Reasons for installing rooftop solar power for self-use but must register with EVN

Since 2020, the installed rooftop solar power capacity has reached about 1,300 MW, but the number proactively reported to EVN by people and businesses is still limited. Photo: Thuy Linh

Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) has just proposed to the Ministry of Industry and Trade to supplement regulations on administrative sanctions for organizations and individuals developing unregistered self-produced and self-consumed solar power, depending on the level of violation.

According to Mr. Nguyen Quoc Dung - Head of EVN Group's Business Department, rooftop solar power is associated with strict technical requirements in grid operation. EVN, when building a power supply plan, whether long-term or short-term, is based on two basic factors: load forecast and source preparation plan.

"If we do not have a firm grasp of the amount of rooftop solar power participating in the system, the load forecasting will be inaccurate. At that time, during times when there is no sunlight, the grid will be forced to bear the entire load, leading to the risk of not being prepared for the source, causing pressure on the transmission, distribution and low voltage stages. This can lead to negative consequences for the safe and stable operation of the power system," said Mr. Dung.

Sharing more difficulties regarding data issues, EVN representative said that although the amount of rooftop solar power installed since 2020 has reached about 1,300 MW, the number proactively reported to EVN by people and businesses is very limited. In fact, most of the data we have is thanks to self-surveying and collection, and there has not been a mechanism for regular reporting and updating from the people. As a result, the statistics are not synchronized and inaccurate, directly affecting load forecasting and supply assurance.

From practical activities, EVN has proposed that there should be administrative sanctions for investors who install rooftop solar power without registering/notifying as prescribed.

According to Mr. Nguyen Ba Hoai, Deputy Head of the Renewable Energy Department (NSMO), having full information about self-generating and self-consuming rooftop solar power systems is extremely necessary for operation. Especially in forecasting the power generation capacity of this type of power source, as well as power system calculations such as frequency, voltage, power quality, and power system inertia to ensure safe and stable power supply.

"Registration data on scale helps forecast the total capacity of solar power that can be generated every hour, every day, according to weather developments. Without this basic data, the accuracy of forecasting models will be limited, leading to errors in calculating resource mobilization, meeting people's electricity needs, affecting the safety and stability of the entire national power system in general" - Mr. Nguyen Ba Hoai said.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/ly-do-lap-dien-mat-troi-mai-nha-tu-dung-nhung-phai-dang-ky-voi-evn-3376872.html