Economic evaluation of the influence of overvoltages and the integration of small storage capacity in residential PV-installations

Implementation of decentralized production units (PV-installations) on low voltage distribution feeders may result in bidirectional energy flow. Simultaneous power injection may cause voltage rise on the feeder. Due to regulations inverters need to switch off when reaching a certain voltage causing loss of production. Because this happens mostly on bright, sunny days production loss can be significant. This paper presents an economic comparison between a situation without production loss, with production loss due to overvoltages and the introduction of storage. The production is calculated based on synthetic load profiles and solar irradiation data. The economic feasibility is calculated based on realistic prices and taking into consideration all available government funding.