Enabled by Horizon Power’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), Smart Connect Solar has been completed ahead of schedule, enabling the regional energy provider to achieve its strategic goal of ensuring there are zero customer refusals when connecting rooftop solar by 2025.

Related article: Smart Connect Solar technology expands to Broome

The program has now been expanded to all towns in Horizon Power’s service area. The technology is providing thousands more households and businesses, in Horizon Power’s service area, with the opportunity to install rooftop solar and access the benefits of renewable energy.

Smart Connect Solar has delivered critical technical capabilities enabling Horizon Power to remove solar hosting capacity constraints. Previously, the number of solar installations had to be limited to ensure the security and reliability of power supply.

DERMS technology analyses weather patterns, power system conditions and renewable energy resources and uses this data to coordinate power flows to ensure the electricity network can operate safely and reliably at all times—maximising renewable energy output and benefits for Horizon Power’s customers.

In addition to rooftop solar, DERMS will enable Horizon Power to safely and reliably integrate and balance energy across customer energy resources like batteries and electric vehicles.

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said, “Horizon Power established the strategic goal of zero customer refusals when connecting rooftop solar by 2025, to solve the technical challenges preventing customer access to rooftop solar.

Related article: Horizon Power’s Smart Connect Solar expands to NWIS

“Achieving this goal creates more customer choice to participate in renewable energy and ways to reduce energy bills. The advanced DERMS technology underpinning Smart Connect Solar will also improve the safety and stability of our systems as they evolve to incorporate greater levels of clean energy.

“We are proud to have completed the roll-out of Smart Connect Solar ahead of schedule, so that thousands of additional customers can reap the benefits of renewables, including reduced energy bills, earlier than expected.”

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Related article: Brisbane Airport to be powered with 100% renewable energy

All of Adelaide Airport’s electricity already comes from renewable sources generated by a combination of onsite solar and Iberdrola Australia’s Lake Bonney wind farms in South Australia.

The new 2.3MWp PV solar system will generate approximately 3,282MWh of energy annually. This will bring the total solar capacity at the airport to 3.5MWp—enough to power 1,000 homes.

The solar system, installed in partnership with Iberdrola Australia, will significantly grow Adelaide Airport’s solar output—currently comprising a system on the multi-storey car park roof and a smaller pre-existing system installed on the terminal roof generating a combined 1.28MW.

Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox said, “This solar system will significantly increase Adelaide Airport’s cost-effective renewable energy generation. The project will result in Adelaide Airport exceeding our target to self-generate 15% of our airport precinct electricity needs from onsite renewable energy.

“Our purpose is to proudly connect and shape South Australia, our vision is to be everyone’s favourite airport and sustainability is a core feature of our strategic plan. Cost-effective, renewable energy is important for the long-term sustainability of our organisation and our partners.”

Iberdrola Australia executive chairman and CEO Ross Rolfe AO said, ”We are delighted to be supporting Adelaide Airport in achieving their sustainability goals. The combination of initiatives being pursued—including the rooftop solar and 100% renewable retail energy contract provided by Iberdrola Australia—show their deep commitment to decarbonisation and energy efficiency. They are demonstrating that a bright future is possible for Australia’s airports.”

Related article: Newcastle Airport signs renewables deal with Flow Power

A total of approximately 3,700 solar panels and 16 inverters will be installed as part of the project. Construction on the new solar system is expected to complete in early 2025.

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The report, developed with data provided by solar consultancy SunWiz, has also found that rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system installations reached 20 GW of total capacity across Australia in 2023.

New South Wales broke the record for the highest annual installed capacity of any state, with 970MW of new rooftop solar systems. Not to be outshone by its rival to the south, Queensland was the first state to surpass a total of one million rooftop solar installations during 2023.

Related article: Report says untapped solar potential is costing Australians

Clean Energy Council policy director of distributed energy Con Hristodoulidis said rooftop solar was experiencing rapid growth in Australia’s clean energy mix, with an estimated one in three households and businesses installing the technology.

“The sheer scale and pace of rooftop solar in Australia is unparalleled anywhere else in the world, due to an abundance of sunshine and the inherent benefits including lower energy bills and feed-in tariffs,” he said.

