Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) are advanced tools, controls, and digital systems designed to increase the capacity, flexibility, and reliability of the electric grid without requiring new transmission lines. Instead of physically expanding the grid—which can take years—GETs optimize the performance of existing infrastructure so more renewable energy, including solar power, can be delivered safely and efficiently.

GETs are becoming critically important as solar penetration accelerates. They help utilities manage intermittency, prevent congestion, integrate distributed energy resources (DERs), and increase hosting capacity. For solar installers, designers, and developers, GETs directly influence interconnection timelines, curtailment risk, and grid-export capabilities. As clean energy grows, GETs will play a central role in speeding up project approval and increasing financial returns.

Related foundational topics include Grid Stability, Inverters, and Reactive Power.

• GETs increase grid capacity and flexibility without building new transmission lines.
• Essential for integrating more solar energy and reducing curtailment.
• Includes DLR, power flow control, advanced inverters, DERMS, and optimization AI.
• Improves interconnection timelines and project financials.
• Helps utilities safely support rapid growth in distributed and utility-scale solar.

What Are Grid-Enhancing Technologies?

Grid-Enhancing Technologies are solutions that improve the performance of transmission and distribution networks. Rather than building new infrastructure, GETs allow utilities to:

• Move electricity more efficiently
• Manage real-time grid constraints
• Increase renewable hosting capacity
• Reduce renewable energy curtailment
• Improve grid visibility and forecasting

GETs support solar adoption by keeping interconnection queues moving and preventing system bottlenecks that can delay projects.

Examples of GET applications include automated line rating, dynamic power flow routing, advanced inverters, and real-time grid analytics.

How GETs Work

GETs combine digital intelligence, sensors, automation, and real-time controls to help utilities use the existing grid more effectively. The most common workflow includes:

1. Real-Time Monitoring

Sensors measure:

• Line temperature
• Wind speed
• Conductor sag
• Load flow
• Voltage & frequency stability

2. Dynamic Line Rating (DLR)

Instead of using static, conservative ratings, DLR adjusts transmission capacity based on real conditions.

Cooler weather → higher capacity

Warmer weather → lower capacity

3. Power Flow Control

GETs enable grid operators to redirect electricity to less congested lines, reducing overloads and increasing efficiency.

4. Advanced Inverter Capabilities

Solar inverters support grid stability by providing voltage control, frequency support, and reactive power.

See Inverters and Reactive Power for related technologies.

5. Real-Time Grid Optimization Software

AI/ML models simulate grid conditions and recommend adjustments to maximize transfer capacity.

6. Enhanced Hosting Capacity Tools

Utilities evaluate how much solar can be safely connected to feeders without voltage or thermal overload.

Types / Variants of Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs)

1. Dynamic Line Rating (DLR)

Measures real-time weather and conductor conditions to increase line capacity.

2. Advanced Power Flow Control Devices

Devices that push or redirect power across lines to avoid congestion.

3. Topology Optimization Software

AI tools that recommend switching configurations to optimize transfer capability.

4. Advanced Inverters

Smart inverters provide reactive power, voltage ride-through, and grid-formation support.

See Smart Inverter for more details.

5. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Supporting Grid Flexibility

Battery systems reduce grid stress by time-shifting solar production.

6. DERMS (Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems)

Controls and aggregates distributed solar, storage, and load resources.

How GETs Are Measured

Key performance indicators include:

Transfer Capacity (MW)

How much additional power can move through the grid.

Curtailment Reduction (%)

Quantifies avoided renewable energy losses.

Hosting Capacity Increase (%)

Increase in the amount of DERs (especially rooftop solar) the grid can support.

Congestion Reduction (MW or hours)

Measures decreased overload occurrences.

Voltage & Frequency Stability Metrics

Used to verify grid-support capabilities.

Cost Efficiency ($/MW improvement)

Compares GET investment vs. transmission infrastructure costs.

Typical Values / Ranges

While values vary by region, common outcomes include:

• 10–40% increase in transmission capacity using DLR
• 20–50% reduction in solar curtailment in congested regions
• 15–30% increase in feeder hosting capacity with DERMS & voltage optimization
• 40–70% lower cost compared to building new transmission

These real-world improvements significantly accelerate solar deployment.

Practical Guidance for Solar Designers, Installers & Developers

1. Consider GETs when analyzing interconnection timelines

Areas with GET deployment may allow faster grid approval for new solar projects.

2. Factor GETs into curtailment risk assessments

Reduced congestion → more stable revenue and higher kWh yield.

3. Coordinate with utilities on hosting capacity

GET-enabled feeders may support more rooftop or C&I systems.

4. Use grid-supportive inverters

Advanced inverters enhance voltage control and reduce interconnection rejection.

See: Solar Inverter

5. Leverage GETs for community solar projects

DLR and power flow control can unlock constrained substations.

6. Use GET insights for proposal accuracy

Integrate energy modeling tools like Generation & Financial Tool and Solar Proposals for more realistic expectations.

7. Stay informed about utility-specific GET adoption

Utilities increasingly rely on GETs to approve more interconnections without new transmission projects.

Real-World Examples

1. Congested Urban Substation Unlocks 20 MW of Solar

A distribution grid used power flow control GETs to relieve congestion, enabling multiple C&I solar projects previously stuck in the interconnection queue.

2. Rural Feeder Uses DLR to Reduce Curtailment

Real-time line ratings increased feeder capacity by 25%, allowing a 12 MW solar farm to significantly reduce curtailment losses.

3. DERMS Enables Rapid Distributed Solar Growth

A utility in a high-solar region used DERMS to safely integrate thousands of rooftop systems while maintaining voltage stability.

• Grid Stability
• Smart Inverter
• Reactive Power
• Distributed Energy Resource (DER)
• Hosting Capacity