Analysis of Power Quality in Photovoltaic Solar Microgeneration Systems - A Case Study from Uruguay

Photovoltaic microgeneration is a key opportunity to diversify the energy matrix, enhance electricity supply sustainability, and contribute to renewable energy. However, its grid integration can cause power quality issues, such as voltage fluctuations, low power factor, and harmonic distortion. This study compares power quality in On-Grid, Off-Grid, and Hybrid photovoltaic systems under different load conditions in single-phase configurations. Experimental measurements were conducted on a photovoltaic system at the Technological University of Uruguay (ITRCS) using a network analyzer to assess power factor and total harmonic distortion. Results were compared with national and international standards. On-Grid systems exhibited better power quality, with lower harmonic distortion and a more stable power factor. In contrast, Hybrid and Off-Grid systems showed greater harmonic distortions and power factor fluctuations. The Hybrid system, in particular, presented critical values, with a power factor between 0.61 and 0.63 and a harmonic distortion of 19.85%, demonstrating the need for compensation and filtering strategies. This study underscores the importance of implementing harmonic mitigation and power factor correction techniques, such as active and hybrid filters and inverter control optimization. It also highlights the need for stricter power quality regulations for microgeneration due to national regulatory gaps. Key words. Photovoltaic microgeneration, power quality, voltage harmonics, current harmonic distortion, power factor.