Issues in utility-interactive photovoltaic generation

This article examines factors affecting the application of solar Photovoltaic Power Plants to their power grid. A utility considering the use of solar photovoltaic generation should consider the following issues: power conditioning, protection, islanding, intermittent output, and installation. PV generation, like many advanced electrical technologies, will at times require improved performance from the utility system. Operating and protection practices may have to change to accommodate PV. However, operating experience and studies show that PV generation will operate well with existing electric utility systems.