Integrating Solar PV into Utility System Operations

Deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation is growing rapidly in the United States. Utilities and system operators are increasingly studying the impact of PV on operations, including short-term variability and uncertainty. Consideration of the complex issues surrounding subhourly variability and forecasting of PV power output has been somewhat limited because of the difficulty increating realistic subhourly PV data sets and forecast errors for future scenarios with increased PV production. This study develops a systematic framework for estimating the increase in operating costs as a result of variability and uncertainty in renewable resources, uses the framework to quantify integration costs associated with subhourly solar power variability and uncertainty, and showshow changes in system operations may affect these costs.