What is Grid Over Voltage?
Posted on 23 January 2023
Have you ever looked at your solar bill and found that it has exported less energy to the grid than expected? This may be due to grid over voltage problems. To export solar from your home solar systems, the voltage current sent from your solar panel inverters must be higher than the voltage in your electricity grid. If the grid in your neighbourhood is exceeding the Australian Standard set for grid voltage, then your solar panel inverters will throttle or shut down your export of solar energy.
This is one of the major causes for solar system customer complaints. Solar Power Direct is your expert installer when it comes to solar systems in Adelaide and in this post we look at some common causes and solutions for grid over voltage problems.
Common Causes of Grid Over Voltage Problems
Grid over voltage problems can occur even when solar systems are operating to specification. If multiple homes with residential solar panels export energy to the grid at the same time, this can lift the voltage of the network to outside the tolerance, which set by your solar panel inverters.
This will cause your energy export to be shut off or throttled. This is due to the aging infrastructure of our South Australian electricity network, which was designed for 240 volts but is now being adapted for a 230-volt standard. Aging and sub optimally installed home solar systems may also exacerbate the problem.
Solutions for Grid Over Voltage Problems for Solar Panels South Australia
Solar Power Direct is an experienced installer of solar panels South Australia wide and we can check your home or business’ voltage rise to install appropriate wires or modernise your solar equipment.
Modern solar panel inverters with “volt-var” and “volt-watt” modes will be able to modulate your output to lower it, instead of causing your inverter to shut down, allowing you to export more energy. Industry analysis has found that grid over voltage problems happen less often during winter, when the weather is more frequently overcast. Changing your energy consumption patterns to charge your devices, as well as solar hot water heaters, pool pumps and chargers during daytime hours will help reduce the amount of energy you export to the grid.
Your electricity Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) is statutorily obligated to prevent over voltage, so contact them for help if your system is up to specification but still experiencing problems.
Solar Power Direct is your expert installer of solar systems Adelaide wide. Contact us on 08 7226 0560 for a free quote today for your residential solar panels in South Australia.
