Switzerland’s energy strategy calls for expanding photovoltaic capacity from the current level of around 10 GW to 40 GW by 2050. By way of comparison, peak demand currently stands at 7 to 8 gigawatts in the summer. »Under current conditions, this is not feasible,« explains Swiss grid operator Swissgrid. This week, Swissgrid published a White Paper outlining how grid integration can nevertheless be achieved. According to Swissgrid, the team of authors consists of experts from the Swiss energy sector who have extensive experience in the integration of PV systems from various perspectives.
The proposed measures include a significant reduction in the grid connection capacity for photovoltaic systems. »A power grid designed to handle 100 percent of installed PV capacity would be massively oversized—and far too expensive. Even if grid connection capacity were halved, only about 15 percent of solar production over the course of a year could not be fed into the grid,« Swissgrid calculates. This would massively reduce the PV-related need for distribution grid expansion. It would also ensure that no PV production peaks are fed into the grid when there are no buyers on the electricity market.
Further measures described include revised guidelines for PV systems, more market signals, and streamlined processes. »Only through coordinated action throughout the entire process—from system requirements through operation and marketing to data exchange—can the politically desired PV capacities be successfully and safely integrated into the overall system,« says Swissgrid.
According to Swissgrid, the white paper »System-Compatible Integration of Photovoltaics« is intended to serve as a catalyst and a basis for discussion among all stakeholders regarding the expansion and integration of PV in Switzerland. It is available on the grid operator’s website.
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White Paper »System-Compatible Integration of Photovoltaics«
