“Electricity distribution networks are facing increasing challenges as the prevalence of distributed generation, particularly solar photovoltaic systems, increases. Ergon Energy is trialing the Smart Grid capabilities of the Petra Solar SunWave system to manage voltage rise problems created by PV systems”
“The launch of our international SunWave system further demonstrates Petra Solar’s ongoing commitment to expanding its international business, and developing the solar and Smart Grid markets in new regions around the world. The growing global demand for diversified energy portfolios that include renewable resources, along with job creation, provides a tremendous opportunity for Petra Solar throughout the world,” said Dan Brdar, Petra Solar’s Chief Operating Officer.
As part of Petra Solar’s plan to expand internationally, the company is deploying a pilot program in Australia as part of the Magnetic Island Solar Suburb initiative being undertaken by Ergon Energy as part of the Townsville Queensland Solar City project. Through initiatives carried out on Magnetic Island, Ergon Energy aims to reduce peak demand and electricity usage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save customers money and defer network investment. Petra Solar’s pilot project, including the SunWave Energy Solution installed on three different rooftops in Magnetic Island, Australia, will enable Ergon Energy to assess the solar energy production as well as the grid monitoring and reliability features of the product.
"Electricity distribution networks are facing increasing challenges as the prevalence of distributed generation, particularly solar photovoltaic systems, increases. Ergon Energy is trialing the Smart Grid capabilities of the Petra Solar SunWave system to manage voltage rise problems created by PV systems," said Glenn Walden, General Manager Emerging Opportunities, Ergon Energy.
SunWave SEM devices are integrated with high efficiency PV modules and deployed as a solar AC module to provide solar energy directly to the electric grid 230 volt secondary power line. SunWave Solar AC Systems provide significant benefits over traditional DC string solar arrays including 15-20% more energy harvest, no high DC voltage, and automatic grid disconnect when load is removed.
In addition, the Petra Solar SunWave Energy Solution includes reactive power injection capabilities to maintain grid voltage stability as the penetration of solar increases. With this technology, the SunWave systems can offset the effects of intermittency and over-generation to maintain grid voltage and stable electric service. This technology is a critical need for Ergon Energy and key to their choice of the Petra Solar solution for this aggressive project.
Petra Solar, founded in 2006 by CEO and President Dr. Kuran, has pioneered new technology that combines distributed solar energy generation with Smart Grid communications and improved grid reliability features to create a utility grade solution that delivers the highest economic value for solar power. Petra Solar’s innovative SunWave™ system provides distributed clean energy that ties directly into the electric grid, and does not require an upgrade to either the current transmission or distribution infrastructure, eliminating grid interconnection issues faced by traditional solar systems.
One of the key advantages of the Petra Solar solution is its flexible grid integration architecture that enables installation on existing assets that can hold one or more solar modules such as utility and streetlight poles, rooftops, and other available structures. In addition, the SunWave distributed solar and Smart Grid technology prevents instabilities caused by intermittent renewable energy sources, which enables utilities to maintain high power quality for electric customers as solar deployment growth accelerates. Petra Solar’s success is the culmination of more than 18 years of research and development.
