Solar Power Assessment Using GIS for Residential Distribution Systems

Abstract

In recent decades, a high penetration of solar panels have been installed to the Japanese power grid and this occasionally adversely affects the power distribution system due to unpredictable weather conditions. This research applies GIS (Geographic Information System) to assess the solar power from the solar panels at the real-world residential area at a specific date and time. The estimated solar power values have been applied to the distribution model based on the actual residential area in Japan. Moreover, the real data consumption in each house with a 100 percent solar panel installation rate was applied to the model. This research focuses on the 2 hour simulation and derivation of solar power input and residential distribution model with full solar panel installation. To analyze the effects of natural phenomena on the distribution system with a high rate of photovoltaic (PV) panel installation, we developed a novel cloud movement algorithm that occludes the target research area, thereby simulating cloud procession. The results of considering the simulation for 15 minutes revealed the direct impact from the cloud shadow to the overall system, such as voltage fluctuation and power flow disruption. This research proposes the compatibility of full PV installation rates and distribution systems based on the existing area to support distribution system planning before assembling the residential solar panel infrastructure.