and, some do not? They want to do it there way and it seems my request complicates things for them and I dont hear back, bar a couple. Am I wrong? I realise that all the political parties in the the WA state parliament and especially, the Synergy/Western Power conglomerate, that controls approvals of domestic rooftop photovoltaic systems connected to the SWIS grid, are opposed to domestic rooftop photovoltaic systems (even though we stabilise and sustain the grid), but, I am wondering whether any reason has ever been given by the oppressive authorities, for banning export limited inverters in WA. I was told that as there is an export limit of 5kW and I already have 3.5kW system, my new system will be export limited to 1.5kW. Technically, what will happen is the inverter will reduce the solar systems output so the generation will be forgone, but I dont want to go into too much detail in this article. . MPPT2 always shows better performance than MPPT, usually quite significantly better. Powercor's network solutions manager Claire Cass said of 32,580 customers connected to solar with Powercor in the last 18 months, only 2023 could not export power. Means that it caps the amount you can reduce your bills for power used outside of daylight hours? I am a bit confused about export. What Happens to the Surplus Power That Can't Be Exported to the Grid? Voltage (V) measured at inverter terminals When an inverter is export limited, it has to know how much solar energy is being sent into the grid so it can immediately reduce output if its about to go over the limit. Contracts and resources for connection agreement, Vegetation clearing requirements for new powerlines, Registered Electrical Contractor resources, Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiters (REFCL), Endorsement for wholesale demand response. (Image from Finns Tesla App). 240 In an Enphase system, that is with the Envoy-S with consumption monitoring. This extra meter adds to the cost of a solar system. The fact that export limiting is necessary is not a good thing. If you use a pre AS4777.3:2005 the limits are probably even higher, but you loose some other features (like frequency ramping which is probably very sensible to have if you want to be a good grid citizen), and you probably are not supposed to run those unless it is a pre 2016 install. I know in the movie the Bad was worse than the Ugly, but thats not the way Im doing it. Single-phase properties can install inverter capacity up to 5 kilowatts while 3 phase properties can install up to 30 kilowatts. sonnenBatterie Evo. The fact is that Powercor does not set an upper limit on the size solar panel system you can install, up to 30kW. We installed 4.5kw with a 5kw inverter in 2014. I am surprised to hear that Powercor has allowed you to increase your exports, but that is good to hear. But depending on our network capacity, export constraints may influence the size of the unit they install. It also allows you to focus on increasing your self consumption which in turn provides a better return on investment. Whats the logical and practical way forward? Hi Everyone, Export limiting generally isnt permitted. Please confirm the maximum export limit in the relevant section of this application.. Now, such a hybrid inverter, as I previously submitted as a post, as being needed, would have the capability of providing for up to 10kW of panels generating capacity, and, of power conversion of up to 10kW, to provide for up to 5kW to provide for charging a battery system, and, the other 5kW to provide for the household load and with surplus (to the household load, out of the 5kW provision) being exported to the grid. 0000038484 00000 n (Note: it is possible to install a larger system, say 10kW on a single phase property and meet the Powercor rules by export limiting the system . Select your country/region. I have divided Australias regions into three categories: The information below assumes the property is on the main grid. What is the go generally with adding an additional solar system to your home? If you are in the solar industry - try to get to the truth, not the sale.5. This seems technically impossible, because theres only a wire going from the inverter to the meter (the export or feed in to the grid) and a wire going from the meter to my homes main fuse. If they want a big solar system with an inverter larger than 5 kW, they must export limit the inverter. This 80% could translate to an estimated 50,000 current or potential solar customers able to export more solar to the grid. For example, our Solar Enablement program is intended to allow more customers to connect a 5kVa solar PV system with export capacity. As such, unless the investment pays for itself within at most 5-6 years, IMHO it is not a good investment/waste of money and natural resources. By the time he was eight, he was already focused on using the power of the sun to stop fossil fuel emissions destabilizing the climate. 