“Last year saw 2.9GW of new capacity installed from 314,507 units, marking the second-biggest year for the uptake of rooftop solar, solidifying its position as the second-largest source of renewable generation and the fourth-largest source of all electricity generation in Australia.

“More than three million Australians understand that their rooftop solar systems are providing them with substantial savings, greater value and peace of mind.

“The recent announcement by the federal government of the $1 billion Solar Sunshot manufacturing support program is a positive sign for future progress, as we leverage world-leading research and innovation to make more solar products right here in Australia.”

Fifty-seven thousand behind-the-meter batteries were also installed in 2023. When combined with the future uptake of behind-the-meter batteries, households have even more to gain, all the while supporting Australia’s timely transition to a renewable energy future.

“It is clear that now is the time to back home batteries, build on their growing popularity among households and write the next chapter of Australia’s solar success story,” Hristodoulidis said.

“This is why the Clean Energy Council has led calls for a national Home Battery Saver Program of up to $6,500 per household to provide more Australians with cost-of-living relief and the added flexibility of storing, using and trading lower-cost electricity generated at home, tailored to their needs.”

Related article: Report: Better solar recycling needed to deal with PV waste

Key statistics from the report

• Collectively, rooftop solar is now the second largest source of renewable electricity generation in Australia (behind wind energy generation), and the fourth-largest source of electricity generation, providing approximately 11.2% of the country’s power supply.
• 2023 saw rooftop photovoltaic installations surpassed a total of 20GW installed capacity in Australia.
• With 970MW of new rooftop solar systems installed in 2023, New South Wales broke the record for the highest annual installed capacity of any state ever recorded.
• The total number of rooftop solar installations in Queensland surpassed the one million mark—the first state to do so.
• Fifty-seven thousand behind-the-meter batteries were installed in 2023.

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Australia is a world-leader in residential photovoltaic deployment with rooftop solar installed in almost one in three houses.

However, most of those houses are owner-occupier—meaning rental houses, apartment buildings and social housing are missing out on savings.

The Rooftop Solar Potential of Australian Housing Stock by Tenure and Dwelling Type report was conducted by researchers from UNSW School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering in collaboration with the Australian Photovoltaic Institute.

The study, commissioned by Solar Citizens, found total potential for rooftop solar installation is estimated at approximately 61GW, which could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 785 megatonnes over the next 20 years.

Related article: As Australia’s net zero transition threatens to stall, rooftop solar could help provide the power we need

Untapped potential

The researchers carried out an assessment of all the residential buildings across Australia to estimate how many extra solar panels could be installed on those sites.

As of June last year, approximately 15.1GW of residential solar is installed in Australia.
The report found there is approximately 45.8GW of unrealised potential solar energy on houses and apartments across the country—that’s three times the number of panels currently installed on roofs.

The results also show New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland have the highest share of this solar potential across the country.

UNSW Senior Research Fellow and report author Dr Mike Roberts says there will be many households across the nation who have the potential to save even more on their power bills with rooftop solar.

“Our analysis found the power of solar can deliver average annual household bill savings $1,300 each year,” he says.

“Apartments are another housing type where government investment now will pay high dividends in cheaper bills and less emissions for long into the future.

“Apartment buildings are missing out on 3GW of solar power, more than 2GW on social housing and a massive 12GW in the rental sector which include both houses and apartments.

“Apartment residents could be saving an average of $500 to $700 a year on their energy bills and could be paying off the system in five years or less.

“While we have seen recent action on solar for social housing through collaboration between several state and federal governments, this approach should be fast-tracked to a greater number of social homes, given the outstanding cost savings on bills and other benefits delivered.”

Making energy savings equitable

With the surge in wholesale energy costs in Australia and subsequent increase in retail electricity prices putting more pressure on low-income households, installing more solar on social and community housing could help ease the financial burden of higher energy bills.

Dr Roberts says the report highlights that certain sectors, such as social housing and rental properties, need targeted incentives to encourage more landlords to consider adopting rooftop solar.

