Renewable System Interconnection Study
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the Renewable Systems Interconnection (RSI) study during the spring of 2007. This study addresses the technical and analytical challenges that must be addressed to enable high penetration levels of distributed renewable energy technologies. Integration-related issues at the distribution system are likely to emerge first for PV technology, so the RSI study focuses on this area. A key goal of the RSI study is to identify the research and development (R&D) needed to build the foundation for a high-penetration renewable energy future while enhancing the operation of the electricity grid.
The RSI study consists of 15 reports that address a variety of issues related to the following:
- Distributed systems technology development
- Advanced distribution systems integration
- System-level tests and demonstrations
- Technical and market analysis
- Resource assessment
- Codes, standards, and regulatory implementation.
Addressing grid-integration issues is a necessary prerequisite for the long-term viability of the distributed renewable energy industry, in general, and the distributed PV industry, in particular. The RSI study is one step on this path. The DOE is also working with stakeholders to develop an R&D plan aimed at making this vision a reality.
The individual RSI reports are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader.
Renewable Systems Interconnection: Executive Summary (PDF 2.4 MB)
B. Kroposki and R. Margolis, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; G. Kuswa, J. Torres, and W. Bower, Sandia National Laboratories Albuquerque; T. Key, Electric Power Research Institute; D. Ton, U.S. Department of Energy Washington
Distributed Photovoltaic Systems Design and Technology Requirements (PDF 505 KB)
C. Whitaker and J. Newmiller, BEW Engineering; M. Ropp, Northern Plains Power Technologies; B. Norris, Norris Energy Consulting
Advanced Grid Planning and Operation (PDF 3.8 MB)
M. McGranaghan, T. Ortmeyer, D. Crudele, T. Key, and J. Smith, EPRI; P. Barker, NOVA Energy Specialists LLC
Utility Models, Analysis, and Simulation Tools (PDF 1.2 MB)
T. Ortmeyer, R. Dugan, and D. Crudele, EPRI; P. Barker, NOVA Energy Specialists LLC
Cyber Security Analysis (PDF 1.1 MB)
A. McIntyre, Sandia National Laboratories
Power System Planning: Emerging Practices Suitable for Evaluating the Impact of High-Penetration Photovoltaics (PDF 564 KB)
J. Bebic, GE Global Research
Distribution System Voltage Performance Analysis for High-Penetration Photovoltaics (PDF 540 KB)
E. Liu and J. Bebic, GE Global Research
Enhanced Reliability of Photovoltaic Systems with Energy Storage and Controls (PDF 1.4 MB)
D. Manz, O. Schelenz, R. Chandra, S. Bose, M. de Rooij, and J. Bebic, GE Global Research
Transmission System Performance Analysis for High-Penetration Photovoltaics (PDF 1.7 MB)
S. Achilles, S. Schramm, and J. Bebic, GE Global Research
Solar Resource Assessment (PDF 1.1 MB)
D. Renné, R. George, S. Wilcox, T. Stoffel, D. Myers, and D. Heimiller, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Test and Demonstration Program Definition (PDF 963 KB)
C. Whitaker and J. Newmiller, BEW Engineering; M. Ropp, Northern Plains Power Technologies; B. Norris, Norris Energy Consulting
Photovoltaics Value Analysis (PDF 1.3 MB)
J.L. Contreras, L. Frantzis, S. Blazewicz, D. Pinault, and H. Sawyer, Navigant Consulting Inc.
Photovoltaics Business Models (PDF 1.0 MB)
L. Frantzis, S. Graham, R. Katofsky, and H. Sawyer, Navigant Consulting Inc.
Production Cost Modeling for High Levels of Photovoltaics Penetration (PDF 754 KB)
P. Denholm, R. Margolis, and J. Milford, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Rooftop Photovoltaics Market Penetration Scenarios (PDF 3.6 MB)
J. Paidipati, L. Frantzis, H. Sawyer, and A. Kurrasch, Navigant Consulting, Inc.