Analysis on the Behavior of Grid-Connected Single-Phase Photovoltaic Inverters Under Voltage Phase-Angle Jumps

There is increasing interest in understanding residential inverter behavior, particularly due to the growth of roof-top photovoltaic (PV) system installations and the impact behavior has on the distribution system. The response of a single PV inverter or a simulated model does not represent the actual behavior of several inverters integrated with the distribution network. In this research, 28 off-the-shelf residential PV inverters experimental responses to voltage phase angle jumps are analyzed. Statistical analysis is performed to demonstrate the impact of the behavior of the installed roof-top PV inverters under such disturbances on the Australian National Electricity Market. Undesired curtailment and disconnections were observed, threatening the power system’s stability where a high penetration of solar PV generation exists. The main objective of this study is to provide a statistical analysis method to identify the potential power system response under massive disconnection and power curtailment of inverters. Another aim is to assist in future Standards development and a proper contextual investigation for high penetrated areas of roof-top PV systems.