If you work with utility-scale or community solar PV, you may have heard the utility refer to the term “power flow study”, also called “load flow study”, and wonder what that is. Utility distribution feeders are designed and operated at medium voltage, also called primary voltage, which is typically between Read more…
The latest revision of IEEE 1547TM-2018 – IEEE Standard for Interconnection and Interoperability of Distributed Energy Resources with Associated Electric Power Interfaces turns five years old this year. Many Solar PV developers and engineers that are just entering the industry aren’t familiar with the standard’s background and the requirements that Read more…
Interconnection standards for DER (Distributed Energy Resources) connecting to utility transmission and distribution systems have evolved and will continue to change in the coming decades. DER includes IBR (inverter-based resources), such as solar PV, battery energy storage, and V2G (vehicle-to-grid), but also synchronous machine-based generation and other types of generation. Read more…
IEEE 1547-2018, IEEE Standard for Interconnection and Interoperability of Distributed Energy Resources with Associated Electric Power Systems Interfaces, is the standard for interconnecting all technologies of DER (Distributed Energy Resources), including solar PV and battery storage to distribution systems. The standard is critical to the industry, since it contains requirements Read more…
The development and publishing of interconnection standards and guides to facilitate the large numbers of grid-connected DER (Distributed Energy Resources) to utility systems in the coming years continues, with a new guide focused on energy storage. On August 5 of 2022, IEEE published IEEE 1547.9-2022, “IEEE Guide for Using IEEE Read more…
THE RECORDING OF THIS 90-MINUTE WEBINAR IS NOW AT AVAILABLE. GO TO WEBINAR! I’ll be having a free webinar on Wednesday, June 8th 12-1:30pm on Utility-Scale Solar PV and Distribution Voltage Challenges. This will be on the HeatSpring platform, and is approved for one NABCEP CEU! If you or your Read more…
I just launched a new 8-week course called “Interconnection of Utility-Scale Solar PV to Distribution”. With the growth in Utility-Scale Solar PV strong, the need is increasing for knowledgeable people that understand the electrical considerations and challenges with interconnection. You can watch a video describing the course here. To learn Read more…
Below is a preview video of a course I designed and developed for anyone that wants to learn 28 key components of a distribution system, through video, photos, diagrams, and discussion. It’s great for utility personnel, solar developers, clean energy entrepreneurs – anyone that needs a basic understanding of distribution Read more…
When I first started out in electric distribution over 30 years ago, one of the things that helped build my knowledge base quickly was the Power System Engineering Course. It was offered at my employer at the time (GE in Schenectady, NY), and even though I already had my Master’s Read more…