Impact of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems on Low Voltage Distribution Network

This work presents and analyzes the penetration impact of grid-connected photovoltaic systems on the voltage, power factor, and current harmonics of low-voltage distribution feeders. A typical low-voltage distribution feeder is simulated with installed solar photovoltaics. The electrical parameters data of the feeder are obtained from the Jordanian Electric Power Company, responsible for distributing electrical energy to nearly 66% of the total consumers in Jordan. The analysis was carried out via power system analysis software on a distributed system model using recorded data for consumer load and photovoltaic system generation. The simulation was focused on the change in the levels of voltage, current harmonics, and power factor on the feeder related to integrating photovoltaic panels into the distribution system. Results showed that the integration of solar photovoltaic panels reduces the power factor and increases the current harmonics of the low-voltage distribution feeder. Although some minor overvoltage problems can be expected, particularly in urban areas, in most cases, the overvoltage did not go above the statutory limit of 1.1 p.u.