Hello there, fellow solar enthusiasts! Today I’d like to discuss a hot topic in the solar industry right now – Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs). These are swiftly gaining traction, especially in California, thanks in part to recently signed legislation SB 1006.
For those new to the term, Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) refer to a variety of tech advancements designed to optimize our power grid. GETs hold incredible promise for our renewable energy future. Let’s dive into why!
The power grid, much like a highway system, can become congested and overburdened. This can lead to curtailment, a term referring to the reduction of renewable energy feed into the grid due to lack of capacity. However, GETs are here to help solve this problem, and more.
Deploying GETs can lead to cost savings for solar companies and project developers, helping solar panels for your home become more affordable. According to a study by RMI, GETs have the potential to save hundreds of millions of dollars in interconnection costs. This saving can be the crucial difference that allows a solar company to build a project that otherwise wouldn’t have been feasible.
But let’s break it down further. What are the core benefits that GETs bring to the table?
1. Increased transmission capacity: More capacity means the ability to feed more energy into the grid.
2. Enhanced reliability: GETs can help our grid become more resilient and reliable.
3. Reduced risk of wildfires: Especially relevant for California, GETs can significantly decrease the risk of sparking wildfires.
4. Increased flexibility and reduced risks: With GETs, there’s more wiggle room to handle uncertainties tied to technology and permitting.
As any homeowner considering a solar array for home likely knows, a key obstacle is often the long wait times for interconnection. The good news? GETs may be able to speed up this process!
All of this underscores why this recent California legislation is such a big deal. By mandating that utilities at least evaluate GETs every two years in transmission planning, it’s encouraging the broader adoption of technologies that can revolutionize our grid and expedite the shift to renewability.
Solar enthusiasts, whether you’re hoping to harness solar energy at home or you’re deeply intertwined with a solar company, it’s clear the future shines brightly with GETs in sight. Thanks for tuning in to today’s blog, and be sure to stay plugged in for more discussions on the world of solar power.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/09/27/california-bill-requires-utilities-to-evaluate-grid-enhancing-technologies/
