Automating distributed solar impact analysis

Earlier work has shown how to perform system impact studies of distributed generation interconnections using lengthy model development and analysis. In order to reduce the analysis time, hosting capacity methods have been developed to determine, in advance, distributed generation interconnections that can be accepted at certain locations up to certain sizes, without detailed study. Hosting capacity studies also require lengthy model development and analysis steps. Using databases and geographic information systems, we report on a method that reliably and automatically builds a detailed circuit model. A web-based simulator executes scripted analysis tasks that focus on results needed for the interconnection study. Using these automated methods, it's possible to reduce the analysis time for a project's impact study to one day.