PLN access not confirmed.
Load underestimated.
No energy redundancy planned.
Charger installed — but non-operational.

This blog provides a deeper technical guide to preparing your site, securing a reliable energy source, and avoiding critical pitfalls in SPKLU deployment.

1. Site Selection: Don’t Just Choose the Land — Choose Functionality

Before any charger is installed, your site must meet more than just “strategic location” criteria.

Site readiness questions:

• Is your location zoned for energy infrastructure?
• Can it accommodate charger spacing and vehicle turning radius?
• Is metering infrastructure (new or existing) within buildable range?
• Do you have space for future upgrades — such as ESS or additional units?

In the Indonesian context, this means checking whether the site complies with local spatial planning (tata ruang) and infrastructure regulations.

While the regulation (Permen ESDM No.1/2023) doesn't explicitly use the term "zoning," it specifies that SPKLUs should ideally be placed in strategic public areas such as:

• Gas stations (SPBU)
• Malls
• Government offices
• Public parking lots
• Roadside locations

This implies that the site must be capable of supporting high-voltage power installations, integration with the PLN power grid, and digital system compatibility (OCPP, billing apps).

If a location isn't designated for energy infrastructure or lacks sufficient grid access, developers may need to apply for additional permits from local government and PLN. This is where Pingalax can assist — we provide technical advisory and regulatory support to ensure location readiness for SPKLU deployment.

If you're evaluating a specific site, it's wise to check with the local zoning office or consult Pingalax's technical team for guidance.

Checklist logic: Don’t only think about land. Think about grid entry points, cable runs, parking logic, and safe zones (no flooding, no overhead risks).

2. Grid Access via PLN: What You Need to Secure — Early

For most SPKLU sites, the primary power source will come from PLN.

But access isn’t automatic — and can take 3–6 months if not handled proactively.

✅What you need to do:

• Submit a grid connection request to PLN distribution unit (UP3):
  • Specify desired kW rating (50kW, 120kW per charger)
  • Indicate single or three-phase, intended usage (SPKLU), location plan
• Receive site verification visit & grid capacity review
• Agree to connection terms (load limit, meter type, tariff group)
• Install necessary distribution panel + earthing + SLO (after charger install)

⚠️ What delays approval:

• Site transformer is shared or already overloaded
• No dedicated kWh meter planned
• You didn’t provide SLD (Single Line Diagram) or grounding plan

💡 If your site is near a busy building (mall, office, apartment), existing load may block your SPKLU request unless you upgrade or isolate power access.

When you build an SPKLU (EV charging station), the chargers are typically connected to the PLN grid, meaning the electricity for charging EVs comes from the national power supply.

Connecting a site to the grid requires:

• Electricity connection permits from PLN
• Technical load assessment
• Proper distribution panels and safety systems

If a site lacks grid access or has insufficient power capacity, developers may need to request a power upgrade or install an ESS (Energy Storage System). Pingalax can assist with this technical assessment and grid connection process.

3. Hybrid Models: Solar + ESS Planning for Cost Reduction

If you're looking for energy independence or lower grid reliance, consider hybrid integration with solar panels and energy storage systems (ESS).

Planning Considerations:

• Solar must be sized against daily usage (in kWh), not just charger wattage
• ESS must be able to discharge at rates matching your charger class (60kW battery discharge to support one fast charger)
• Integration must meet PLN synchronization standards (anti-islanding, grid fallback, etc.)

⚠️ Some developers install solar for branding — but without ESS, the charger still draws peak PLN load during high usage.

Hybrid Models: Solar + ESS Planning for Cost Reduction refers to EV charging station setups that combine solar power (PV) and energy storage systems (ESS) to reduce operational electricity costs — especially from the PLN grid.

Key Components Explained:

Solar PV (Photovoltaic System)

• Generates electricity from sunlight during the day.
• Used directly for charging or stored in batteries.

ESS (Energy Storage System)

• Stores electricity from solar or PLN during low-tariff hours (off-peak).
• Supplies power during peak tariff hours or high-demand periods.

Hybrid Control System (Pingalax OS)

• AI-based energy management that determines when to use solar, ESS, or PLN grid.
• Objective: reduce energy costs, balance load, and ensure stable operations.

Main Benefits:

• Reduce dependency on expensive peak-hour grid electricity
• Provide backup power in case of outages
• Utilize renewable energy → eco-friendly brand positioning
• Lower monthly operating costs for the SPKLU

Example Case:

A charging station at a mall uses 30kW solar + 100kWh ESS.

• During the day: solar directly powers EV chargers.
• At night: energy stored in ESS is used.
• Result: electricity bills reduced by 20–30%.

Conclusion:

Hybrid models are smart solutions for SPKLUs seeking cost efficiency, power reliability, and green branding. Pingalax provides the complete package — chargers, inverters, ESS, and the intelligent energy software to run it all.

4. Load Management & DLB: Preventing On-Site Failures

Every SPKLU site must calculate and plan for real load conditions — not just theoretical max ratings.

Fast chargers can draw up to 150kW per unit. Without Dynamic Load Balancing (DLB), multiple chargers running simultaneously can:

• Trigger breaker failures
• Collapse voltage across your site
• Violate PLN-agreed load caps (causing reconnection penalties)

What DLB does:

• Distributes load based on live consumption feedback
• Limits or slows charging if power dips or multiple units activate
• Prioritizes emergency shutdown or user category (fleet vs public)

Based on Permen ESDM No.1/2023

This regulation does not explicitly mention DLB as mandatory.

However, it requires:

• Safe and reliable charging systems
• No disruption to the public grid (PLN)
• SLO (Sertifikat Laik Operasi) or Operation Worthiness Certificate before the site can operate

Based on Field Practice & Certification (SLO)

In real-world inspections, any site with more than one charger (multi-unit SPKLU):

• DLB is treated as a mandatory system by safety inspectors (K3), PLN, and certification bodies
• Without proper load management, SLO certification can be rejected

So while not a formal regulation, DLB is a practical requirement to ensure system safety and regulatory compliance.

DLB is not optional. It’s a system requirement for most multi-unit SPKLU sites — and is inspected during SLO certification.

5. Physical Installation: Spacing, Grounding & Inspection

To pass SLO and avoid customer complaints, ensure:

• 1 dedicated parking space per charger, no obstructions
• Physical barriers to protect equipment from collisions
• Certified IP-rated enclosures for flood or outdoor exposure
• Proper grounding and surge protection matching charger specs
• Documented installation photos for licensing support

Overlooking small physical rules (like incorrect cable trenching or exposed connections) can fail your SLO submission, forcing re-inspection.

How Pingalax Supports Your Infrastructure Preparation

While Pingalax doesn’t manage PLN applications or civil works, we provide:

• Technical documentation for grid planning (load per charger, cable sizing, spacing)
• Dynamic Load Balancing setup & testing
• Hardware with DLB-ready, OCPP-compliant firmware
• Consultation on solar or ESS compatibility with Pingalax OS
• Site layout best practices based on prior projects

We help ensure your electrical, structural, and software configuration passes technical checks — and is built for future scale.

Summary: What Makes a Site “SPKLU-Ready”

Final Blog of the Series — What Comes Next?

This concludes the SPKLU Developer Blog Series.

• ✅ What SPKLU is
• ✅ Deployment choices
• ✅ Licensing
• ✅ Tariff rules
• ✅ Technical compliance
• ✅ Site readiness

Ready for more? Download the SPKLU Developer Whitepaper Download Here — the complete, end-to-end guide to launching EV charging infrastructure in Indonesia.