Current and voltage harmonic measurements and modeling at the Gardner photovoltaic project

Measurements on harmonics taken at the Gardner photovoltaic (PV) project during the summer of 1987 are reported. The project includes 28 PV homes, each with a roof-mounted 2 kW PV system, connected to one phase of a 13.8 kV three-phase feeder. The measurements discussed pertain to voltage and current distortion and power flow. Theoretical calculations were carried out in order to study the effects of PV inverters other than the type installed for this study. Computer modeling of the feeder in Gardner indicates, and measurements confirm, that small increases (0.2%) in voltage total harmonic distortion will occur on this feeder with the indicated penetration of PV systems using high-quality, forced-commutation inverters.<>