A common challenge for homeowners considering solar panels is the restriction on installing additional units in certain residential areas due to voltage issues when feeding power into the public grid. This limitation, caused by high panel density, has hindered the widespread adoption of renewable energy, despite its environmental and energy-saving benefits.
Researchers at the Smart Power Lab, part of the Department of Electric Power Engineering at BME’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, have found a solution to this issue. Their recent article in Electrotechnika outlines a cost-effective, quick-to-deploy system that overcomes these limitations without requiring expensive infrastructure upgrades.
According to Dániel Divényi, Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the laboratory, simulations show that above a certain density of solar panels, higher voltages can damage electrical equipment. The research team’s approach leverages the inverters of more than 90% of solar panels, which already have the capability to regulate their output based on local voltage. An algorithm can identify which solar panel needs adjustments based on its proximity to the transformer, allowing for decentralized voltage regulation.
This system is significantly more affordable than upgrading local transformers or wiring and requires minimal changes to existing setups. With just one network calculation per year, the system can autonomously manage solar panel output, improving energy distribution and preventing over-voltage issues.
By implementing this system, grid restrictions can be alleviated without waiting for costly infrastructure upgrades, ensuring a more equitable solution for all solar panel owners.
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