Summary
This paper reviews the issue of flicker produced by photovoltaic systems. A brief introduction is given to flicker and the basic mechanism by which flicker can be produced by clouds passing over a PV array. Flicker can also be produced by the control actions of PV inverters but that mechanism is not considered in this paper. The properties of clouds relevant to PV flicker are discussed, including the fact that clouds transmit some sunlight through them, that they travel across the Earth's surface at a finite speed and that there is an area of partial shading surrounding a cloud. These produce a ramp rather than a step change in output of a PV system and this effect on flicker is described by the flicker shape factor.
Read more Read lessThe transfer of flicker between voltage levels and hence into a wider network is described in terms of a flicker transfer coefficient. As PV systems are connected at low voltage, the upstream transfer coefficient is the applicable parameter. A number of references are considered, which all indicate that the upstream transfer characteristic can be taken as zero.
A number of previous studies are reviewed, none of which indicate that flicker from PV systems is likely to be a problem. Data from two Australian network service providers on flicker complaints is discussed. It is concluded that there seems no reason to continue to view cloud-induced flicker from PV systems as any sort of problem.
Additional informations
| Publication type | Session Materials |
|---|---|
| Reference | C6_10337_2026 |
| Publication year | |
| Publisher | CIGRE |
| Country | Australia |
| Study committees | |
| File size | 743 KB |
| Price for non member | 30 € |
| Price for member | 30 € |
Authors
BROWN Ray - RBPE, Australia
Keywords
