As an experienced professional in the solar industry, I’d love to discuss a recent development that could significantly reduce the costs and timelines associated with solar and solar-plus-storage projects. In particular, it has to do with flexible “connect and manage” interconnection, technically referred to as energy resource interconnection service (ERIS). This strategy requires occasional curtailment of solar project output to prevent thermal overloading on transmission lines, hence promoting the seamless integration of solar arrays for homes and utility-scale projects.
Two studies have found that adopting this method could reduce transmission upgrade costs by up to 72%- a significant figure when you consider the costs associated with solar companies expanding their portfolio of solar panels for your home or larger scale ventures.
Replicating Duke Energy Progress’s cluster study, the studies revealed that adopting a flexible interconnection model could diminish investment requirements for grid elements, such as transmission lines and transformers, by up to 75%- hence cutting costs.
The studies further showed that costs associated with avoiding thermal overloading constituted 75% of the total upgrade costs. This revelation positions flexible interconnection as a viable cost-saving solution for solar companies. However, costs related to network upgrades and point of interconnection weren’t evaluated under this model.
The promising findings of these studies couldn’t have come at a better time. With mounting pressure to shift towards green energy, this model sets the stage for quicker and more manageable transitions to solar power. And while this study does not conclusively address all aspects of the interconnection process, it is clear that adopting flexible interconnection strategies holds potential for significant cost and time savings.
So, whether you are exploring solar panels for your home or you are a solar company seeking more effective ways to manage utility-scale solar projects, these studies offer valuable insights into the advantages of flexible interconnection.
ERIS not only provides an innovative solution to costs but also addresses time-to-agreement concerns. Interestingly, the studies found that in the ERCOT grid region of Texas, where flexible interconnection is employed for all utility-scale projects, the timeline from an interconnection request to an interconnection agreement is 21 months, compared to the 38-month timeframe in other grid regions.
That said, it’s important to note that achieving a faster flexible interconnection isn’t as straightforward in other regions as it is in ERCOT. This is largely due to similarities in study methods for ERIS and NRIS, not forgetting often comparable network upgrade costs.
Despite the nuances, one thing is clear: flexible interconnection has massive potential. It can benefit not just home owners interested in solar arrays for homes, but also solar companies by making the process more efficient and cost-effective.
The advantages of flexible interconnection far outweigh the disadvantages, thus marking a new era of solar and solar-plus-storage projects. More research and testing are required to tap into the full potential of this game-changing approach, but the initial findings are certainly promising.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/09/05/flexible-interconnection-at-far-lower-cost-and-nearly-twice-the-speed/
