SA Power Networks taps solar to cut dependence on its own grid

One Step Off The Grid

South Australia’s biggest electricity distribution company SA Power Networks is seeking to reduce dependence on its very own grid, by installing just under 500kW of solar across two of its depots.

The Essential Services Commission of South Australia earlier this month received an application from SAPN to vary its electricity generation licence to operate a 251kW rooftop solar generating plant at its Angle Park depot, and a 211kW rooftop solar generating plant at Marleston.

In separate applications for each of the solar arrays, SAPN – whose network boasts one of the highest penetrations of residential rooftop solar PV in the world – has described the purpose of both PV installations as “primarily to reduce grid energy use at the site.”

It also notes that the generation of energy is expected to be “consumed on-premises, with incidental output to the NEM.”

As the applications note, SAPN is already the electricity distribution network service provider for the majority of South Australia, for which it is licenced by the ECOSA.

But it needs a generation licence to claim LGCs for the solar generation the two plants will produce, which the distribution company is hoping will be authorised under its existing licence by variation.

Read the full story on RenewEconomy sister site, One Step Off The Grid…