Do distributed photovoltaic systems contribute to the power balance?

Tom Key, Electric Power Research Institute. Distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems currently make an insignificant contribution to the power balance on all but a few utility distribution systems.

Are PV systems compatible with the utility grid?

Interest in PV systems is increasing and the installation of large PV systems or large groups of PV systems that are interactive with the utility grid is accelerating, so the compatibility of higher levels of distributed generation needs to be ensured and the grid infrastructure protected.

How do PV systems integrate with a utility?

Integration issues need to be addressed from the distributed PV system side and from the utility side. Advanced inverter, controller, and interconnection technology development must produce hardware that allows PV to operate safely with the utility and act as a grid resource that provides benefits to both the grid and the owner.

What is a good example of a distributed PV system?

For example, the Gardner, Massachusetts, project included PV at a 37% penetration level in distributed mode, and the 4.6-megawatt (MW) central-station PV plant near Springerville, Arizona, represents almost 58% penetration on its feeder.

Can inverter-tied storage systems integrate with distributed PV generation?

Identify inverter-tied storage systems that will integrate with distributed PV generation to allow intentional islanding (microgrids) and system optimization functions (ancillary services) to increase the economic competitiveness of distributed generation. 3.

How do I design a PV Grid connect system?

The document provides the minimum knowledge required when designing a PV Grid connect system. The actual design criteria could include: specifying a specific size (in kWp) for an array; available budget; available roof space; wanting to zero their annual electrical usage or a number of other specific customer related criteria.