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Assessing distribution network sensitivity to voltage rise and flicker under high penetration of behind-the-meter solar

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  • Ferdowsi, Farzad
  • Mehraeen, Shahab
  • Upton, Gregory B.

Abstract

Behind-the-meter solar photovoltaics (PV) have the ability to impact the distribution system due to the significant fluctuations in energy production and potential reverse power flow. While these phenomena are well understood, this research will investigate the level of solar penetration at which voltage rise and flicker are observed on a real-world distribution network. Using solar power data measured at four second intervals from the Renewable Energy and Smart Grid Laboratory at Louisiana State University alongside detailed feeder data provided by a local utility, we investigate the impact of increasing levels of solar PV penetration on voltage rise and long-term flicker. Results suggest that feeders can handle up to 10% of customers installing 7-kW behind-the-meter solar systems before voltage rise and flicker are observed. For levels above 30% penetration, feeders experience significant power quality issues. We find that the safe penetration level of a specific feeder depends on the system’s topology.

Suggested Citation

  • Ferdowsi, Farzad & Mehraeen, Shahab & Upton, Gregory B., 2020. "Assessing distribution network sensitivity to voltage rise and flicker under high penetration of behind-the-meter solar," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 1227-1240.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:152:y:2020:i:c:p:1227-1240
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.12.124
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Majid Hosseini & Satya Katragadda & Jessica Wojtkiewicz & Raju Gottumukkala & Anthony Maida & Terrence Lynn Chambers, 2020. "Direct Normal Irradiance Forecasting Using Multivariate Gated Recurrent Units," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-15, July.
    2. Stringer, Naomi & Haghdadi, Navid & Bruce, Anna & MacGill, Iain, 2021. "Fair consumer outcomes in the balance: Data driven analysis of distributed PV curtailment," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C), pages 972-986.
    3. Lou, Siwei & Zhang, Dequan & Li, Danny H.W. & Huang, Yu, 2024. "Evaluating solar ramp rate correlations by simple radiation and wind measurements," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C).
    4. Zhang, Zhengfa & da Silva, Filipe Faria & Guo, Yifei & Bak, Claus Leth & Chen, Zhe, 2022. "Coordinated voltage control in unbalanced distribution networks with two-stage distributionally robust chance-constrained receding horizon control," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 907-915.
    5. Samar Fatima & Verner Püvi & Matti Lehtonen, 2020. "Review on the PV Hosting Capacity in Distribution Networks," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-34, September.
    6. Xunxun Chen & Xiaohong Zhang & Qingyuan Yan & Yanxue Li, 2025. "Spatio-Temporal Adaptive Voltage Coordination Control Strategy for Distribution Networks with High Photovoltaic Penetration," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-35, April.

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