Existing PV penetration at the system level is estimated to be approximately 4% to 5% for
peak PV power penetration (i.e., midday on sunny days) and 1.5% for total annual PV
energy generation. Present PV penetration levels at the HV feeder level are generally
insignificant relative to normal feeder operating loads. PV penetration levels at the LV
distribution feeder level are also relatively low but could be up to 30% of distribution
transformer load at peak-PV power times on specific transformers with high numbers of
PV systems. It is understood that there have not yet been any instances of reverse power
flow through a distribution transformer. The connection of the Uterne 1-MW system in July
2011 bought the total installed PV capacity to 3.1 MWp. This is by far the largest single PV
system on the network and is estimated to increase the system-level PV penetration figures
to approximately 6.5% to 8% for peak PV power output and 2.5% for total annual PV
energy produced) respectively. PWC intends to closely monitor the operation of the Uterne
system on the network. It is now reported that Alice Springs has more than 4 MW of PV
that is achieving up to 10% penetration by energy on summer afternoons