Improving aging grid infrastructure to support community solar projects involves a multi-faceted approach centered on modernization, resilience enhancement, and integration of distributed energy resources (DERs).
Key Strategies to Improve Aging Grid Infrastructure for Community Solar
1. Modernizing and Upgrading Physical Infrastructure
- Replace and upgrade aging generation, transmission, and distribution equipment such as transformers, substations, and power lines to increase capacity and reliability while reducing vulnerability to extreme weather and equipment failures.
- Implement advanced technologies including smart meters, sensors, automation systems, and dynamic line rating systems that allow better real-time monitoring, fault detection, and efficient power flow management.
2. Integrating Advanced Grid-Enhancing Technologies
- Deploy advanced metering infrastructure and phasor measurement units for precise voltage and stability analysis, essential for accommodating intermittent solar generation.
- Utilize grid-supportive inverters with community solar and other DERs to manage voltage fluctuations and maintain power quality.
3. Enhancing Grid Resilience and Reliability
- Harden existing infrastructure through line undergrounding, fire detection and suppression systems, and equipment designed to withstand storms and wildfires, thereby preventing outages and damage linked to aging infrastructure.
- Develop microgrids that enable localized energy generation, storage, and management, allowing communities to maintain electricity during grid disturbances and to maximize solar utilization.
4. Expanding Distributed Energy Resource Integration
- Facilitate interconnection of community solar projects and other DERs by improving grid flexibility and increasing transmission and distribution capacity to handle distributed generation without overloading the system.
- Deploy energy storage systems for load leveling, peak shaving, and backup power to balance solar generation variability and improve grid stability.
5. Leveraging Funding and Collaborative Programs
- Utilize federal programs such as the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocates billions to grid modernization projects, including those enhancing community solar integration.
- Engage stakeholders across utilities, regulators, and communities to implement coordinated modernization efforts that address local grid challenges and equity through Community Benefits Plans.
Summary Table of Improvements for Aging Grid to Support Community Solar
| Improvement Area | Description | Benefits for Community Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure Upgrades | Replace transformers, substations, and lines | Increased capacity and reliability |
| Smart Grid Technologies | Smart meters, sensors, automation, dynamic line ratings | Better management of solar variability and grid stability |
| Grid Resilience Measures | Line undergrounding, fire prevention, robust equipment | Reduced outages and damage during extreme events |
| Microgrids and Storage | Localized grids and battery systems | Continuous power during outages and load balancing |
| DER Integration | Grid-supportive inverters, enhanced interconnections | Smooth integration of solar generation |
| Funding & Partnerships | GRIP and other federal/state programs with community focus | Accelerated modernization and equitable benefits |
By combining physical upgrades, smart technologies, resilience measures, and increased DER integration funded through coordinated federal and local programs, aging grid infrastructure can be effectively improved to support and expand community solar projects, thus helping advance clean energy goals and local energy empowerment.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-can-aging-grid-infrastructure-be-improved-to-support-community-solar-projects/
