Photovoltaic power plants in electrical distribution networks: a review on their impact and solutions

Photovoltaic (PV) technology is rapidly developing for grid-tied applications around the globe. However, the high-level PV integration in the distribution networks is tailed with technical challenges. Some technical challenges concern the stability issues associated with intensive PV penetration into the power system are reviewed in this study. To mitigate the voltage disturbances in a system with massive PVs integration, some techniques are devoted such as frequency regulation techniques, active power curtailment, reactive power injection (RPI), and storage energy. Also, with a high penetration level of distributed generators, the potential of dynamic grid support is discussed. Islanding operation and microgrid, operating using different control techniques, which ensure a smooth transition between grid-connected and islanded operation modes as well as synchronisation between the two modes, are discussed.