Behind-the-meter system and method for controlled distribution of solar energy in multi-unit buildings

A behind-the-meter system for controlled distribution of solar power to units in a multi-unit building connected to an electric power grid, wherein each unit is connected to the electric power grid, the system comprising:

• a grid-tied inverter connectable between a solar power generator and the electric power grid;
• sensors configured to measure instantaneously:
• power demand and solar power consumption of the units;
• and
• solar power generation by the solar power generator;
• switches having an ON and OFF configuration, the switches being configured to selectively connect and disconnect each unit from the solar power generator;
• and
• at least one controller connected to the sensors and the switches, wherein
• the at least one controller is configured to:
• dynamically determine relative values of power demand and solar power consumption of the units based on the instantaneous measurements of the power demand and the solar power consumption of the units;
• and
• selectively and individually control the switches to dynamically distribute solar power from the solar power generator to the units by switching the switches ON or OFF to controllably distribute solar power between the units by connecting or disconnecting each unit to the solar power generator based on the relative values of the power demand and the solar power consumption of the units to maximise solar power consumption by the units;
• wherein the at least one controller is further configured to:
• pre-emptively identify cross flow of solar power between the units based on;
• identifying the relative values of the power demand and the solar power consumption of the units;
• and
• the instantaneous measurements of the solar power generation by the solar power generator;
• and
• in response to that there are large discrepancies in power demand between units, selectively and individually controlling the switches to turn off the switch for at least one unit having little or no demand for solar power to isolate the at least one unit from the solar power generator, to prevent the cross flow of solar power between the units.