“For rental properties, a big part of the problem is because the cost of installing solar is absorbed by landlords but the benefits go to the tenants,” he says.

“To address this, this report recommends giving tenants increased visibility of the financial benefits of solar which could be reflected in their rental rates – allowing landlords to recoup their investment costs.

“Targeted subsidies, such as Solar Victoria’s Solar Rebates for Rental Scheme, could also incentivise landlords to invest in solar, as could rule changes to allow the associated capital costs to be offset through instant tax write-offs.”

Related article: Exploring Australia’s rooftop solar advantage

Good for the economy

Beyond households saving on their energy bill, more rooftop solar installations will also help boost the economy.

The report found that closing the solar potential gap would create 240,000 additional job-years of employment in the solar industry, supporting those working in solar sales and installation roles—that’s the equivalent to employing 48,000 people for five years.

Solar Citizens national campaigns director Joel Pringle says, “Australian households struggling with rising costs of living have the potential for more than $9 billion in energy bill savings sitting right now in untapped rooftop solar potential.

“That’s nine billion good reasons for the Albanese Government to make a significant investment in supporting more rooftop solar for households, people living in apartments and social housing and renters in the upcoming Federal Budget.”

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Record-breaking investment in utility-scale storage and booming results for rooftop solar are among the new data published in the Clean Energy Australia 2024 report.

Clean Energy Council CEO Kane Thornton said renewables had now reached a critical tipping point in the Australian energy mix.

“We’ve reached a major milestone following 12 months of profound change as industry and governments at all levels continue to work together with a renewed focus on a timely transformation of our energy system,” Thornton said.

Related article: Australia’s emissions drop thanks to increase in renewables

“Renewables comprised 39.4% of Australia’s total generation in 2023, an increase of 9.7% in a single year. This is a major increase from 2017, when the share of Australia’s total renewable generation was just 17%.

“2023 was also a significant year for construction and new financial commitments to utility-scale storage. Twenty-seven battery projects are under construction, up from 19 at the end of 2022.

“Investment stands at a massive $4.9 billion, up from $1.9 billion in the year prior.”
2023 also saw rooftop solar continue to shine brightly, with 3.1GW of new capacity added to Australia’s energy system. In total, 337,498 households and businesses around Australia installed rooftop solar, up from 315,499 in 2022.

“Rooftop solar accounted for 28.5% of all renewable generation nationally over the past year. This is a testament to its success in driving additional value and lowering energy bills for over one in three Australian households and small businesses,” Thornton said.

While the past year’s figures indicate some encouraging progress for Australia’s clean energy transition, a significant downturn in investment, particularly in large-scale generation projects, remains an issue for the sector.

No new financial commitments to utility-scale wind projects occurred in 2023, while seven new financial commitments for utility-scale solar projects totalling 921MW of capacity were recorded, down from 10 projects totalling 1.5GW at the end of 2022.

“Several announcements and policy initiatives led by the Commonwealth throughout the year have already sent a strong signal about the importance of a timely energy transition to the national interest, addressing several major challenges including cost of living, emissions reduction and energy security,” Thornton said.

“We are more determined than ever to continue to build and maintain the strong investment in our clean energy future that we need, overcome the barriers holding back a substantial pipeline of new opportunities and navigate the most consequential transformation of Australia’s economy in a generation.”

Related article: Large-scale renewables investment ‘safest bet’ for supply

Report highlights

Key statistics from the Clean Energy Australia 2024 Report show:

• Renewables account for 39.4% of Australia’s total electricity supply.
• 5.9GW of new renewable generation capacity added in 2023.
• 2.8GW of new large-scale renewable generation capacity completed construction and was added to the grid.
• The rooftop solar sector added 3.1GW of new capacity from 337,498 households and small businesses.
• 27 utility-scale batteries under construction at the end of 2023, accounting for a total of 5GW/11GWh combined capacity, up from 19 totalling 1.4GW/2GWh of capacity in 2022.
• $4.9 billion in new investments in large-scale storage during 2023, up from $1.9 billion in 2022.
• No new financial commitments to utility scale wind projects in 2023, compared to six in 2022.
• 7 new financial commitments to large-scale solar projects for a combined 921MW, down from 10 projects and 1.5GW in 2022.

