South Australia: SAPN Flexible Exports and Dynamic Limits Guide

Key Takeaways

• SA Power Networks (SAPN) Flexible Exports allows dynamic solar export limits in South Australia, adjusting based on network capacity.
• New exporting solar systems installed from 1 July 2023 in South Australia must be compatible with Flexible Exports.
• A reliable internet connection is required for dynamic adjustments; an outage will reduce exports to 0kW or 1.5kW.
• Your accredited solar installer is responsible for ensuring inverter compatibility, applying for the program, and commissioning the system.

What is SA Power Networks Flexible Exports?

The SA Power Networks (SAPN) Flexible Exports program is a new approach to integrating rooftop solar with the grid in South Australia. It uses smart inverters to offer dynamic export limits, which adjust automatically based on the network's capacity. This program went live on 1 July 2023.

This option provides an alternative to low fixed export limits for new and upgrading solar customers connecting to parts of the network that are already heavily loaded. The goal is to allow higher solar exports while maintaining grid reliability.

How Flexible Exports Work in South Australia

Flexible Exports systems require a compatible smart inverter and a reliable internet connection. The inverter communicates with SA Power Networks to receive real-time export limits, allowing it to increase or decrease the amount of solar power sent to the grid. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the local network is not overloaded, which helps prevent instability and unplanned outages.

In the event of an internet outage, the system's solar exports will automatically ramp down to a lower fixed limit, either 1.5kW or 0kW, depending on the specific area. Exports will return to dynamic limits once the internet connection is re-established. This mechanism ensures grid stability even when communication is interrupted.

Flexible Export Options and Limits

SA Power Networks offers different export options, with Flexible Exports providing dynamic limits.

Eligibility and Technical Requirements

The Flexible Exports option is available to all eligible customers throughout South Australia. This includes new solar installations and customers upgrading their existing systems.

Key requirements for participating in the Flexible Exports program include:

• Inverter Compatibility: Your system must include certified dynamic exports capable inverters from the Clean Energy Council's (CEC) inverter list.
• Internet Connection: A reliable internet connection is essential for the automatic adjustment of export limits.
• Export Monitoring: Your system may require the capability to monitor site-wide export, typically achieved through an export monitoring device or CT clamp.
• Gateway Device: A gateway device may be necessary if your inverter requires it for dynamic exports communication.
• Mandatory for New Systems: Any exporting solar system installed from 1 July 2023 must be compatible with Flexible Exports due to new South Australian Government regulations.
• Existing Systems: If you are an existing solar customer, you can check your current inverter's eligibility to switch your connection agreement to Flexible Exports by speaking to your solar installer.
• Battery Systems: Installing a battery storage system to an existing solar installation does not require the site to be dynamic export capable. For new installations with both battery storage and solar (including hybrid inverters), the solar component must be dynamic exports capable, but the storage system is exempt from these requirements.
• Exemptions: Systems permanently configured for zero export are exempt from the new requirements. Systems with SCADA connection to SA Power Networks (typically systems greater than 200kW export) are also deemed to comply.

For Flexible Exports sites, SA Power Networks is the default Relevant Agent. However, this can be changed to another agreed technology provider within the Portal application.

Applying for Flexible Exports and Smart Apply

Applications for small embedded generation, including Flexible Exports, are completed online via the SA Power Networks Portal.

SA Power Networks offers a "Smart Apply" process where your application may be auto-approved. This occurs provided you have met all technical and compliance requirements, and there are no known network constraints for your site. If your property is identified as a Low Hosting Capacity Site (LHCS), the application will move to an "Under Review" status, and the Customer Solutions team will contact your installer.

As part of the commissioning process for Flexible Exports sites, the inverter manufacturer advises SA Power Networks of a newly commissioned device through device registration. An automated capability test is then triggered through the Installations tab in the Portal to confirm the device is online and correctly commissioned for Flexible Exports.

For customers on Single-Wire Earth-Return (SWER) networks, an interim process exists for 10kVA SWER Small Embedded Generation (SEG) applications. This involves raising the SEG application in the Portal and contacting SA Power Networks' Industry Enquiries line on 13 12 61. SWER customers can install up to 10kW of solar and 10kW of batteries, though export capacity may be limited or zero in some regions due to the nature of SWER lines.

You can check your address on the Eligibility Checker for historical performance of Flexible Exports in your area. An installer checklist is also available from SA Power Networks for guidance.

Grid Stability and Solar Curtailment

Solar curtailment is the intentional reduction of solar power exported to the network. This is done to prevent grid instability and unplanned outages. The independent Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) may direct SA Power Networks to reduce solar exports if the electricity network is at risk of becoming unstable.

As of September 2020, all solar inverters installed in South Australia were required to have the ability to be turned off remotely. This capability is used during curtailment events. Curtailment can involve turning off the exporting or generation of home rooftop solar using the regulated Relevant Agent and Dynamic Export functions. In extreme cases, it can also involve turning off any remaining rooftop solar by causing systems to trip off using the Emergency Voltage Management (EVM) function.

The South Australian Government's regulatory changes for smarter homes, effective since 28 September 2020, set new requirements for all new embedded generation installations in SA. The Relevant Agent initiates control of the output of the embedded generator as directed by the SA Government or other party with lawful authority, such as SA Power Networks.

What the Published Sources Do Not Tell You

The provided sources do not explicitly detail the specific technical standards like CSIP-Aus / IEEE 2030.5 that underpin the dynamic export limits, though the program aligns with their principles. There are no specific error or fault codes related to the Flexible Exports program itself, as it is a network connection option rather than an inverter function. While the "Portal" and "Eligibility Checker" are mentioned, their direct URLs are not explicitly provided as standalone facts. The specific details of the "Smart Apply pre-approvals" process beyond auto-approval and "Under Review" status for Low Hosting Capacity Sites are also not fully elaborated.