Modeling the effect of geographically diverse pv generation on California´s distribution system

Deployment of high-penetration photovoltaic (PV) power is expected to have a range of effects - both positive and negative - on the distribution grid. The magnitude of these effects may vary greatly depending upon feeder topology, climate, PV penetration level, and other factors. In this paper we present a simulation study of eight representative distribution feeders in two California climates at PV penetration levels up to 100%, supported by a unique database of distributed PV generation data. We find that PV penetrations up to 50% reduce system losses and feeder peak loads while having positive or negligible effects on transformer aging, voltage regulator wear, and voltage quality. At higher penetrations we observe diminishing benefits for system losses and, in some scenarios, undesirable impacts on other metrics. We present data illustrating the range of variation with feeder topology and climate.