Impacts of Distributed and Centralized Grid-Connected PV on Radial Distribution Networks

This paper investigates the impacts of the centralized and distributed grid-connected photovoltaic systems on radial distribution networks. Different weather conditions are considered. Different PV penetration levels are investigated in both centralized and distributed PV configurations. Daily simulation is performed using the Open Distribution System Simulator (OpenDSS). The study will include the impacts on voltage magnitude, the voltage regulators, the voltage unbalance factor and losses during the day. The simulations results are presented in details and conclusions are drawn based on them.