Renewable Energy World | By: Jennifer Runyon | GPE – September 12, 2017:
As homeowners and businesses continue to install energy generating equipment like batteries and solar PV behind their meters, forward-looking utilities such as San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) are piloting projects that will help them figure out not just how to use them to strengthen the grid but also how to compensate those DER owners for the use of their equipment.
Originally published August 25, 2017: New regulation will take effect in September in California that will require all inverters connected to the utility grid be “smart inverters,” with technology installed that will give utilities the ability to communicate with them, should they wish.
With communications protocols embedded in four-quadrant inverters, solar + battery systems could theoretically provide volt/var support and serve as both energy sinks and energy generators depending on what the grid needs moment by moment.
It’s a situation in which technology is outpacing regulation and rates, according to Chris Chen, Strategy Development Manager for SDG&E.
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