Integration of PV Systems into Grid: From Impact Analysis to Solutions

The integration PV systems into grid, due to the intermittent characteristics, can have several impacts on the network functionalities such as the stability, the protection and introduces new management and planning challenges. Theses impacts are more complicated for an islanded grid or weak grid. A better knowledge of the induced constraints becomes necessary in order to determine the PV penetration level, to assess impacts of PV generation on distribution network and to assess technical and economic opportunities provided by PV generation. This paper presents analyses on the impacts of PV systems integration to the grid: variation of voltage and frequency, voltage unbalance, etc. Several solutions, based on intelligent control, protection and energy storage in order to reduce these impacts, to maximize the ancillary services contributed by PV systems and to maintain the grid stability are proposed.