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Related article: Rooftop solar rollout speeds up, solar farms slowing down

The CER conducted an application and evaluation process in late 2023 for operators of the accreditation scheme. The Clean Energy Council (CEC) decided not to apply to continue operating an Installer Accreditation scheme.

The CEC’s accreditation services for solar installers and designers has therefore now concluded. This will allow the CEC to double down on its crucial work advocating for a strong solar industry and supporting installers and industry to comply with the complex regulatory requirements in the sector.

In order to retain eligibility for small-scale technology certificates, all installers and designers accredited under the previous scheme will have a three-month transition period to transfer to SAA’s accreditation services, which are now in effect.

Clean Energy Council CEO Kane Thornton said, “I am proud of the role that the Clean Energy Council has played in supporting Australia’s solar industry and world-leading uptake of rooftop solar over the past 16 years.

“Rooftop solar plays a critical role in our clean energy transition. In 2024, approximately one in three Australian households have solar systems installed.

“I would like to congratulate Solar Accreditation Australia on their successful application and appointment to this new role.”

Related article: Equinix unveils largest rooftop solar system in Melbourne

The Clean Energy Council will continue work closely with the CER to support SAA during the transition period and ensure an orderly handover.

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Related article: Equinix inks first renewables PPA in Australia with TagEnergy

In what is one of the largest data centre rooftop solar deployments in Australia, Equinix has now completed installation of rooftop solar systems at eight of its data centres, including Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney, which collectively provides a total of approximately 1.8MW of clean energy to local power grids.

To assist in the funding of this latest rooftop solar deployment in Melbourne, Equinix claimed Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs), which is part of the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) programme established by the Victorian government to help reduce power bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

The 1MW rooftop solar system is Equinix’s largest onsite rooftop solar PV system globally, and one of the largest at any data centre in Australia. It reinforces Equinix’s continued focus to add clean energy to the local grid and contribute towards decarbonation.

Earlier this month, Equinix announced the signing of its first long-term renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement in Asia-Pacific, securing 151MW of renewable energy from the Golden Plains Wind Farm—East in Victoria, which will supply enough energy to the grid to cover Equinix’s 17 IBX data centres across Australia.

Equinix Australia managing director Guy Danskine said, “Deploying rooftop solar systems at our Australian data centres is an important step in our overarching strategy to help decarbonise the grid and foster a more sustainable future for data centres.

Related article: SunPlan building Australia’s largest solar rooftop network

“In Australia, we have invested millions of dollars in solar systems and have plans to expand this further. We are constantly exploring ways to deliver our digital infrastructure in the most sustainable way to address surging digital needs of businesses and support the development of the country’s digital economy.”

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Related article: Sunshine State celebrates 1 million rooftop solar installations

According to the 2024 Annual SunWiz Australian PV Report, a whopping 2.5GW of residential solar power was installed last year—equivalent to 6.1 million average sized solar panels—plus 0.9GW of commercial rooftop systems; respectively 4% and 0.2% less than the record year (2021).

This lifted the Australian cumulative total deployment of solar power to 36.7GW. Residential systems comprise 52% of this cumulative tally.

SunWiz managing director Warwick Johnston said this was another demonstration of the global leadership Australia plays in distributed energy generation.

“With more than 3.7 million solar power systems installed, Australia remains the world’s leading country for per-capita uptake of rooftop solar power. There are more than three solar panels installed for every Australian,” he said.

“Despite household and business budgets being hit hard by inflation and interest rate increases, solar power systems fell in price in 2023. Solar power remains the most popular way of reducing electricity bills, and it rapidly pays for itself.

“We’ve also seen many Australians installing larger solar systems and even upgrading existing units, in order to power electric vehicles and home energy storage systems, like batteries.

“Solar power is now a major contributor to the nation’s energy requirements. South Australia is regularly powered by 100% solar energy, with occasions where all that state’s energy needs are met by rooftop solar.”

By contrast, Australia’s overall solar industry, including solar farms, contracted last year for the first time since 2013. The amount of new solar power installed in Australia in 2023 was 4.6GW in total. This was lower than in 2022 (5.6GW) and its lowest level since 2019.

