Participation of photovoltaic systems in control reserve markets

Photovoltaic (PV) systems have not provided control reserve until now in Germany although the installed capacity is increasing constantly. This paper will give an overview of how PV systems could deliver control reserve to the system. A new proof method for the offering of control reserve provision is presented. Results show an economic opportunity for PV systems if they opt to offer negative control reserves. The cost saving potentials under realistic conditions can reach up to 6.5 % in the tertiary control reserve market and up to 3.9 % in the secondary control reserve market.