Voltage and energy loss assessment for systems with smart inverter functions of rooftop solar

Abstract

In order to coordinate controlling devices of utilities in medium-voltage networks with large-scale photovoltaic (PV) inverters, a revelation of clustered impacts of rooftop solar panels in PV dominated low-voltage networks is necessary. This paper first investigates impacts of smart functions on system performance if they are installed in rooftop solar inverters. An optimization is then formulated based on conflicts that have been revealed. Through simulations in a typical Japan low-voltage system with real data, investigation and optimization results show that optimal inverter settings for rooftop solar are feasible and they could help improve system performance.