Jessica Micallef
Macedon Ranges solar customers are set to benefit from power upgrades.
Electricity distributor Powercor has embarked on a four month Solar Hotspots Program, to improve export capacity and reduce tripping of solar systems that can otherwise be caused by voltage issues when excess solar is exported into the electricity network.
About 50,000 homes with rooftop solar systems in western Victoria are set to benefit from the program.
The program will involve network upgrades in Kyneton, Baynton, Lauriston, Lyal, Metcalfe, Redesdale and Tylden.
Powercor electricity networks general manager Mark Clarke said the rate of new applications for solar connections in Powercor has more than doubled in the last 18 months, with 21 per cent of customers generating 580MW of electricity.
“In the hotspot areas, greater than one in three homes has solar connected so our program of works is important to helping these customers make the most of their investment,” he said.
“We recognise the future of energy is being driven by customer choices and we have a big role in enabling them.”
Between March and June, field crews will be working on up to 30 locations a week to increase power network capacity, including crews working on poles and wires to ensure voltage is well balanced across all powerlines and changing the settings in major transformers in zone substations to reduce the overall voltage levels.
Mr Clarke said by July, about 50,000 current or potential solar customers within the Powercor hotspot areas will benefit from being able to export more power.
“We do not prevent customers from installing rooftop solar but we have a responsibility to all our customers to make sure any excess electivity is safely exported into the network,” he said.
During the solar hotspot program, some customers may experience planning outages to allow crews to safely conduct their work. Powercor will notify customers about any planned outages.