The downturn occurred primarily due to reduced numbers of large-scale solar farms being energized. Ten new solar farms totaling 1.1GW started producing energy in 2023, a 60% reduction on the 2.9GW from the previous year, and the worst year for solar farms since before their rollout began in earnest in 2018.

Related article: Rio Tinto buys entire output of Australia’s largest solar farm

“The report underlines the need to rebuild momentum in the solar farm development pipeline.”

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News of the milestone was applauded by the Queensland Conservation Council, with campaigner Stephanie Gray saying the rooftop revolution was made possible by smart government policy.

Related article: As Australia’s net zero transition threatens to stall, rooftop solar could help provide the power we need

“Queensland’s world-leading uptake of small-scale solar is a testament to smart government rebates and schemes that drove down the price of solar PV and made the clean technology a no-brainer financial investment for many households,” Gray said.

“Just in the last year 75,000 Queensland homes and businesses installed solar, which makes sense because solar is one of the best ways that you can manage power bills that have spiralled out of control with globally high coal and gas prices.

“Rooftop solar plays a very important role in Queensland’s energy mix now with an impressive 5.9 GW of installed capacity—that’s three-and-a-half times the capacity of Queensland’s largest coal-fired power station.

“And this is just the beginning. The latest modelling from the Australian Energy Market Operator suggests Queensland will have to increase rooftop solar capacity by a further 60% by 2030 to help underpin the energy transition.”

This milestone comes as the Power Together coalition, which includes the Queensland Council of Social Service, Queensland Community Alliance and Queensland Conservation Council, are campaigning for government policies to support solar for renters and social housing tenants as a long-term solution for keeping electricity bills low for vulnerable Queenslanders.

“We’ve just seen the Australian Government work with the NSW Government to announce $200 million to upgrade social housing and help tenants access affordable solar energy,” Gray said.

Related article: Battery bonanza to charge Queensland’s renewables future

“We’d like to see the Australian Government work with the Queensland Government so Queenslanders get our fair share and policies are implemented to help all households, including renters and social housing tenants, slash bills with solar and energy efficiency upgrades.”

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The funding, sourced from the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund, will see 12 new local network-connected batteries installed across the state.

Related article: Stanwell and ESI ink deal for long-duration iron flow battery

The package will also enable the installation of two flow batteries from Queensland manufacturers. This will enable Energy Queensland to help develop a local battery industry, provide a proving ground for the technology developing pathways for flow battery inclusion in future battery programs.

Stage one of the program delivered five network-connected batteries built at Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba, Townsville and Yeppoon.

Stage two is currently in delivery, with battery construction underway on 12 batteries in Cairns (two sites), Townsville, Mackay, Emerald, Mundubbera, Gladstone, Howard, Toowoomba, Raby Bay, Morayfield and Bribie Island in the Brisbane area.

Stage three will deliver 12 additional 4MW/8MWh batteries. Energy Queensland will now scope locations, with Mooloolaba, Runaway Bay, Cornubia; Jimboomba, Woodridge, Yatala, Barcaldine, Dalby Central, Glenella, Toowoomba, Milchester and Maryborough currently being considered.

Stage four includes the trial of two flow batteries. Sites are currently being considered in Burrum Heads and Ipswich.

These batteries are in areas with high solar penetration and will be used to support the energy network during times of peak demand.

Related article: New premier, new emissions reduction target for Queensland

Premier Steven Miles said, ”Queenslanders are world leaders when it comes to rooftop solar. We have the highest rate of rooftop solar anywhere in Australia so it’s only night that we equip our energy network to keep pace with the high rates of solar generation.

“This battery program is fundamental to our success in achieving 70% renewable energy by 2030, and net zero emissions by 2050.”

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Related article: Australia’s electric vehicle future must be priced right

Around 30,000 household will be eligible to receive support to upgrade heat pumps, fans, air conditioning and solar systems, while more than 24,000 social housing tenants will receive grants for upgrades including rooftop solar, hot water systems, ceiling fans, reverse-cycle air conditioners, insulation and draught proofing.

