Optimal allocation of solar PV systems in rural areas using genetic algorithms: a case study

This paper presents a case study about the optimal allocation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system in a rural area network using genetic algorithms. After developing a power flow model based on the available network data, the system performance is studied in terms of power losses for different scenarios. Using loss minimisation as an objective function, the optimal location and size of the solar PV system can be found. In addition, fuel saving, loss reduction and environmental benefits of the proposed solar PV system size at the optimal location are quantified. The results show that the optimal location of the planned 100kW solar PV system will reduce power losses by 5.7%. Furthermore, at a 30% penetration level, the optimal location of the solar PV system will reduce the losses by 13.4%.