Case Study 2: Carnarvon
The Carnarvon distribution network is an isolated gas/diesel generation grid with a
relatively high penetration of dispersed embedded PV systems by the current Australian
experience. This high PV penetration is coupled with a strong solar resource (an average
daily solar insolation of 6.2 kWh/m2). PV penetration is estimated to peak at 13% of system
load at midday in both summer and winter. Consequently, impacts on the distribution
network due to PV systems are starting to emerge. In 2011, the concerns about these
impacts were sufficient enough for Horizon Power (the utility that owns and operates the
Carnarvon distribution network) to apply a limit of 1.15 MWp of distributed PV system
capacity on the distribution network. Given strong community support for PV in Carnarvon
this has understandably created concerns regarding possible future PV deployment.
Horizon Power is seeking to better understand the potential impacts of PV on the
Carnarvon grid and their potential management, including facilitating this case study