Solar Challenges and Storage Solutions NCSL & NASEO Solar Energy Bootcamp August 24, 2016 Seth Mullendore Project Director Clean Energy Group
www.cleanegroup.org www.resilient-power.org 2
Increase public/private investment in clean, resilient power systems Engage city officials to develop resilient power policies/programs Protect low-income and vulnerable communities Focus on affordable housing and critical public facilities Advocate for state and federal supportive policies and programs Technical assistance for pre-development costs to help agencies/project developers get deals done See www.resilient-power.org for reports, newsletters, webinar recordings 3
Solar Integration Challenges 1. The Duck Curve: Lots of solar can mean lots of ramping 2. Variability: Passing clouds can cause more trouble than just rain 3. Grid Reliability: A lot of distributed solar in one area can create distribution headaches 4
1. The Duck Curve 5
1. The Duck Curve Problem: At higher penetrations, lots of solar comes on to the grid at the same time in the morning and exits the grid at the same time in the evening. Particularly an issue during weekday evenings when people are returning home from work. Other resources must quickly turn on/off in response, typically fossil-fueled peaker plants. 6
1. The Duck Curve Solution 1: Flexible Capacity California Demand Response Auction Mechanism (DRAM) California grid operator (CAISO) seeking flexible capacity resources: Energy storage Demand response Smart appliances 7
1. The Duck Curve Solution 2: Dispatchable Solar Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative and Norwich Public Utilities 4.7 MW solar 3 MWh battery storage Enough to power 8000+ homes under 20-year power purchase agreement. 8
2. Variability 9
2. Variability Problem: In addition to daily solar variability (sunrise/sunset), passing clouds can lead to rapid inter-day variability. Difficult to accurately predict down to the sub-hourly level. Must keep resources in reserve to balance grid fluctuations. 10
2. Variability Solution: Fast-Response Regulation PJM fast-response frequency regulation market Village of Minster, OH 4.3 MW solar 7 MW battery storage Also, defer utility investment in transmission and distribution and reduce peak demand. 11
2. Variability Solution: Solar Smoothing Green Mountain Power - Rutland, VT Stafford Hill Solar Farm 2 MW solar 4 MW battery storage Also, provide backup power to emergency shelter at high school and reduce peak demand. 12
3. Grid Reliability 13
3. Grid Reliability Problem: Concentration of distributed solar in one area can cause problems on local distribution network. Occurs when lots of solar energy being exported to grid at the same time. Can create voltage and power quality issues and result in need for expensive distribution system upgrades. 14
3. Grid Reliability Solution: Distributed Storage Austin, TX DOE SunShot Pilot 2 energy storage systems tied directly to Austin Energy distribution system: Paired with 2 MW community solar array Support commercial and residential rooftop systems 15
3. Grid Reliability Solution: Solar Self-Consumption Proper price signals can encourage self-consumption. California switching all solar customers to time-of-use (TOU) utility rate tariffs under new net metering rules. Customers can store solar when electricity prices are low to discharge later when electricity prices are higher. 16
Storage Opportunities Federal Investment Tax Credits State Mandates CA, OR, MA State Incentives CA Self-Generation Incentive Program MA Community Clean Energy Resiliency Initiative NJ Renewable Electric Storage Program Grid Operator/Utility CAISO Demand Response Auction Mechanism PJM Frequency regulation NY Con Edison Brooklyn Queens Demand Management Program 17
Contact Information Seth Mullendore Project Director Clean Energy Group Email: Seth@cleanegroup.org Phone: (802) 223-2554 x213 www.cleanegroup.org www.cesa.org www.resilient-power.org Follow us on Twitter @Resilient_Power and @CleanEnergyGrp Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/clean-energy-group