Newcastle, Australia – 11 Nov 2020 – Technology from energy management software company SwitchDin will support the full range of inverters from market leader Fronius, enabling them to meet criteria under two key South Australian initiatives for rooftop solar and battery storage.

This arrangement will also unlock opportunities for owners to get more from their systems while contributing to the stability of the electricity grid.

SwitchDin has carried out testing to certify that Fronius’ range of hybrid inverters (Symo Hybrid, Primo GEN24 Plus and Symo GEN24 Plus) are compatible with SwitchDin’s Droplet controllers and Stormcloud cloud platform, allowing them to meet the virtual power plant (VPP) readiness requirement under SA’s Home Battery Scheme (HBS).

This will allow households installing a battery system with a Fronius inverter and SwitchDin Droplet to access a subsidy of up to $3,000 under the scheme.

Meeting the HBS requirements in South Australia means that they will be eligible for Victoria’s solar battery rebate program as well.

Fronius inverters can also be paired with SwitchDin Droplets to meet South Australia’s mandatory ‘Remote Disconnection and Reconnection’ requirement under the Smarter Homes initiative. In effect since 28 September this year, this is the first of several Smarter Homes requirements that the government has introduced to better integrate distributed renewables into existing electricity infrastructure.

The Remote Disconnection and Reconnection requirement, which gives the energy system operator the ability to control grid-connected inverters in emergency situations, can be satisfied through several technical mechanisms which allow different degrees of flexibility and functionality.

SwitchDin’s technology lets small-scale solar and battery systems contribute more proactively to grid stability and efficiency. In addition to meeting basic criteria for the HBS and Smarter Homes programs, Fronius systems coupled with SwitchDin Droplets will be eligible to participate in an expanding range of VPP programs, increasing value and helping to improve the investment case for solar and battery systems.

Droplet-equipped systems will also offer customers options for advanced whole-of-system monitoring, energy management and alert functions through SwitchDin’s Stormcloud platform. “SwitchDin is pleased to count Australian inverter market leader Fronius among the companies whose products we integrate with,” said Andrew Mears, CEO of SwitchDin. “We look forward to unlocking value for Fronius’ customers by bridging the gap between prosumers, their equipment, and energy companies, allowing them to be part of tomorrow’s energy system while getting more from their solar and batteries.”

“We are excited to be working with SwitchDin to tackle emerging challenges in South Australia, which is a globally relevant testing bed for management of high penetrations of solar and battery storage,” said Rod Dewar, Solutions Manager at Fronius Australia. “SwitchDin’s technology complements our best-in-class inverters by letting our customers tap into more services and opportunities.”

For further information, please contact:

SwitchDin
James Martin, Communications Manager
E: james.martin@switchdin.com
P: +61 (0) 478 587 396

Fronius Australia
Kathryn Brookes, Marketing Coordinator
E: brookes.kathryn@fronius.com
P: +61 (0) 3 8340 2945

About SwitchDin
SwitchDin is an energy technology company that plays a critical role in the energy transition by making distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar PV and battery storage smart, visible and controllable. SwitchDin is paving the way for the integration of more renewables into the world’s energy system. Working in collaboration with energy utilities, equipment manufacturers, technology providers and facility managers, SwitchDin’s virtual power plant and microgrid management platform delivers new partnerships that unlock value for everyone.
www.switchdin.com

About Fronius Australia
Supplying the Australian market with solar inverters since the turn of the millennium Fronius was an early mover in Australian solar. Realising the long-term potential of solar in Australia a Solar Energy subsidiary was set up in Melbourne in 2010. With a presence including a local warehouse, technical support and a repair centre, Fronius Australia successfully serves as a regional hub for Australia and New Zealand in distribution, service and support of our inverter range. Global experience combined with strong local support thus ensure premium quality and reliability.
www.fronius.com/en-au/australia