The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) recently flagged a critical issue of surplus solar generation putting Australia’s eastern grid at risk of outages.
The market operator’s proposed solar switch-off measures aim to stabilise the grid but, according to some experts, come with significant challenges and costs for consumers—especially rooftop solar owners.
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Gabrielle Kuiper, a director of the Superpower Institute, told The Guardian there were better alternatives than reducing rooftop solar output, which would become clearer if there was an effort to pass a change to the National Electricity Rules.
This would require cost-benefit analyses and greater evidence of the risks of grid instability, she said.
Gavin Mooney, general manager Australia of energy optimisation platform Kaluza, agrees. He says forcing households to buy electricity from the grid should be an “absolute last resort”, with more effective strategies available to reduce grid instability.
“Although restricting solar exports during low-demand periods will help protect the grid, shutting off consumer solar and forcing households to buy electricity should always be a last resort,” Mooney says.
“”Limiting exports to protect the grid might be a necessary stepping stone towards smarter, better-orchestrated infrastructure, but generation and demand challenges won’t be overcome through mandated grid-only electricity purchases for consumers.
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“Instead, a dynamic approach where solar exports are turned up and down enables consumers to monetise their renewable energy throughout most of the day while supporting the system to manage demand during peak periods.
“It’s a win-win but relies on advanced technologies to make consumers’ energy experience simple and engaging, and energy flows can be optimised at scale, ensuring grid stability as the energy transition unfolds.”
