No more new solar panels, KSEB transformers can’t handle load

Kochi: Consumers are relying widely on solar power to reduce their electricity bills, but new applicants in the city may not be able to tap the energy. Reason: The capacity of KSEB transformers has reached a saturation point at several places, making it difficult for the board to connect the new solar panels installed by domestic consumers to the utility's grid.KSEB must now invest richly to augment its infrastructure before it can connect new solar panels to the grid. The board has already started steps to set up battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities across Kerala. A 250-megawatt BESS has already been installed in Kannur and similar facilities will be installed in other districts, including Ernakulam. KSEB officials, however, say such isolated facilities cannot resolve the issue."As per norms, solar panels can have grid connectivity up to 90% of transformers' capacity in a particular area. If connections exceed the limit, then that will result in the failure of transformers," said a board official in charge of solar power in Kochi."Consumers who generate solar power don't use much electricity during daytime and a significant percentage of it is supplied to KSEB's grid. The only solution is that consumers set up their own storage facilities and also take steps to use as much power as possible during daytime," he added.Kochi city has been generating around 20% of the state's total solar energy. Though KSEB admits that installation of solar panels in the city has slowed down, the board does not give the number or percentage of the dip. At the same time, those in the industry estimate the fall in solar panel installations to be around 20%."In the past few months, there has been a sustaining dip in solar panel installations. The major issue is inadequacy of KSEB's infrastructure. In Kochi city, the board is not allowing solar panels to connect to its grid as transformer capacity has reached a saturation point. Normally, the consumers who install solar panels would like to have grid connectivity. Otherwise, they need to procure BESS to store the surplus power. Most consumers are reluctant to do it as it is added cost," said Kerala Renewable Energy Entrepreneurs and Promoters Association founder secretary Georgekutty Kariyanippilly. To tide over the issue, KSEB is advising consumers, especially those with solar panels, to ensure maximum use of electricity during daytime."Power consumption is low during daytime because most people are away from their homes for jobs or other purposes. There are modern devices to control the use of household appliances like washing machines remotely. So, the consumers can switch on and switch off such appliances while they are away from home. Using electricity during daytime will help resolve overloading of our installations," a KSEB official said.