News of the funding was welcomed by advocacy groups including Rewiring Australia and the Climate Council.

“We are delighted that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris Minns have taken up our policy to provide grants to electrify social housing properties,” Rewiring Australia executive director Dan Cass said.

“Household electrification is the fastest, most cost effective way to reduce emissions—and it also decreases the cost of living by significantly reducing energy bills.

“Targeting social homes is necessary to ensure everyone benefits from the bounty of renewable energy regardless of their income.”

Climate Council head of advocacy Dr Jennifer Rayner said, “Today’s announcement from the Albanese and Minns governments is the kind of practical climate action that makes a difference for Australians. By helping people in NSW who are doing it tough to upgrade their appliances and access cheap renewable energy, this investment will cut power bills and carbon pollution—a fantastic two-for-one deal.

Related article: New-look website simplifies energy plan comparison

“Making our homes more energy efficient and powering them with cheap renewable electricity is an important part of building a clean energy system that works for people, not multinational fossil fuel corporations. Millions of households around Australia are already seeing the benefits, so it’s essential renters, people on tight incomes, and those who live in apartments can share these too.”

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Australia is not rolling out clean energy projects nearly fast enough to reach the Australian government’s target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030. A huge build of solar and wind farms, transmission lines and big batteries is needed. But progress is challenged by the scale required, community resistance to new infrastructure and connecting all that new renewable electricity to the grid.

In the latest obstacle to expanding renewable energy capacity in the longer term, federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek knocked back a plan by the Victorian government to build a sea terminal to service offshore wind farms, saying it posed “clearly unacceptable” environmental risks.

The roadblocks facing large projects present an opportunity to ramp up the contribution of small-scale technologies in the energy transition. Recently, federal and state energy ministers agreed on the need for a national roadmap and a co-ordinated approach to integrating into the grid what they call “consumer energy resources” (CER), which include batteries, electric vehicles and rooftop solar.

Related article: Aussies embracing rooftop solar in record numbers

More than one in three Australian houses have solar panels on their roofs. Australia leads the world in rooftop solar per head. During the past year these systems generated close to 10% of our electricity. Several times over the past few months, they even provided enough electricity to briefly meet all South Australia’s electricity demand.

And the technology still has great potential to grow: although installed capacity has doubled in the last four years, these systems cover only about 10% of Australia’s estimated usable roof area. So, how large a share of our electricity needs might rooftop solar provide? The answers are not simple.

Why rooftop solar presents a challenge for the grid

In electricity systems, demand and supply must be balanced at all times. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) runs the grid and keeps it secure to avoid blackouts in case of unexpected events such as the sudden disconnection of a transmission line.

To meet demand, every five minutes AEMO dispatches electricity from large-scale generators such as coal-fired power stations or large solar farms. As the grid operator, AEMO must also procure reserve capacity to balance any differences in demand and maintain security.

But AEMO does not dispatch power from rooftop solar, which is either used on site, or flows into the grid independently of AEMO’s control. This isn’t usually a problem, since AEMO keeps the grid balanced by forecasting how much rooftop solar is being generated.

However, if rooftop solar generates the majority of power in a particular region, there may not be enough dispatchable generation and reserves online to keep the grid balanced and secure. Grid security can also be challenged when unexpected events trigger the safety settings of rooftop solar systems and cause them to disconnect.

The other big issue for grid balance is that the network businesses that manage the poles, wires and other infrastructure connecting generators to homes and businesses need to ensure that voltages remain within defined technical limits to avoid damaging equipment or appliances. When solar generates a lot of power at a time of low electricity demand, voltage can exceed the upper operational limit. Voltage can also go below the lower operational limit when too many people connect big appliances like air-conditioners.

So how are we managing the three challenges of rooftop solar: lack of controllability by the market operator, uncertain behaviour during unexpected grid events and impact on network voltage?

Ways to manage and expand rooftop solar

Current Australian standards require solar to automatically disconnect when voltage gets too high. Network businesses also pre-emptively manage this problem by preventing customers in areas where voltage is an issue from connecting solar to the grid, or by limiting the size of solar systems they can connect or the amount of electricity they can export to the grid at any time. But this approach is potentially unfair to those customers who can’t connect or export.

