Review of advanced grid requirements for the integration of large scale photovoltaic power plants in the transmission system

The installation of large scale photovoltaic power plants connected at transmission level has increased during the last years. There are some challenges that these power plants have to overcome regarding the operation and control while dealing with the solar energy variability and uncertainty. Today, few countries are aware of the importance of this source of energy as part of the utility system and how it can affect the operability. Thus, this paper discusses about the trend of large scale photovoltaic power plants around the world and the importance of the development of grid codes for its integration. Then, the paper addresses a comparison of the grid codes of Germany, US, Puerto Rico, Romania, China and South Africa considering: fault ride through capability, frequency and voltage regulation, as well as active and reactive power support. In addition, a broad discussion about the challenges that the large scale photovoltaic power plants have to overcome is presented together with the compliance technology and future trend. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.