Investigative scheme to assess ultimate penetration level of grid connected solar photovoltaic systems in distribution network

Identifying maximum penetration level (MPL) of Solar Photo-Voltaic Generation (SPVG) in the distribution system is crucial for system planners and network operators to keep the system parameters within the acceptable limits. This paper provides a systematic and extensive procedure for evaluation of MPL of SPVG and its enhancement methods in distribution systems. More importantly, it illustrates a novel algorithm for affixing the penetration cap of Solar PV. The methodology initially derives a new stability index for locating SPVGs in the system, including both active and reactive power support from SPVGs. The study shows the utility of redefining MPL of SPVGs by considering the reactive power injection through solar inverters also. Deviating from the practice of considering the conventional constraints of voltage rise and maximum loading for MPL estimation, the paper considers loss minimization as the major constraint. The algorithm has potential to identify distributed integration scenario of SPVGs compared to the limited number of placements in the extant algorithms.