The good news is that standards introduced in 2020 provide more sophisticated ways of managing solar through more gradual voltage response, and by requiring systems to ride through major disturbances rather than disconnecting. Some networks have also developed solar-friendly ways to cut off surplus output “dynamically”, meaning only at times when they have to.

Thanks to these measures, solar customers face less constraint on exporting power to the grid. However, since solar sometimes now supplies most of the generation in South Australia, AEMO has also tested disconnection of solar to increase its control of the grid in case of threats to system security.

Some of these solar management tools are still quite blunt and some commentators worry they will be overused. While necessary in the short-term, if unchecked they will reduce our ability to realise our rooftop solar potential.

Getting smarter about when we use power

There is another way to use our solar systems more effectively: we can shift energy use to times when the sun is shining, and store energy—in batteries, electric vehicles and hot water tanks—to use when it is not.

To make such a change, consumer electricity prices are a potential lever. Solar customers already have an incentive to use electricity from their own rooftop systems, because they pay more for grid electricity than they are paid to sell solar back to the grid.

South Australia and some other network areas are introducing low “solar soak” rates to encourage all customers to use electricity in high solar times, such as the middle of the day. Times of plentiful solar also tend to be the cheapest times to buy wholesale electricity from the grid, and innovative retailers like Amber Electric are passing through these price signals to customers.

However, typical retail plans offered to customers don’t provide much incentive to change patterns of electricity use, especially since many customers are understandably not focused on their electricity bills or cannot easily shift their power use.

In these cases orchestration schemes, often called “virtual power plants,” are an option. Under the schemes, a business will reward household customers that allow it to operate their rooftop solar, batteries, appliances, electric vehicles and hot water systems in ways that reduce costs or grid impacts.

Better management of electricity use through these schemes can make room for the grid to take on more solar.

Related article: Project EDGE shows big impact of small-scale resources

Recent trials in Western Australia (Project Symphony) and Victoria (Project EDGE) prove orchestration can work. Nevertheless, people will need good reasons to hand over control of their solar, batteries and appliances, particularly if they bought expensive equipment such as batteries for back-up power or to increase their energy independence.

It would be a major setback to the net zero transition if AEMO and network businesses, lacking better options for managing the grid, continue to cut back and switch off solar systems until people find it unattractive to purchase them.

The new CER roadmap needs to provide clear guidance on how AEMO and network businesses can manage rooftop solar, and other technologies such as batteries and EVs. Good governance arrangements and meaningful stakeholder consultation are essential if Australia is to maintain the momentum of its people-powered energy transition.

Disclosure statement: Anna Bruce receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Race for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the Australian PV Institute. Baran Yildiz receives funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the RACE for 2030 Cooperative Research Australia. Baran is a member of International Energy Agency (IEA) Solar Heating & Cooling Programme Task 69. Dani Alexander receives funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the RACE for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre. Dani previously was the Business Program Leader for the RACE for 2030 CRC. Mike Roberts receives funding from the Race for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre, the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, and Essential Energy. He is a former director of the Australian PV Institute.

Republished from The Conversation under Creative Commons

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The photovoltaic industry has been intensely focused on increasing the efficiency of PV modules and making the electricity generated ever-more affordable.

To sustain efficiencies the industry has been transitioning from traditional PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) solar cells to more advanced technologies called TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) and HJT (HeteroJunction Technology).

Related article: Machine learning fast-forwards solar cell design

However, this new generation of cells introduces new reliability challenges, primarily due to their sensitivity to contaminants and light. Research by UNSW and other institutions has uncovered inherent vulnerabilities in TOPCon and HJT solar cells, especially concerning metal contacts and thin films.

Many of these potential failure modes—that is any of the different ways the photovoltaic modules can degrade in performance—are not currently detectable by standard industry testing and could drastically diminish the performance of these systems in real-world applications.

Without addressing these identified failure modes, there could be a performance decline of over 50% in just a few years, negating the advantages of their initial high efficiency and resulting in a significant increase in the cost of electricity from photovoltaics.

