Distributed solars require inverters

Can distributed inverter control make solar energy more resilient?

A recent paper co-authored by EIT’s Dr Hossein Tafti explores a distributed approach to inverter control, offering a practical path to more stable, resilient solar energy systems. The global shift toward renewable energy is pushing photovoltaic (PV) systems into a more prominent role on national grids.

How do inverters provide grid services?

In order to provide grid services, inverters need to have sources of power that they can control. This could be either generation, such as a solar panel that is currently producing electricity, or storage, like a battery system that can be used to provide power that was previously stored.

Do inverters provide or absorb reactive power?

Modern inverters can both provide and absorb reactive power to help grids balance this important resource. In addition, because reactive power is difficult to transport long distances, distributed energy resources like rooftop solar are especially useful sources of reactive power.

What is solar inverter based generation?

As more solar systems are added to the grid, more inverters are being connected to the grid than ever before. Inverter-based generation can produce energy at any frequency and does not have the same inertial properties as steam-based generation, because there is no turbine involved.