Abstract

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) based distributed generation to distribution networks can improve voltage profile and decrease technical losses when the system is properly located and sized. This study evaluates the effect of PV integration on a selected Abuja distribution network using DIgSILENT PowerFactory and MATLAB-based analysis. The base network was first simulated without PV to establish the initial voltage profile and active and reactive power losses. PV generation was then placed at selected nodes and simulated under penetration levels ranging from 200 kW to 2000 kW. The results show that PV integration generally improves bus voltage magnitude and reduces power losses up to an optimum penetration range. For the tested cases, active power loss reduced from the base value of 0.38 MW to as low as 0.15 MW when PV was installed at node 11, while cases at nodes 12 and 13 also produced meaningful loss reductions. However, further increases in PV penetration caused losses to rise again, indicating that excessive or poorly coordinated PV injection may reduce the expected technical benefits. The findings confirm that PV systems can support voltage enhancement and power loss reduction in distribution networks, provided that the location and penetration level are carefully selected.

Key words: Solar PV, Distributed Generation, Voltage Profile, Power Losses, DIgSILENT PowerFactory