TOPCon and HJT issues

The challenges faced by TOPCon and SHJ (Silicon Heterojunction) solar cells fall into two main categories. Firstly, the metal contacts in these cells are prone to corrosion.

TOPCon cells, in particular, have front contacts that are highly susceptible to corrosion from various contaminants, especially when water penetrates the module. Similarly, HJT solar cells, which use low-temperature metallisation paste on both sides, are also vulnerable to corrosion.

Unfortunately, once corrosion occurs, it is irreversible and cannot be remedied in the field.
Secondly, the thin films used in both TOPCon and HJT solar cells exhibit sensitivity to light exposure. Both types are affected by ultraviolet light, and HJT cells show additional sensitivity to other parts of the solar spectrum. Interestingly, this sensitivity can sometimes enhance HJT cell performance.

However, light-induced degradation is often manageable in the field. It can be mitigated by altering operating conditions or through natural repair processes during nighttime.

UNSW and other international research groups are intensively studying the underlying mechanisms of these new failure modes in solar cells. By comprehending the fundamental causes, we aim to devise effective solutions at both the cell and module levels.

A key challenge is that these failure modes may develop over decades in the field, and waiting that long to address them is not feasible.

To overcome this, there is a focus on creating rapid testing methods that accelerate these failure modes. Such methods allow for faster evaluation of mitigation strategies and the development of new product generations.

At UNSW, we have developed several advanced testing methods for solar cells. These methods provide insights up to a hundred times faster than traditional accelerated testing used in the photovoltaic industry.

These tests are not only faster but are also tailored based on a deep understanding of the specific failure modes. This approach has already led to the development of effective solutions to combat corrosion-related degradation in both TOPCon and HJT solar cells.

The photovoltaic industry must tackle these reliability concerns at the cell or module level, and the leading suppliers have mainly opted to address these issues effectively at the module level using better but more expensive materials. It’s particularly important for end-users, especially large-scale operators, to engage their suppliers with critical inquiries.

They should question how these suppliers have addressed the identified reliability issues and what specific tests have been performed to confirm the effectiveness of these solutions. This proactive approach will ensure that the photovoltaic systems they acquire are both efficient and durable.

Improved reliability in photovoltaic technology will lead to lower electricity costs for society as well as maintain society’s trust in renewable energy technologies. This enhancement is crucial for both mitigating human-induced climate change and bolstering energy security.

Related article: Aussies embracing rooftop solar in record numbers

As photovoltaic systems become more dependable, they contribute significantly to sustainable and economically viable energy solutions.

Renewable energy is key in addressing human-induced climate change. The economic and environmental impacts of these energy sources depend heavily on their anticipated or actual lifespan.

For photovoltaics, the vast majority of costs and environmental impacts are incurred during the production of the photovoltaic system.

Therefore, it is imperative that these systems operate efficiently for as long as possible.

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The Clean Energy Regulator’s Quarterly Carbon Market Report September Quarter 2023 showed an increasing number of Australian households were investing in rooftop solar and electrification to lower their energy bills during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Related article: A picture to illustrate the power of rooftop solar

Solar Citizens CEO Heidi Lee Douglas said, “Australians love solar and they’re embracing rooftop solar in record numbers.

“Harnessing the cheap, clean power available from installing solar panels on your rooftop is an effective way of bringing down the cost of living, especially as we head into the warmer summer months.

“Households save about $1,200 a year with rooftop solar and those savings last for the lifetime of the solar system which might be 10 to 20 years. The next stage of the rooftop solar boom will be powered and enabled by home batteries and electric vehicles.”

The report also indicated that Australia was on track to match or break the record on the amount of rooftop solar installed for the year.

“There are millions of Australians benefiting from the cost savings of solar and a growing number taking the next step teaming panels with battery technology,” Douglas said.

Related article: Exploring Australia’s rooftop solar advantage

“Now we need more targeted financial support for Australian homes to access clean technology, including low-income households or people who live in apartments, rentals or social housing.

“No one should be left behind from the benefits of solar.”

The post Aussies embracing rooftop solar in record numbers appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.