258 endstream endobj 351 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/Index[17 289]/Length 31/Size 306/Type/XRef/W[1 1 1]>>stream 0000010080 00000 n And doing so potentially puts you running in a non compliant state. It does this by adjusting the MPPT but instead of working to maximize power from the panels it reduces it. As far as I know, only solar installers can apply for export capacity in the Powercor area. The metered version comes with extra current clamps to hook up to the grid side so you can do consumption monitoring and export limiting. For example, if you are export limited, only the Envoy-S with consumption monitoring can provide this. We might still be willing to do this all the same, from an environmental viewpoint. (Or at least it will be expensive to set up well. See image at http://www.johnrogers.com.au/battery_charging_noon.jpg. We just applied for pre-approval from Powercor and were given a 0kW export approval which is going to make almost anything we choose uneconomical. As a general rule, 5kW tends to be the upper system size limit for single-phase connections, but some networks allow up to 10kW. I think is is utter madness that the VIC government is handing out generous rebates of $1850.00 and 4 year interest free loans of up to $1850.00 and Powercor has zero feed in capacity for excess solar power. When it says that you can export 5kw, does that mean you can export up to 5kw PER HOUR? I have a new residential PV system in Perth WA, 6.6kW total panel capacity and a 5kW inverter (Growatt Min 5000TL-X). Youll also start receiving the SolarQuotes weekly newsletter, keeping you up to date on all the latest developments on Australias solar scene. AC Output Data Powercor is telling increasing numbers of households looking to install new systems in this area they will have a zero export limit. I live in Warrnambool, Victoria. If thats not a good option, you can consider getting a demand tariff and doing pumping outside the peak period when the cost of grid electricity will be relatively low. 0000004736 00000 n In a Enphase system, only the Envoy can provide this. 3. Hi Below is the email response I received from Powercor. Or, if you want a lower cost method of dealing with blackouts, you can get yourself a small generator. 0000001916 00000 n What I find is installers dont seem to like it when I tell them my plan. ), converting to up to 10kW of AC power, and, the GW5048D-ES provides for up to 6.65kW of panels generating capacity, converting to up to 4.95 kW of AC power, and, acting as a battery management system and UPS, when a battery system (of up to two approved, low voltage, batteries) is connected. It appears the wire from the inverter is directly connected to my main fuse for the house circuits. Just last week, Powercor (Western Victoria) advised that they now have more room in the grid for export. I am trying to get a system installed (6.5k smart hybrid inverter with a battery) and have been told by Western Power that I am limited to a 3.0 kva system. Sometimes Powercor can reduce that to a lower figure, or even set a zero-export limit. We are on a zero limited export. Ronald Voltage (V) measured at inverter terminals The inverter reduces the amount of electrical energy supplied by the solar panels. It is critical that you install an approved smart inverter and set it correctly. 0000004622 00000 n I have just had a 6.6kw system installed with a Fronius 5kw inverter and am export limited to 3kw. If youre not satisfied with what answers our calculator gives, let me know your figures for grid electricity and solar feed-in tariff and Ill come up with an estimate for you. That can raise the voltage to a level dangerous to appliances. 0000008571 00000 n Self confessed newbie to the mechanics of Solar so bear with me. About CitiPower and Powercor FACT SHEET: SOLAR EXPORT APPROVAL Set appliances to use your solar power Maintenance and safety checks are important This profile also doesnt impose any export limits, because Endeavour Energy didnt require them of my installation (maximum is 30kW for a 3-phase installation, which my one is well under). Allows installation but has a zero export limit. March 2022 6 Powercor means Powercor Australia Limited, ABN 89 064 651 109. portal means the eConnect portal for CitiPower and . Instead the home can benefit from a small system, as I explain here: Ah yes I see. Has the oppressive authority in WA ever given a reason for not allowing export limited inverters in WA? On a related note, we mentioned yesterday that over the border in South Australia, SA Power Networks is readying to ramp up flexible solar exports in an effort to support more solar installations and its pretty clever stuff. Perhaps it is worth mentioning that the stricter export limitation becomes, it will make a stronger argument for batteries. Interesting article. Have a good christmas. I think the installers like the Volt-watt modes, because if you dont know where to look they hid the problem at your expense anyway. hour of charging is enough to drive 35km.. I was lucky to have an early approval, so limited to 10Kw (or due to bad calculation by the approver, 8.6Kw, where he said ALL the Neutral current went down the common Neutral wire, where in fact only the difference between the phases goes down the Neutral (2 phase, 180 degree). 