{"id":237,"date":"2024-04-22T13:02:15","date_gmt":"2024-04-22T13:02:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mahindrasolarize.com\/blog\/?p=237"},"modified":"2024-04-23T08:56:03","modified_gmt":"2024-04-23T08:56:03","slug":"the-integration-of-photovoltaic-systems-into-smart-grids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mahindrasolarize.com\/blog\/the-integration-of-photovoltaic-systems-into-smart-grids\/","title":{"rendered":"The Integration of Photovoltaic Systems into Smart Grids"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you heard the phrase \u2018smart grid\u2019 anytime recently? It\u2019s not just a buzzword that tech startups are using – in fact, it could turn out to be one of the most important phrases of the 21st century. You see, the smart grid is what the traditional power grid is slowly evolving into, and it\u2019s happening right now.<\/p>\n

Traditional vs Smart Grids<\/b><\/p>\n

In a traditional grid, there are a small number of very large-scale power plants – typically coal-fired plants, nuclear plants and hydroelectric dams – which are run in a centralised manner. They use large power lines and pipelines to feed electricity to the end consumer, who is a passive participant in the system, only using power and paying bills. This system has been popular since the 1880s.<\/p>\n

However, it is getting outdated fast – especially in the face of growing electricity demand from industries and homes – not to mention other factors like climate change. The smart grid of tomorrow is going to look something like this – there will be many small power producers, including individual homes with grid-connected photovoltaic power systems. Additionally, they will use small-scale transmission lines and batteries and will be controlled in a decentralised manner. The consumer will thus be an active participant in the system.<\/p>\n

Not only will power flow both ways, but data will also flow both ways. The smart grid of the future will have internet-connected metering infrastructure to ensure that the consumer pays for net metering. There will be a constant flow of information from every mini-producer to a control room to ensure a demand-supply match. There will also be more energy storage facilities (like lithium-ion batteries, water batteries and so on).<\/p>\n

The Role of Solar in Smart Grids<\/b><\/p>\n

The most commonly cited example of consumers being power producers is that of domestic photovoltaic power systems. A consumer, normally the owner of a factory or bungalow, will install solar panels on their roof at their own cost. They will then connect this PV system to the grid, supplying it with power during daylight hours. At the same time, they will consume power for their own use from the grid itself (not directly from the panels) to ensure stable voltage and amperage. The consumer will also install a net meter and pay only for the difference between usage and production. In case production is greater than usage, the power company must pay the consumer.<\/p>\n

There are many advantages of this system:<\/p>\n