Irish Large Scale Solar PV Opportunities: A Viability Analysis Prioritising the Influence of System Harmonics

This paper considers the techno-logistical considerations involved in designing for a large scale (>100 kW) distributed generation (DG) opportunity. The logistical considerations involve site feasibility assessment in terms of resource, land requirements and PV plant design, whereas the technical considerations prioritise the impact that PV inverters can have on the performance of a power system; particularly in the context of the detrimental effects manifested by harmonic distortions. The analysis demonstrates that without proper consideration of the PV system configuration and how PV inverters are employed, capacity rating breaches will affect both the DSO and the consumer. Ultimately, the results point towards a need for policy measures that encourage power system studies at the logistical stage of development to encourage what is ‘the ultimate’ in a sustainable energy resource.