Integration of Solar Photovoltaics

Abstract

The main issues related to the integration of photovoltaic systems into the grid will be presented and discussed in this chapter. In the context of smart grids, photovoltaic installations, as distributed energy resources connected in many case to the distribution grid, can do much more than just injecting energy into the grid as an active part of the distribution system and can implement the active functions required for meeting the requirements of the future grid.This chapter will define the present and future context of connected photovoltaic systems and their role in the future smart grid. Later, the general operation of these installations will be discussed to identify the possibilities they could offer to future grid. The main operation problems when connected to the grid are identified next. Finally, smart grid integration will be discussed, mainly focused on ancillary services, as active control using energy storage systems, reactive power, or voltage control, avoiding harmonic propagation. Other basic functionalities such as their operation as virtual synchronous generators or the islanding detection will also be discussed.