Inertia, frequency regulation and the grid
The old system of regulating frequency on electricity grids with the help of the inertia provided by large spinning masses is under threat by the rise of wind, solar, and batteries. But what will replace inertia-based control, and how will the transition work?
pvMB 2/1/2019: Tesla CFO replaced, LaFleur to resign at FERC, GameChange hits 4 GW in sales, and more…
In our first pv magazine USA morning brief in February, we also give an update on S5!’s patent infringement case, introduce a new director for GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund, and provide you with a pair of technical reports on DER integration/grid modernization to start your day.
U.S. utilities test distributed energy management
Distributed energy management systems can capture added value from solar and storage by shaving peak loads, providing grid services, and deferring grid investments. Utilities testing such systems have shared their lessons learned, while Western Australia leapfrogs ahead.
California grid operator opens doors for behind-the-meter batteries, distributed resources
A measure allowing behind-the-meter batteries to get paid during periods of electricity oversupply was among the measures approved by CAISO last week. Several of the changes are expected to assist with the integration of higher levels of renewable energy.
Barriers to non-utility ownership of DER stripped from California bill
SB 1088, which would have effectively barred customer or third-party owned solar or batteries from providing reliability services for the distribution system has been altered before leaving the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Utilities weaken distributed solar power with policy wins
Utilities have been trying to dismantle net metering and/or wreck the economics of customer-sited solar for years. In the first quarter of 2018, they saw some significant victories.
RMI lays out paths for utility evolution
The research organization’s latest publication looks at what it will take for utilities to meet the changing demands of the 21st century, including accommodating distributed solar and energy storage.
SEIA attempts to get ahead of locational value
A new white paper by the solar trade group proposed principles to guide the compensation for locational value of energy.
Report shows grid modernization following renewable energy mandates, DG solar
NCCETC’s latest 50 States of Grid Modernization report shows that the states with the most aggressive renewable energy mandates are also leading on grid modernization – as are many of the states with the highest penetrations of distributed solar.
NCCETC: Net metering slowly shifting to value of solar
This quarter’s report on policies and rate design that affect distributed solar showed many of the same themes as previous reports, but also a glacial shift in approach.
