Sungrow Launches Innovative Battery Projects in South Australia

Sungrow, a leading provider of photovoltaic inverters and energy storage systems, has successfully implemented its first Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at two Living Choice retirement villages located in Flagstaff Hill and Fullarton, South Australia. This deployment marks a significant milestone as these sites are the first commercial and industrial (C&I) community projects in the state to undergo testing under the Common Smart Inverter Profile for Australia (CSIP-AUS). The systems are set to be commissioned in July 2025.

The BESS installations feature the PowerStack 200CS with a capacity of ST225kWh-110kW-2h and the 455CS with a capacity of ST455kWh-110kW-4h. These systems are designed to ensure reliable power supply while allowing the communities to generate revenue through energy arbitrage and Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS). By integrating these technologies, the retirement villages can reduce operational costs and contribute to Australia’s evolving energy market.

Significance of CSIP-AUS Testing

CSIP-AUS serves as an implementation guide for the IEEE 2030.5 protocol, enhancing security and configurability for distributed energy resources. Sungrow’s projects represent a critical step towards improving grid interoperability in South Australia. Under this framework, SA Power Networks (SAPN) manages export and import limits, as well as ramp-rate instructions, through Sungrow’s iSolarCloud platform API. The BESS will dynamically respond to these commands while engaging in arbitrage and FCAS trading, promoting smarter grid integration for C&I applications.

By supporting CSIP-AUS, Sungrow meets the compliance requirements set by Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs) and reduces the complexity of integration. This capability is crucial for the scalability of C&I energy storage projects, particularly in a landscape increasingly dominated by renewable energy sources.

Advancements in Energy Management

Sungrow’s Community BESS projects in South Australia have also achieved successful commissioning for FCAS. As the penetration of renewable energy increases, the importance of FCAS has grown. This ancillary service plays a vital role in maintaining grid frequency stability by swiftly addressing supply-demand imbalances. It regulates the charge and discharge of energy storage systems, keeping frequency within acceptable limits.

Sungrow’s self-developed Energy Management System (EMS) continuously adapts to improve intelligent energy management strategies and optimize control logic for participation in arbitrage and FCAS under CSIP monitoring. The successful deployment of these projects was made possible through collaboration with the YES Group, a key partner in the energy sector.

Joe Zhou, Country Director of Sungrow Australia, stated, “By supporting YES Group in these deployments, Sungrow is helping set a new benchmark for compliant, high-performance storage systems in community settings. It highlights our ability to deliver storage solutions that are technically advanced, grid-responsive, and fully aligned with Australia’s shift toward dynamic energy regulation.”

As other Australian states prepare to implement similar guidelines, CSIP-AUS is gaining traction as a national standard. Sungrow’s commitment to this protocol reinforces its reputation as a trusted provider of innovative, compliant, and cost-effective energy storage solutions.

The YES Group is a vertically integrated company with over 15 years of experience in delivering turnkey solutions to the energy industry. With expertise spanning project development, engineering, procurement, and construction, they are dedicated to driving Australia’s energy transition with reliable and scalable solutions.

Sungrow, recognized globally for its expertise in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. As of June 2025, the company has installed 870 GW of power electronic converters worldwide, earning the title of the most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company according to BloombergNEF. Sungrow continues to support clean energy projects globally, backed by a network of 520 service outlets to ensure excellent customer experience.

For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com.