Grid Guardians: Prosumers boosting flexibility and cutting energy waste
In the spring of 2023, unexpected low demand and insufficient storage forced Czechia and Poland to shut down solar PV plants, leading to wasted clean energy. Power grids in the Netherlands are also struggling to accommodate the surge in electrification and renewable energy, leading the government to launch a National Grid Congestion Action Programme. Such scenarios highlight the need for a more flexible energy system to prevent future wastage.
Flexibility can be achieved through increased battery storage; people and businesses can also play a key role in supporting the electricity grid by adapting the way they consume energy, or by
producing energy on their rooftops.
The Anzi family in Bavaria, Germany, exemplifies this approach. Determined to minimise their reliance on fossil fuels, Ralf and Antje Anzi installed a 23.76 kW rooftop solar PV system coupled with 22 kWh of battery storage. This setup meets 100% of their electricity needs for half the year and significantly reduces their energy bills during winter.
The Anzi family use their rooftop solar to charge their electric car. “If you assume an average of 20,000 km driven per year, our fuel costs last year would have been about €5,000. With electric mobility, we currently pay only about €350 for the same number of kilometers, and we are also doing our part to reduce carbon emissions,” Ralf adds.
Their system is designed to charge the family’s car when there is excess solar power. Thanks to a smart energy management system from Austrian inverter manufacturer Fronius, the power allocated for water heating can be automatically regulated. A 300-litre water tank meets the family’s hot water needs in the evening without tapping into battery storage.
Smart rooftop solar systems, both residential and commercial, help reduce grid congestion. Beyond powering EVs and electric heating, these systems encourage citizens to adjust their consumption to match renewable energy availability.
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Ralf and Antje are happy to do their part in ensuring a more sustainable future for their son, Fabio. They understand the significance of their investment and recognise their privileged position. “There should be supportive schemes to enable young families to invest in a solar system. The initial investment is often too high even if they know it would save a lot of money over the years,” they note.
To empower citizens, continue growing the solar sector, and advance the energy system, incoming EU leaders must prioritise grid flexibility. Economic incentives, such as time and location-dependent grid tariffs, can play a pivotal role. These tariffs would lower costs for consumers who use energy during off-peak hours or peak solar production times, balancing the grid. Australia is already implementing such measures, with Victoria mainstreaming its flexibility market.
Lastly, the push towards electrification is vital. This includes more electric vehicles and smart heat pumps powered by clean, renewable electricity. Studies indicate this is the most cost-effective path to achieving the energy transition. Decisive action from EU leaders will support industry planning, align renewable energy generation with consumption, and unlock synergies for proper implementation.
Read SolarPower Europe's recommendations for a Grids and Flexibility Action Plan
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To discuss more about grids, flexibility, and digitalisation, get in touch with our policy expert Jan Osenberg, Head of System Integration j.osenberg@solarpowereurope.org
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