Hayleys Solar outlines how flexible energy management can ease grid capacity constraints for rooftop solar
As rooftop solar adoption grows across Sri Lanka, some households and businesses face difficulties obtaining grid clearance due to limitations in the existing electricity network. In certain areas, transformers and distribution lines may already be considered fully utilised, preventing additional solar systems from being connected to the grid.
Hayleys Solar believes that addressing this challenge requires smarter energy management alongside grid upgrades. To support this approach, the company is introducing the concept of the “Flexumer”, a flexible energy user who generates, consumes, stores and exports electricity based on national grid requirements.
Unlike a traditional prosumer, which exports surplus solar energy as it is generated, a Flexumer uses smart technologies to determine when electricity should be consumed, stored, or exported.
Instead of exporting all surplus solar generation during the day, a Flexumer can store energy in batteries, increase on-site consumption or export electricity when grid demand is higher. This reduces transformer loading and enables more rooftop solar systems to be connected within the same area.
Commenting on the concept, Roshane Perera, Deputy Managing Director – Energy, Hayleys Fentons Limited, said:
“Today, a 100 kW transformer may be considered fully utilised when only a limited number of households with 5 kW rooftop solar systems are connected to it. As a result, new solar applications may be restricted or rejected, even when customer demand is strong.
“However, if these customers operate as lexumers and intelligently manage when they consume, store, or export electricity, the same transformer may be able to accommodate many more rooftop solar systems while improving the quality and reliability of electricity without requiring immediate costly infrastructure upgrades.
“We must move beyond viewing customers simply as electricity producers and consumers. By enabling them to become flexible participants in the energy system, we can free up grid capacity, improve power quality, and help more Sri Lankans benefit from renewable energy.”
The Flexumer model could be particularly valuable in areas where customers are unable to obtain CEB clearance due to transformer capacity or other grid-related restrictions. Hybrid solar systems, battery storage, smart inverters, and intelligent energy management solutions can reduce unnecessary exports during congested periods while supporting the grid when electricity demand is higher
Greater flexibility could enable significantly more rooftop solar installations using existing network infrastructure while reducing the need for immediate grid upgrades.
According to Hayleys Solar, Sri Lanka’s renewable energy transition must now prioritise smarter energy management alongside continued solar deployment.
By transforming conventional solar customers (prosumers) into Flexumers, Hayleys Solar aims to help create a smarter and more responsive energy system that benefits customers, the Ceylon Electricity Board, and the country as a whole.
As Sri Lanka moves towards a cleaner and more decentralised energy future, smart energy management will be essential to overcoming grid limitations and enabling more homes and businesses to adopt rooftop solar.
