Benefits that could be achieved by a proper reactive power generation in small photovoltaic systems operating inside low voltage distribution network

Abstract

The reduction of feed-in tariffs and subsidies in the last years substantially decreased the interest of investors for photovoltaic (PV) systems in individual countries and in the European Union in general. From the viewpoint of electricity distribution system operators (DSO) and electricity distribution companies, the PV systems are often observed as the systems that cause additional costs and make network operation difficult, but must be connected to the electricity network due to the existing legislation. Thus, the power of PV systems newly connected to the electricity networks per year decreases substantially. The fact that PV systems can be used not only for active, but also for reactive power generation, is often neglected. If reactive power in PV systems is generated properly, it can satisfy the local reactive power demand, which leads to reduction of network losses. This paper focuses on an existing low voltage distribution network with installed 100 kWp PV power. Its goal is to perform a sensitivity analysis of benefits in the network that could be achieved by the reduction of network energy losses and by the locally generated reactive power, both achieved by PV systems capable to generate reactive power.