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Assessing Costs of Community Solar Integration via Optimal Distribution Grid Expansion

Miguel Heleno, Alan Valenzuela, Alexandre Moreira, Juan Pablo Carvallo

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of distribution grid upgrades costs necessary to integrate Community Solar (CS) projects. The innovative methodology proposed for this quantification is based on incremental least-cost expansion of the distribution system, encompassing both traditional and non-traditional grid upgrade strategies. Realistic infrastructure investment costs are obtained using a dataset of over 2,500 feeders, including various loading scenarios, and compared with empirical costs of integrating real CS projects. The results are then used to evaluate costs and deferrals from the consumers' and project developers' perspectives, assess the nature of the infrastructure upgrades and explore the potential benefits of a strategic siting of CS projects. This analysis is summarized in a set of regulatory and policy recommendations to support planning and valuation aspects related to CS.

Assessing Costs of Community Solar Integration via Optimal Distribution Grid Expansion

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of distribution grid upgrades costs necessary to integrate Community Solar (CS) projects. The innovative methodology proposed for this quantification is based on incremental least-cost expansion of the distribution system, encompassing both traditional and non-traditional grid upgrade strategies. Realistic infrastructure investment costs are obtained using a dataset of over 2,500 feeders, including various loading scenarios, and compared with empirical costs of integrating real CS projects. The results are then used to evaluate costs and deferrals from the consumers' and project developers' perspectives, assess the nature of the infrastructure upgrades and explore the potential benefits of a strategic siting of CS projects. This analysis is summarized in a set of regulatory and policy recommendations to support planning and valuation aspects related to CS.
Paper Structure (24 sections, 9 equations, 6 figures, 2 tables)

This paper contains 24 sections, 9 equations, 6 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Literature Review
  3. Contributions
  4. Methodology overview
  5. Community solar vs behind-the-meter PV
  6. Feeder netload scenarios
  7. Upgrades and costs
  8. Methodology workflow
  9. Granularity of the expansion plan
  10. Least-cost optimal distribution grid expansion formulation
  11. Objective
  12. Nodal balance and reference voltage
  13. Fixed lines segments
  14. Candidates line segments for reconductoring
  15. Tap changing
  16. ...and 9 more sections

Figures (6)

  • Figure 1: Flowchart of the methodology.
  • Figure 2: (a) distribution of CS integration costs obtained across feeders for different netload scenarios, Base, High Rooftop PV, High Load. (b) comparison of positive cost distribution with real CS integration costs reported in MN SG_2020SG_2021.
  • Figure 3: Distribution of costs and deferrals relative to the size of CS projects (a,b) and relative to the energy demand (c,d).
  • Figure 4: Incremental costs ("High Rooftop PV" scenario) and deferrals ("High Load" scenario) per type of upgrade and feeder. “New Investments” and “Investments Replaced” refer to the upgrades with and without CS,respectively.
  • Figure 5: The number of feeders with CS capacity downsizing as an economically viable solution for CS integration. Comparison between random and optimal siting (PV Case)
  • ...and 1 more figures