0000039284 00000 n My question is should that then eliminate the 5 kw inverter of the powerwall wich Energex claims is part of the 10kw allowance on a single phase? hb```f``sd`c`edd@ A >hp`86s8::\ MNmOe0pYuR`i g G7@ $n@]A#&S_2.dx f NSWs Ausgrid Network Area: This covers East Sydney, Newcastle, and out to Merriwa. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Download the first chapter of The Good Solar Guide, authored by SolarQuotes founder Finn Peacock, FREE! They did say that with future upgrades we could reapply, but I cant find a way to do this. Any ideas of how I can get a system that is actually going to generate enough power to charge a battery? Typically in the Powercor area, the export limit is 5kW of exports for each single-phase household solar PV system. Wouldnt it be better for the inverter to display its total actual potential output under current conditions? You can see from the profile name that it ensures the microinverters conform to the AS4777.2:2015 Australian standard that governs inverters, and it enables the advanced Volt-var and Volt-watt controls for adjusting export power when the grid voltage gets too high (as opposed to abruptly shutting off all export power when grid voltage is too high, which happens without Volt-var and Volt-watt). 0% Thank you. While this is fine during the week when we are open, it seems a huge waste of electricity on the weekends when we are closed. The solar PV system is connected to the network via an inverter. Unfortunately, the meter companies and inverter manufacturers cant get their shit together, and the utility meters refuse to talk to the inverters. This is because even if there is only a refrigerator running during the day it will reduce the losses from export limiting and if an effort is made to shift electricity consumption to the middle of the day then losses can be mostly or entirely eliminated. In my mind though the Smart meter at the box would adjust the export limit in line with what the house is consuming? Im in the same situation, except I have an existing 5kW system. . ( Up until quite recently, Powercor had been informing a large proportion of households looking to install new solar systems they will have to cop a zero export limit due to high congestion created by exports from existing systems. Victorias Jemena network area: A small but crowded chunk of North and Western Melbourne. In looking to the future, regardless of whether we like it, in spite of, and, despite, the great efforts of the WA state government, and its parent, the Australian feral LNP/ALP government, battery powered road vehicles will come to Australia, and, displace ICE vehicles. I am on my second Tesla EV and the new one has a rage of 700km if youre not a lead foot. More information about the program and how customers can get the most out of their rooftop solar is available at www.powercor.com.au/solar-energy Do you know the situation here? The current Envoy they will be selling is the Envoy-S. Before that was the straight Envoy which did not have the consumption monitoring / metering needed to do export limiting. But this is at least partially because when you throttle back output, you also reduce the amount of voltage rise you are causing on your local connection to the point of interconnect which is probably contributing to the issue. I realise that Australian legislatures do not care about the future, but, the future is coming, whether the legislatures like it or not. 0000037952 00000 n hbbf`b``3 I j 5 kilowatt inverter + 6.6 kilowatts of solar panels (no export limiting): 0%, 6 kilowatt inverter + 8 kilowatts of solar panels: 4% loss, 7 kilowatt inverter + 9 kilowatts of solar panels: 8% loss, 8 kilowatt inverter + 10 kilowatts of solar panels: 13% loss, So, on the one hand, the Victorian Government is. But I can tell you a few things that might help with some of your pondering :- 1. So you may decide adding a second system is worthwhile, or you may want to put it off until your current system develops problems and replace it with one large new system. Export limiting does limit the inverter output, but only as needed to keep the export power below the limit. A Decent Battery From sonnen. A rooftop solar system's grid export limit is determined by the local electricity network operator - sometimes on a case-by-case basis, sometimes according to an across-the-board standard, and . These consumption spikes go past the Solar energy being limited suggesting were drawing from the grid! 0000037686 00000 n The data has 5KW flat lining confirming more is being generated. ARTICLE WRITES: Queenslands Energex area: South East Queensland. 