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
Rooftop Solar: Reduce Your Electricity Bill and Increase Savings
Discover how installing a rooftop solar system can help you save on electricity bills, reduce peak demand charges, and take advantage of government incentives.
Net Metering and its Advantages
Net Metering allows solar panel owners to feed excess electricity back to the grid and earn credits, reducing energy bills. Learn the key advantages of net metering for homes and businesses.
Inspection Reporting and Corrective Actions in Solar PV Projects Duplicated
A complete guide to preparing solar PV inspection reports and implementing corrective actions to ensure quality, compliance, and project performance.
Battery Maintenance for Solar PV Systems Guide
A complete guide to battery maintenance for solar PV systems, including inspection, cleaning, testing, charging, and preventive maintenance to ensure long battery life and reliable performance.
Faulty Solar PV Module Detection Using Shading Test
A complete guide to detecting faulty solar PV modules using the shading test and ammeter readings, helping installers quickly identify underperforming modules and restore system performance.
Industrial Solar CAPEX Model in India: Meaning, Investment & Payback
A CAPEX industrial solar system allows Indian industries to own their solar power plant by investing upfront. This guide explains meaning, cost, benefits, and ROI.
How Are Solar PV Modules Made? Complete Guide to the Manufacturing Process
Choosing the right solar panels can be confusing with so many options in the market. This guide simplifies solar panel selection by comparing types, efficiency ratings, and cost factors. Whether for your home, business, or industry, learn how to make an informed decision and maximize the return on your solar investment.
Should You Switch to Solar in India? Complete Guide
India has become a hot-selling solar market and people are interested in installing solar systems in their homes as well as in industries and factories.