Integration of photovoltaic units into electric utility grids: Experiment information requirements and selected issues

These issues derive from three attributes of solar electric power concepts, including the variability and unpredictability of the solar resources, the dispersed nature of those resources which suggest the deployment of small dispersed power units, and a high initial capital cost coupled with relatively low operating costs. It is imperative that these integration issues be pursued in parallel with the development of each technology, if the nation's electric utility systems are to effectively utilize these technologies in the near intermediate term. The impacts of onsite photovoltaic units on load duration curves and optimal generation mixes were considered. The impacts of onsite photovoltaic units on utility production costs, with and without dedicated storage and with and without sellback, were analyzed. Current utility rate structure experiments, rationales, policies, practices, and plans were reviewed.