Impact Assessment of Distributed Solar PV Integration in Low-Voltage Unbalanced Distribution Network: A Case Study

Ever increasing penetration level of distributed generation, mainly solar PV (SPV)into low voltage (LV) secondary distribution networks introduces several impacts on nominal operating conditions. This paper studies the impacts of distributed solar PV penetration in a low-voltage unbalanced distribution network of Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN). The distribution network under study has total connected load around 2 MW with total solar PV penetration of 500 kWp in form of roof-top and ground mounted (solar carport). The quasi-static load flow study has been performed, considering one-hour resolution load power and distributed generation power data. Simulation results are discussed with respect to the bus voltage profile, active power injection at load bus, line losses, and source power factor with and without the solar PV injection. It is found that there is no reverse power flow at main feeder and voltage quality issue associated with this network. The analysis also hints at reduction in active power losses in the line due to SPV injection at the consumer location.