Connecting Photovoltaic Systems to the Distribution Grid: Solar Power Integration
A special issue of Solar (ISSN 2673-9941).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 April 2026 | Viewed by 1746
Special Issue Editor
Interests: photovoltaic system technology; grid connection of photovoltaic systems; photovoltaic and distribution grid standards; photovoltaic laboratory (inverters, modules); increase in PV hosting capacity; curtailment and firm power of PV systems
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
In many countries, solar power already contributes more than 10% to the annual energy electricity mix, with some surpassing even the 15% threshold. This development often implies that peak solar generation exceeds minimum national electricity demand. At the same time, every country operates power plants that must remain connected to the grid for stability reasons. Together, these factors call for a fundamental rethinking of how photovoltaic (PV) systems are integrated into the grid. The challenge is particularly pronounced in regions where PV generation is primarily connected to distribution networks or even to low-voltage grids. Instead of a handful of large, controllable power plants, tens or hundreds of thousands of small-scale PV systems must suddenly contribute to maintaining grid stability.
This Special Issue addresses these emerging challenges and explores possible solutions. How can electricity grids remain stable under high shares of solar power? To what extent is grid expansion required, and when does expansion become economically inefficient—serving primarily to accommodate power peaks at times of negative tariffs? We invite contributions that provide technical insights into these questions. Both technical research papers and market-oriented articles with a strong technical perspective are welcome.
Prof. Dr. Christof Bucher
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- photovoltaic (PV) grid integration
- high solar penetration challenges
- distribution and transmission grid stability
- decentralized grid control
- grid reinforcement versus curtailment strategies
- voltage and frequency regulation with decentralized generation
- energy storage integration
- grid-forming converters
- distribution grid protection strategies with grid-forming converters
- market design and incentives: technical implications
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