The Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e.V. (BDEW) is forecasting a further increase in the expansion of photovoltaics in 2024. According to the association, a capacity of 17.5 GW is expected to be added this year – an increase compared to 15.3 GW in the previous year.
Kerstin Andreae, Chairwoman of the BDEW Executive Board, sees this continuous growth as a positive signal for the energy transition. At the same time, she emphasises the importance of the grid connections that support this progress.
Challenges due to uncontrolled feed-in
A large proportion of new PV systems, particularly those with an output of less than 100 kW, are currently feeding electricity into the grid in an uncontrolled manner. This situation becomes problematic if the electricity demand - for example on sunny days with low consumption - is exceeded by the feed-in, continued Andreae.
This jeopardises the stability of the electricity grid, regardless of how well it is developed. The so-called „PV peak problem“ is particularly noticeable in spring and summer, when the power generated could significantly exceed demand.
Active power limitation as a solution
In order to ensure grid stability, BDEW is calling for the amendment to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) to be implemented quickly. According to Kerstin Andreae, a key measure would be the introduction of an active power limit for new PV systems, which would limit them to 50 % of their potential output.
This limit would serve as a short-term buffer until all systems below 100 kW can be made controllable. She emphasises that grid operators also need the option of being able to intervene in smaller systems in order to prevent overloads and large-scale grid shutdowns. BDEW warns that without timely measures, chaos is imminent and the need for action could increase for existing systems.
