Date of Graduation

5-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Electrical Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Balda, Juan C.

Abstract

The utilization of new and alternative energy sources, specifically solar energy, has been on the rise and will continue to grow as we attempt to diminish our use and dependency on older, nonrenewable energy sources. One of the biggest challenges involved with the use of solar energy, or renewable energy in general, is how to provide this energy for general public use. Some of the limiting factors to this are the efficiency in which solar power can be harvested and converted into usable energy, and the cost of the technology to do this. Recent technological developments have included the microinverter, which harvests dc solar power and converts it into usable ac power on a per-module basis, making the technology a viable option for those looking to benefit from solar power. However, problems arise with solar power such as photovoltaic (PV) intermittency. PV intermittency can affect the output power quality and reliability of a PV system. But, by better understanding PV intermittency, steps can be taken in order to enhance PV systems. But regardless of the effects that intermittency has on PV system output, the benefits a large scaled PV system can have on a distribution system can still be analyzed. This thesis details the work I have done as an undergraduate, which includes testing of a microinverter, collecting irradiance data and analyzing the effects that a PV system can have on the voltage regulation of a distribution system.

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