Effects of Solar Photovoltaic Penetration on the Behavior of Grid-Connected Loads

Recently, the authority for electricity regulations in Oman introduced a new regulation for grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. One of the main concerns is how the penetration of the grid-connected PV systems would affect the Mazoon Electricity Company’s (MZEC) load behavior, especially at peak times. This paper presents the behavior of grid-connected loads considering the MZEC, which is one of the power distribution companies in Oman. The Al Bashir primary substation load distribution network was used as a case study. The MZEC peak load pattern was considered with respect to solar PV connection regulations in Oman. Furthermore, the various timings for electricity billing and the expected incentives were also used in evaluating the economical benefits of integrating the solar PV systems into the power grid. Data were collected for two years for the feeder and distribution transformers in the power grid. The export and import average power generation within the period of the study were also investigated. The behavior of the grid loads was investigated before and after installing the PV systems. The variables of the average power, load import, and export for different periods were used to evaluate the system performance. The obtained results reflect that with proper synchronization of the solar PV systems in the power grid, the maximum load of the primary substation decreased from 80% to 40%, considerably saving cost. Consequently, more consumers could be fed with the excess solar power, with less distribution transformers in the power grid.