Contrasting distributed and centralized photovoltaic system performance using regionally distributed pyranometers

Using measured irradiance data from 215 homes across a municipal area we analyze the performance differences between distributed and centralized photovoltaic systems. Data on a one minute time step for a complete year was used, with pyranometers oriented perpendicular to nominal roof plane. The distributed and centralized groupings were defined and modeled with an aggregate 100 MW photovoltaic capacity. Analysis was performed in different spatial groupings with respect to power intensity and ramp-rate to determine the impact upon the regional electricity grid and temporal alignment with load. It was determined that the differences between distributed and centralized systems are relatively small at a 15-min or greater timescale. Within a 5-min timescale, centralized systems ramp more than twice as fast as distributed systems of identical capacity.