Why are Utilities Rejecting Solar Farm Power?  

The Electrical Utility, who is tasked with collecting and distributing all power generated by Solar DER’s, reserves the right to reject the power generated at the connection point POI. The Utility will maintain strict guidelines as to what voltage parameters, ampacities, resonances, and disturbances it will tolerate into the electrical utility grid system. It may review a plan for a specific DER in a location at a specific voltage, once testing is done, require the DER connect at a different point on the grid miles away and at a different voltage. This is costly to the project and its original expected payback.

As a developing issue unrecognized largely by the industry, Reactive Voltage Control RVC , and Reactive Power Control RPC , are now straight in the crosshairs of the utility transmission administrators.  Reactive voltage generated by Solar DER systems are an intently measured data point by the utility. Reactive Power is damaging to distribution systems, lowering real power capacity and efficiency. Reactive power will increase equipment replacement and maintenance costs to manage not only the utility transmission, but everything receiving the so-called contaminated energy.

Power Lines absorb and provide reactive power on a normal basis. Devices absorb reactive energy depending on the power factor. When a generative load starts in the factory it uses a percentage of reactive power and creates heat. The lower the power factor, the higher the reactive power consumption. Reactive Power does not travel well over electrical lines. Therefore, a requirement to collect more “real power” by the utility is a prudent policy.  The Solar Industry, at this time is guessing what the utility will require for RVC Reactive Voltage Control long term. DER’s are relying on single case examples, and Plan Review’s by the utility to find out this feedback after design. Again, convoluting the project budgeting process.

As the RVC and Reactive Power conversation is developing as a major trending topic for Solar Farm installations. There are ways to mange RVC and RPC. Current options to mitigate the reactive power issue area available depending on the size and scale of the operation and distribution requirements.

We understand that finding the right solution for all industrial power issues is important for maintaining the operation of your business. At Voltage Correction, a Division of Facility Gateway Corporation, we pride ourselves on quality customer service, and overall industry experience in the mission critical electrical power solutions market. Our team members are available to assist you throughout the system selection process and will review the specifications and concerns you address. Voltage Correction  is a provider of power correction services globally. Please contact your Voltage Correction representative to discuss power correction options for your facility and plastics operation.