Influence of self-consumption on distribution network operation: the Slovenian case

Abstract

This study presents the analysis of the impact of self-consumption on the low-voltage distribution-network power flows, voltage profile, and losses. With the decrease in support for the purchase of electricity produced from renewable sources and the lowering prices of photovoltaic (PV) and battery systems, the self-consumption of electricity is becoming financially more attractive. The analysis of the impact of self-consumption is based on an actual network model and its production/consumption measurements. Different shares of PV generation without and with battery storage are then integrated into the network. The authors set two scenarios – 30 and 60% rise of the usage of solar power stations at consumers in low-voltage network. In both scenarios, the authors compared tree situations – operation of the distribution network discussed in the present state, with installed solar power plants at the chosen clients, and with added battery systems at the chosen clients with solar power plants. According to the results for distribution-network planning, the scenario with 30% customers with self-consumption proved to be the best possible combination.