Assessment of Net Energy Metering on Distribution Network Losses

This research paper highlights the impact of net metering solar PV sizing and its operating power factor on the total network active power loss. Digsilent Powerfactory is used to calculate the I
²
R losses using load flow analysis based on steady state operation and Stability Analysis Function (RMS) simulation tool for dynamic network characteristic modelling. This approach was applied on a generic distribution network. The results verify that appropriate sizing and operating condition can contribute to significant reduction of active power grid losses while maintaining the bus voltage under permissible limit. Incorrect application or oversizing of solar PV are shown to aggravate the total grid technical losses.