The adoption of photovoltaic (PV) solar and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations offers both opportunities and challenges for power utilities. Due to the deployment of these new technologies, utilities today must cope with an increasingly dynamic power distribution grid than when the grid was built. To effectively manage the impact of electrification, utilities can employ a mix of both conventional and next-generation solutions. Innovations in grid-edge technology — such as next-generation advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and smart PV inverters — will enable devices to respond rapidly to local conditions. These technologies will enhance the flexibility of the distribution grid via quick local control from edge computing and influence system loading via market signals.

Understanding the technological advancements and operational changes required to maintain reliable power is critical for utilities and grid operators.

In this report you’ll learn about:

•Power quality issues associated with solar PV deployment.

•The aggregate impact of consumers generating their own power and charging their EVs. 

•Distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS).

•Technological solutions to enhance the flexibility of the distribution grid.