0000005359 00000 n Or is there a build up of voltage in the system? I am not even sure the inverter would support that, but I fear that sadly up to 25% of the PV energy might be going to waste! He first became interested in environmental matters when he was four years old after the environment tried to kill him by smashing fist sized hailstones through the roof of his parents Toowoomba home. I was really keen for this system with a battery as most of my power is used at night and I like the idea of power during blackouts, which do happen quite a lot here. trailer Residential properties are unlikely to be allowed to use export limiting to install even larger inverters. Enter your postcode now. Does anyone have similar experience with powercor? 0000039018 00000 n Limited export means more power for home If your system has a limit on how much it can export then it means more power will get used in your home instead. Do the inverters prevent the production of energy by the solar panels when an export limit would otherwise be exceeded? Unfortunately, the inverters parameters such as Export Limitation are all password protected, and so far I have been unable to even determine who knows this password. 0000009027 00000 n Thanks Steve 0418 815 193. 0000037764 00000 n For example, I can see several Energex profiles that do things like limit export to differing amounts, turns on Volt-var without Volt-watt, or sets the power factor to 0.9. The power is first used to meet household consumption, with any surplus exported to the grid for other people to use. Energex doesnt automatically allow inverters over 5 kilowatts to be installed with export limiting, but currently regularly grants permission for single-phase homes on the main grid to install up to 10 kilowatts of inverter capacity with export limiting. I think I was partially wrong about how my PV is connected to the home and the meter. I have a 5kw solar system plus a Tesla powerwall 2 on my house . Still a very long payback period, but not as long. Actually I made a chart showing the percentage of electricity lines in each state that were SWER but I left it out for the sake of brevity. reliable export limit control function as per AS4777.2 to limit the export output where the . AS4777.2:2015 has some rather low default recommendations, which can be tweaked up as no doubt my profile has allowed. My assumption is (and I may be wrong after all) that the idea of using my own energy first before buying from the grid is an illusion, and in fact it only appears like that because all the energy from the inverter (up to 5kW) is measured as exported, all energy required by the house is actually imported from the grid (as if there was no solar system at all), and it is just because the exports are offset against the imports for billing, why it appears that my PV system is reducing the imports. 0000093063 00000 n So the size of the system becomes irrelevant if you can only export 3kwh (we are Regional NSW Essential Energy). In my case, I have N & W facing panels, My inverters clip to 5Kw for a few hours, but I can still export a reasonable amount. (Although they will also allow an additional 5 kilowatts of battery inverter capacity.) Some battery powered cars can not be programmed to only recharge at particular times of the day, and, so, if someone drives one to work (that is, if and when battery powered cars become affordable to the working class) and home after work, then puts the car on the charger, the drain to the grid, that would consequently occur, during peak demand hours, needs to be covered. you aren't allowed to export any power from your solar system to the grid. I have previously posted (or, submitted for posting), the proposition that what is needed, is a hybrid (not meaning in this instance, a hybrid inverter as is commonly used) inverter that is like a cross/combination, of the Goodwe GW5000-MS inverter (or, kind of, the GW10K-MS, in terms of power conversion), and the Goodwe GW5048D-ES; three GW5000-MS provides for up to 10kW of panels generating capacity, across three MPPTs (strings? I have an existing 3.5kW PV system with Solis inverter. 207 It is just the placement of the meter and the current sensor that controls the limiting. The loss figures above are for Sydney and are affected by the climate. That is correct. He's been reporting on Australian and international solar energy news ever since. Okay, so that heading may be a bit of an exaggeration, but improvements the company has carried out appear to have made quite a difference. I suspect that it is likely, that that they are all signaled equally, not in truth I dont know for sure. I prefer a profile that just has the voltages set to a high voltage threshold, and if I have to sacrifice V-W mode, so be it. Will this mean any additional system would be limited to 0kW output?? We respect your privacy and you can opt out from the newsletter at any time. It owns and operates the states largest electricity distribution network, and is responsible for more than half a million poles and over 88,000 kilometres of powerlines. Its the same with kW and hours of solar electricity production. 100% So if an inverter that is export limited to 5 kilowatts is providing 8 kilowatts of power, none of it will go to waste provided the home is consuming at least 3 kilowatts at the time.