SunEnergy managing director Lee Lake responded to the Australian Energy Market Commission’s draft determination aimed at small-scale solar and batteries into the grid, saying the industry needs tailored solutions, not a one-size-fits-all.

Lee points to the South Australian government, saying it’s leading the way with its Smarter Homes Regulations, where all customers installing and upgrading solar systems in the state are required to appoint a Relevant Agent who will be responsible for disconnecting and reconnecting the system during emergency times.

“There is still a need for the government to invest in upgrading the existing network,” he says of the ever-evolving solar landscape.

“We know our customers are wanting the benefit of solar, the cost savings and utilising solar as an income, but the system needs upgrading and future proofing to keep up with the demand for power in Australia.”

He adds that the curtailing of a range of large-scale and residential solar customers reduces solar exporting when low grid demand levels for electricity from the grid. This direction is to help assist AEMO in stabilising the State grid.

On Sunday 14 March, Energy Authorities in South Australia enacted for the first time, remotely switching off thousands of solar systems for one hour.