Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation Grid Connection Regulations

What are solar interconnection standards & policies?

Solar Interconnection Standards & Policies Interconnection standards define how a distributed generation system, such as solar photovoltaics (PVs), can connect to the grid. In some areas of the United States, the interconnection process lacks consistent parameters and procedures for connecting to the grid or is unnecessarily complex.

What is a solar energy grid integration system?

Develop solar energy grid integration systems (see Figure below) that incorporate advanced integrated inverter/controllers, storage, and energy management systems that can support communication protocols used by energy management and utility distribution level systems.

What are the design criteria for a grid connect PV system?

The actual design criteria could include: specifying a specific size (in kWp) for an array; available budget; available roof space; wanting to zero their annual electrical usage or a number of other specific customer related criteria. Determining the energy yield, specific yield and performance ratio of the grid connect PV system.

Are PV systems compatible with the utility grid?

Interest in PV systems is increasing and the installation of large PV systems or large groups of PV systems that are interactive with the utility grid is accelerating, so the compatibility of higher levels of distributed generation needs to be ensured and the grid infrastructure protected.

Can large-scale photovoltaic systems be connected to the grid?

Interconnecting large-scale photovoltaic systems to the grid has two main challenges regarding voltage control: (i) the voltage must be within a range defined by the TSO; (ii) large-scale photovoltaic systems must comply with the capability curve given by the TSO.

Are PV systems interconnected to the grid?

While the number of PV systems interconnected to the grid has increased significantly over the last decade, only recently have PV systems been installed in major metropolitan areas and tied to electric distribution secondary network systems (networks).