Abstract
Solar panel installations have increased significantly in Japan in recent decades. Due to this, world trends, such as clean/renewable energy, are being implemented in power systems all across Japan—particularly installations of photovoltaic (PV) panels in general households. In this work, solar power was estimated using solar radiation data from geographic information system (GIS) technology. The solar power estimation was applied to the actual distribution system model of the Jono area in Kitakyushu city, Japan. In this work, real power consumption data was applied to a real world distribution system model. We studied the impact of high installation rates of solar panels in Japanese residential areas. Additionally, we considered the voltage fluctuations in the distribution system model by assessing the impact of cloud shadows using a novel cloud movement simulation algorithm that uses real world GIS data. The simulation results revealed that the shadow from the cloud movement process directly impacted the solar power generation in residential areas, which caused voltage fluctuations of the overall distribution system. Thus, we advocate distribution system planning with a large number of solar panels.
Highlights
Many countries worldwide have integrated renewable energy sources into their power system, such as the generation section or distribution system, to achieve low carbon emissions and sustainable energy goals
We focus on the voltage fluctuations considering the two scenarios of 50 and 100% of the maximum solar panel installation to the distribution system, comparing the results, and examining the amount of solar panel effects on the residential area
The simulation and results analysis show effects from the cloud movement shadows into the Jono distribution system with a high percentage of solar panel installation in a residential area
Summary
Many countries worldwide have integrated renewable energy sources into their power system, such as the generation section or distribution system, to achieve low carbon emissions and sustainable energy goals. The FIT policy led to excessive generation of electricity from photovoltaic (PV) panels, since the households could sell the PV power and feed it into the distribution system. For this reason, solar panels have been widely installed in residential areas and connected to the distribution system. In Kitakyushu city, Fukuoka, Japan, an innovative smart community named Jono, installed solar panels using the FC cogeneration system in most houses in the area. Housing in the Jono area is aimed at a self-consumption model of energy. As PV technology is gaining attention rapidly due to the widespread use of self-consumption models, the consideration of suitable locations before the PV installation is essential [2]. Some areas are not appropriate to install solar panels in because the shadow from buildings or trees covers the panel [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
