In Divergence There Is Strength: Measuring and Mitigating Solar PV Impacts in Southern California Using Power Factors Other than One

Distribution-system, interconnected, utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems (those 500 kW to 5 MW in size) have become commonplace in many utilities service areas since the first few systems were installed in the 2010-2011 time frame. The integration of these systems within the operating framework of the traditional utility distribution system creates many challenges. The goal of these integration efforts is the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of the resulting distribution system - but with the added benefit of a considerable amount of PV-based distributed generation, resulting in lower carbon emissions and compliance with state energy policies and standards.