SA Power Networks recognised for Flexible Exports on AFR BOSS list of Most Innovative Companies
Getting more distributed energy resources (DER) to integrate into the grid is the challenge SwitchDin solves. We are delighted that our DER orchestration platform has received national recognition for innovation through one of our key clients, SA Power Networks.
SA Power Networks was recognised in the 2021 Australian Financial Review BOSS Most Innovative Companies lists under the Agriculture, Mining and Utilities category for its Future Network Grid: Demonstrating advanced integration of DER.
In October 2020, SwitchDin was selected by SA Power Networks in South Australia and AusNet Services in Victoria to provide a global-first solution that will offer customers flexible rather than fixed solar export limits to accommodate the growth of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that are connected to the grid.
Also known as the Flexible Exports trial, this ARENA-backed initiative offers new and upgrading solar customers the opportunity to connect to high-solar areas of the network with a flexible, dynamic export connection rather than a limited, fixed export connection.
Since going live in September 2021, the Flexible Exports trial has provided options for residents of southern suburbs of Adelaide with the opportunity to export between 1.5kW and 10kW per phase throughout the day, based on the available network capacity in their area.
This means that more customers can benefit from investing in rooftop solar - enabling higher solar export levels, reducing wasted solar, increasing the financial viability of solar systems, and supporting a more stable electricity supply.
The Flexible Exports trial has been closely watched by the industry as the solution to allow more new rooftop solar to be connected to the grid without the need for costly network upgrades.
The innovation that SwitchDin has brought to the industry stems from the work we’ve done with utilities, electricity retailers, equipment manufacturers, commercial and industrial businesses.
We’ve developed a solution to manage the challenges they face with the growth in rooftop solar and other assets, and we’re happy to be one of Australia’s most refined and widely deployed DER orchestration solutions.
From the Flexible Exports projects to managing microgrids in remote communities like Horizon Power’s Onslow DER Project and SmartSun Pilot in Broome - SwitchDin has demonstrated the impact we’ve made in delivering more clean and affordable energy to the grid.
We’re looking forward to the broader deployment of Flexible Exports in SA, Victoria and other constrained areas throughout Australia, to support more distributed solar and expand customer choice.
Until then, we’re celebrating SA Power Networks’ recognition for this grid-transforming innovation which our technology enables them to deliver.