Agri-PV park counters lack of grid capacity with on-demand electricity thanks to storage

Inauguration on 19.9.2023 in Kirchweidach +++ PV storage combination within the innovation tender +++ Schedule optimization of Energie2market GmbH ensures demand-oriented feed-in

Many projects aimed at expanding renewable energies as part of the energy transition are still failing due to a lack of grid capacity. Franz Obermayer from the Fox Group in Kirchweidach has successfully tackled this problem: His PV storage combination is optimized by Energy2market (e2m) so that the PV electricity can be fed into the grid in line with demand.

At 800 kWp, the ground-mounted solar park is relatively small – but the design is crucial. The vertical modules in combination with a storage system with a capacity of 1.2 MWh enable electricity to be supplied as required, thus solving the problem of limited grid capacity. This is because it only allows the PV park in Kirchweidach to feed in up to 400 kW.

“Not producing inexpensive, sustainable electricity from solar systems in the first place because the framework conditions are not right was not the solution for us. Thanks to the vertically installed modules, the PV electricity is not produced at peak times at midday, but in the morning and afternoon,” said Franz Obermayer Junior, project manager at the FOX Group, during the opening event. “The storage system then optimizes the feed-in once again and the PV electricity is reliably fed in when it is needed. This is how we drive the energy transition forward; waiting for better framework conditions is not rewarded.”

The Leipzig-based flexibility marketer e2m is responsible for the intelligent optimization and control of the storage system for the demand-based marketing of the electricity. By integrating the system into e2m’s virtual power plant, the PV generation and the state of charge of the storage system are closely monitored, coordinated with the market signals and controlled via schedules. The calculations incorporate live data from the system combination as well as current weather data and market signals. The electricity from the storage facility is then fed into the grid when market conditions are optimal.

“This project shows how valuable storage is for the electricity market of the future. The expansion of renewable energies not only requires more grid capacity, but also innovative solutions that make the electricity flexible and reliably controllable so that it can be used in line with demand and in a way that serves the grid,” says Sabine Mägdefrau, Product Manager at e2m. “The need for such co-locations will increase in the future.”

Caption: Franz Obermayer, Franz Obermayer jr, both FoxIT and Thorsten Achsnich-Sprenger, Key Account Manager utilities from e2m (from left)