Opportunities for solar abound by improving distribution planning

It’s a new era for the U.S. electric grid, and in a series of white papers on grid modernization, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Washington, D.C., tackles the need for improved distribution planning and operations.
 
The white paper, “Improving Distribution System Planning to Incorporate Distributed Energy Resources,” reviews the current utility distribution planning process and highlights how two leading states, California and New York, are attempting to modernize their systems to leverage the vast capabilities of distributed energy resources.
 
“Grid modernization is a complex topic, and through this series, we’re hoping to show how every American using electricity today can benefit from smart, proactive planning,” says Sean Gallagher, vice president of state affairs. “When done correctly, grid modernization can create new opportunities for energy sources like solar, leading to economic benefits for both utility customers and the grid.”
 
SEIA staff explore how data transparency is critical to modernizing and improving system planning. The paper also examines the progress of states that are at the forefront of this issue.