Impact of grid-connected residential PV systems on the malaysia low voltage distribution network

The increasing number of distributed generation connected to electricity distribution network could have a profound impact on the planning and operation of a power system. This paper presents a case study investigating the impact of residential grid-connected PV system on a typical Malaysia low voltage (LV) network. The residential LV network sample is provided by the local utility and the LV network has been modelled in detail which takes into account the neutral wire and the self and mutual impedance of the cable. The impact of the residential grid-connected PV system on the LV system was evaluated in terms of voltage profile and effect of unbalanced PV connection. Results from the presented studies indicate that the LV network can accommodate high level PV (>100%) penetration without causing any problem. This is mainly driven by the relatively short feeder length and high cable rating used in in the studied LV network. However, it is important to mention that the impact of PV is very location and network dependent.