Analysis: Distribution Network Investment for Mandatory Solar

[BenjaminWatts]

Analysis: Distribution Network Investment for Mandatory Solar

Summary

Source: LinkedIn comment from Jordan Taylor (The Electric Brit | SHESQ Advisor and Engineer at National Grid)
Priority: High
Type: Research & Analysis
Estimated Effort: 1-2 weeks

Problem

Jordan Taylor highlighted that "solar becoming mandatory on new builds is going to require massive investment into distribution networks to handle it." This is a critical infrastructure challenge that needs detailed analysis in the book.

Current Status

• Mandatory solar on new builds is becoming policy in some areas
• Distribution network capacity constraints are not fully covered
• Grid investment requirements for distributed generation need analysis
• Connection between policy and infrastructure investment unclear

Tasks

Research Tasks

1. Policy Analysis

   • Review current and proposed mandatory solar policies
   • Analyze implementation timeline and scope
   • Identify affected regions and housing types
   • Document policy variations across UK

2. Infrastructure Impact Assessment

   • Calculate additional solar capacity from mandatory installations
   • Analyze distribution network capacity in affected areas
   • Estimate required network upgrades and investments
   • Model grid impact during peak generation periods

3. Investment Analysis

   • Quantify investment requirements for distribution networks
   • Compare costs vs. benefits of network upgrades
   • Analyze funding mechanisms and cost allocation
   • Include timeline and phasing of investments

4. Technical Solutions

   • Explore smart grid technologies for managing distributed generation
   • Analyze battery storage as grid buffer (Ben's suggestion)
   • Review demand response and flexible load options
   • Consider grid-scale storage solutions

Content Development

• New section on distribution network challenges
• Integration with smart grid and flexibility content
• Connection to renewable energy policy discussions
• Analysis of grid modernization requirements

Deliverables

• Investment analysis with quantified network upgrade costs
• Technical solutions for managing distributed solar
• Policy recommendations for implementation
• Updated content on grid infrastructure challenges

Labels

research, distribution-networks, solar-policy, grid-investment, high-priority

Assignee

@BenjaminWatts

Timeline

3 weeks from issue creation

Related

• Links to smart grid and flexibility content
• Connects to renewable energy policy analysis
• May relate to battery storage discussions

Notes

This addresses a critical infrastructure challenge identified by a National Grid engineer. The disconnect between renewable energy policy and grid infrastructure investment is a key theme that deserves comprehensive analysis in the book.