PV Grid Integration - System Management Issues and Utility Concerns

Solar PV systems have evolved from small stand-alone applications through residential and commercial systems to MW-scale installations and groups of systems that feed significant energy into the utility grid. High PV penetration levels create a number of challenges for the management of the operation of the utility grid. This paper will cover the current and historic status of the integration of renewable energies into utility grids over a variety of global regions. This includes grid control and network planning. The technology for the integration of PV is described including the codes and standards governing the utility interactivity requirements. This will include short term dynamic responses as well as power ramp rates. Geographic, technological, and meteorological factors will be discussed. The coordination of meteorology and energy production is a key factor that is examined in detail including real world data. The paper includes a discussion of future utility grid features to support increasing levels of PV and other renewable generation sources.