Integration of photovoltaic solar power - the quest towards dispatchability

Existing photovoltaic (PV) power plants impact the power grid in a negative way due to a lack of voltage regulation, energy storage, forecasting and wide-area communications, measurement, and control. Currently utility- scale distributed solar PV plants on distribution networks have nominal capacities that are compatible with distribution substation MVA ratings e.g., between 5 and 30 MW. Furthermore, PV plants in the 30 to 100 MW power range are currently integrated in transmission networks. The system impacts are discussed, and mitigation solutions are proposed using advanced power converters, energy storage systems, as well as local and remote measurements and forecasting options. Case studies are provided.