WEL Networks | 2018 Asset Management Plan 130 NON-NETWORK SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS 7 NON-NETWORK SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS This chapter sets out our approach to non-network solutions and support systems. The chapter provides an overview of the plans we have in place for emerging technologies such as solar generation and battery storage systems. The chapter also outlines the benefits we have gained from installing our own smart meters. 7.1. NON-NETWORK SOLUTIONS WEL Networks is investigating and testing solar generation and battery storage to have a robust understanding of their capabilities, impacts and influence on the network. Further, WEL have installed five electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to support the NZ government initiative in promoting the use of electric vehicles. WEL is continuing to develop new systems for smart meter analytics as well as providing these services to other companies. 7.1.1. SOLAR GENERATION INVESTIGATION Currently, WEL has 534 customers with mounted photovoltaic panels having an installed capacity of approximately 1.6MW. It is forecast that over the next 4 years there will be additional connections totalling a further 2.7MW. The graph illustrates the estimated growth of solar connections and capacity WEL can expect based on current growth rates. ESTIMATED GROWTH OF SOLAR CONNECTIONS AND CAPACITY WEL has taken a proactive approach to study the impact of an aggregated group of smaller single installations or a substantial size solar generation installation on the existing network infrastructure. To facilitate the investigation, WEL has assembled 76kW of photovoltaic panels on the roof of the WEL depot building as a test site. It is expected that the outputs from the investigation would provide WEL a better understanding on how to manage and optimise the network in the future. Financial Year 1000 500 0 1500 2500 2000 Customers 2019 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 2014 2020 2018 New Total Cum KW 2000 1000 0 3000 5000 4000 KW