Solar Rooftop Projects: Benefits of Intentional Islanding for Power Backup
Solar Rooftop Projects: Benefits of Intentional Islanding for Power Backup
Intentional Islanding in solar
Intentional Islanding in solar occurs when a solar rooftop system continues to supply to a load even when the grid is down; this can be very dangerous. Therefore, when the grid is down, the inverter, used in the rooftop system solar power plant for generating solar energy for home/industrial/commercial roof top, stops supplying power.
Intentional Islanding in solar is a technical requirement for inverters strictly mandated by CEA and MNRE. However, in view of frequent grid outages in most States, particularly in industry, commercial and institutional establishments, the rooftop system should be able to disconnect from the grid. Thus system should supply continuously solar power to the loads of such establishments using a battery storage system or in synergy with the backup diesel generator. Otherwise, the solar power will be wasted.
Intentional Islanding in Solar Option 1
Intentional Islanding in solar is possible through additional advanced features to be provided in inverters. The hybrid inverter which could work in the off-grid mode and continue to charge batteries with generated power. The inverter can continue to function in grid-tied mode in synergy with the larger backup diesel generator.
Intentional Islanding in Solar Option 2
Generally, for most industrial, commercial and institutional establishments, the second option is more feasible as they have large existing backup diesel generators for their loads. Such backup facilities already have the required safety features which prevent reverse flow to the grid.
Rooftop solar with the right type of inverter is, therefore, technically feasible even when the grid is down, and can also be more cost-effective compared to costlier diesel generation.
For harnessing the full potential of rooftop solar as envisioned by Government, CEA and MNRE should consider allowing such ‘intentional islanding in solar’ rooftop projects. They should formulate technical specifications of inverters with such additional advanced features for automatic and safe operation.
Ref: Grid Integration of Distributed Solar Photovoltaics (PV) in India, Prayas Energy Group, 2014
Suggested Articles
Solar Power Set to Overtake Coal as World’s Largest Energy Source in Four Years
Solar power has come a long way in the past decade, moving from being an also-ran to one of the major players in the global energy race. According to the International Energy Agency, next year, solar photovoltaic capacity will surpass hydropower, followed by gas-fired generation in three years and coal in four years.
6 Innovative Applications of Solar Energy You Should Know About
Explore how solar energy is revolutionizing daily life and industries. From solar-powered transport to smart cities, discover six groundbreaking solar applications shaping a cleaner, smarter future.
Concrete Formwork for Solar Projects: Design & Execution Guide
A practical guide to concrete formwork in solar projects, covering how to construct forms as per design specifications for accurate and durable foundations.
Cut Factory Electricity Bills with Solar Energy: Smart Power Saving Guide for Industries in India
Discover how solar energy helps factories in India reduce electricity bills, improve ROI, and achieve long-term industrial power savings.
Connection in Series and Parallel: Meaning, Differences, Formula & Applications
Understanding the difference between single-phase and three-phase voltage is essential for solar PV installers. While single-phase supply is common in residential systems, three-phase power is widely used in commercial and industrial solar projects. This complete guide explains electrical phase differences, applications in solar installations, and how choosing the right phase connection impacts system efficiency, safety, and performance.
500 kW Rooftop Solar for Industries in India: Complete Guide 2026
A complete guide to 500 kW solar for industries covering installation cost, energy generation, ROI, savings, and why it is a smart business investment.
Service Panel Inspection Guide for Solar PV Systems
A complete guide to inspecting service panel connections in solar PV systems, including connection verification, electrical safety checks, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting techniques.
The Rise of Clean Energy: Solar Energy Trends in 2023
The solar energy industry is on the rise, as the demand for clean and renewable energy sources continues to increase. 2023 is shaping up to be a big year for the solar energy sector, as new technologies and innovations are expected to drive growth and expand the reach of solar energy.