Research Article Open Access

Solar PV Integration in Smart Grid - Issues and Challenges

Abstract

Smart grid technology is the key for a reliable and efficient use of distributed energy resources. The recent resurgence of interest in use of renewable energy is driven mainly by the need to reduce the high environmental effects of fossil based energy systems and diminishing fossil fuel reserves. Amongst all the renewable sources solar power takes the prominent position due to its availability in abundance. From technological point of view, solar PV has reached maturity. The challenges faced by grid operators now have less to do with core technology and more to do with integrating PV system to the grid. Recently, the concept of smart grid has been successfully applied to the electric power systems. Smart Grids can integrate solar sourced electricity such as Rooftop solar PV along with traditional power generation allowing higher flexibility to have localized and right sized power plants with reduced transmission loss, zero environmental concerns and higher efficiency. This paper discusses smart grid infrastructure issues and challenges of integrating Solar PV sourced electricity in the smart grid.

T. Kaur