Publications Details

On the Path to SunShot: Emerging Issues and Challenges in Integrating Solar with the Distribution System

Broderick, Robert J.; Palmintier, Bryan; Mather, Bary; Coddington, Michael; Baker, Kyri; Ding, Fei; Reno, Matthew J.; Lave, Matthew S.; Bharatkumar, Ashwini

From 2010 through the first half of 2015, the installed capacity of solar photovoltaics (PV) connected to the U.S. distribution system increased sixfold, from approximately 1.8 GW to more than 11 GW. This accounts for over half of the approximate total U.S. solar installations of 20 GW. Distributed generation from PV (DGPV) is expected to comprise 50%–60% of total U.S. PV capacity through at least 2020. The rapid deployment of high penetrations of DGPV into the distribution system has both highlighted challenges and demonstrated many successful examples of integrating higher penetration levels than previously thought possible. In this report, we analyze challenges, solutions, and research needs in the context of DGPV deployment to date and the much higher levels of integration that are expected with the achievement of the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot targets.