Distributed Storage and Solar Study

Abstract

Growing levels of photovoltaic (PV) penetration on the low voltage (LV) electricity network are increasingly causing reverse power flows and voltage rise issues. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) may not only provide a solution for such issues but also for those associated with the expected increase in evening peak load caused by the electrification of heat and transport. Distributed Storage and Solar Study (DS3) explores the potential for aggregator-controlled behind-the-meter BESS to address these issues by limiting reverse power flows and providing peak-shaving capability. 40 BESS have been installed in 36 homes as part of a 2 year long trial that assesses the impact they have on the network. Analysis to date shows that in general BESS have the capability to address these issues, however the extent to which they are able to do so depends on their mode of operation.