Battery Storage for Prosumers

The increasing number of prosumers creates constraints in the distribution network when additional generation capacities are not possible due to technical limits of existing infrastructure. But these limits are reached only within several peak hours during the sunny season.

Too many requests for connecting solar power in a single location create a limit on how much generating power transformer can handle. In such a case, an infrastructure upgrade must be done in the distribution network, the costs are distributed between the client and network operator, which causes worsen business case for the customer.

ESO in cooperation with Ignitis is testing battery storage solutions for connecting new prosumers to the ESO grid.

Batteries will be used to increase allowed feed-in power for prosumers. During the pilot project test of selected battery/inverter manufacturers will be performed. With a successful application of battery storage together with connected PV, DSO would not need to refurbish the existing power grid. Main responsibilities in the project: Ignitis will be responsible for battery selection and installation, ESO – preparation of technical connection request specification, data analysis of the results.

The pilot results will provide information on how and what specifications should be selected when considering new prosumers connections, what alternatives can be provided from the DSO side to the new PV connection.

After testing several battery systems at client sites, the results show that battery storage can help to control prosumers production using peak-shaving functionality. This help for distribution network to avoid unnecessary network expansion. The current limit for such technology implementation at client side is solution costs.