Is the problem with photovoltaics rooted in outdated energy infrastructure?

Problem with energy transfer from photovoltaic panels

1. Why doesn't power flow between transformers?

• Local nature of the low voltage network
  Low-voltage networks in Poland were designed to provide local power to homes and businesses. Energy produced by solar panels can only be used within the same transformer station.

• No transfer possible between transformers
  The current infrastructure does not allow for the transfer of energy between transformers. If a transformer is overloaded, the excess energy is lost and the PV inverters shut down to protect against excessive voltage.

  

• Large companies with their own transformers
  Companies that could use local surplus energy often have their own medium-voltage transformers, which isolates them from the low-voltage grid. This further complicates local energy balancing.

Is outdated infrastructure a major problem?

1. Switching off photovoltaic installations on sunny days

The outdated power distribution network cannot handle the surplus energy generated by photovoltaic panels on days of high sunlight. The shutdowns are a protective mechanism, but they mean losses for panel owners.

2. Lack of modernization of the power grid

In order for energy to be transferred between transformers, investments in infrastructure modernization are necessary. Currently, however, the pace of change is too slow, which hinders the development of renewable energy sources.

Is the government acting against prosumers?

The change of the billing system to net-billing has stirred up a lot of controversy. In this model, energy fed into the grid is sold at market prices, and energy taken in is purchased at retail prices. For many prosumers, this means lower financial benefits, which may be perceived as acting to the detriment of owners of photovoltaic panels.

However, it is worth noting that the problem lies not only in government decisions, but also in the lack of appropriate investment in energy networks. Modernization of infrastructure is key to fully exploiting the potential of renewable energy.

How to solve the problem of surplus energy from photovoltaic panels?

1. Investments in energy storage

Energy storage allows you to store excess energy produced during the day and use it during peak hours. This solution reduces dependence on the grid and helps avoid losses.

2. Cooperation with local energy consumers

If there are nearby companies connected to the same transformer, local energy balancing is possible. However, this requires better system integration.

3. Focus on modernization of the energy grid

The government and grid operators must prioritise infrastructure investments to enable efficient energy transmission and avoid shutting down photovoltaic installations.

Summary: Is photovoltaics in Poland profitable?

The problem of unused surplus energy from photovoltaics is mainly due to infrastructure limitations, not only to government actions. Photovoltaic panels are still a profitable investment, especially if owners of installations adjust their energy consumption to the hours of peak production and invest in storage systems. However, modernization of the power grid is necessary to fully use the potential of renewable energy in Poland.

Learn more about ecological solutions and products at Pm.com.pl. The company "P&M" from Rawa Mazowiecka shows how to effectively use photovoltaics and support the development of sustainable energy.

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