Solar photovoltaics penetration impact on a low voltage network : a case study for the Island of Gozo, Malta

Abstract

Photovoltaics (PV) market is the fastest growing electrical energy generation industry. Well integrated distributed photovoltaics (PVs) will help tomorrow's energy system become more sustainable. This paper provides a comprehensive review on previous distributed generation (DG) PV impact studies on Low Voltage (LV) networks. The aim is to conduct the first-ever study on the Maltese islands on a real Low Voltage (LV) network for the Island of Gozo in Malta, considering real load and PV profiles in 15-minute resolution. The methodology uses a Monte-Carlo approach for statistical evaluation of two possible PV penetration that is close to and further away from substation. Voltage impacts are analyzed using European Standard EN50160 for voltage magnitude +/- 10% and overloading capabilities are assessed through utilization factor. This study is conducted within MCAST Energy Research Group supported by Enemalta PLC through transfer of knowledge from WISE-PV project.