The proliferation of renewable energy sources to achieve carbon neutrality has rapidly increased the adoption of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Consequently, specialized solar PV systems have emerged for various installation purposes. This study focuses on grid connecting vertically installed bifacial PV modules facing east and west by establishing a test bed within Republic of Korea. Based on weather and generation data collected in Republic of Korea, located in the middle of latitude 34.98° N, from January to July 2023, we analyzed and compared the generation patterns, peak generation, peak hours, and total generation of conventional and vertical PV systems. Moreover, PVsyst was used to model the solar PV generation and analyze the consistency and viability of vertical PV generation by comparing actual operational data with simulation results. The vertical PV system demonstrated a peak power generation of 89.1% compared with the conventional PV system with bifacial modules. Based on operational data from January to July, the power generation output of the vertical PV system decreased to 65.7% compared with that of the conventional system with bifacial modules. This corresponded to 78.8% to 80.2% based on the PVsyst simulation results. In particular, the investigations related to the peak generation levels and occurrence times of vertical PV systems provide insights into the practicality of vertical solar PV systems and their potential for improving the PV hosting capacity.

Renewable energy sources are being increasingly deployed to achieve carbon neutrality, thereby boosting photovoltaic (PV) system adoptions. Accordingly, vertical PV systems designed for specific installations have been developed. We propose a strategy to enhance the PV hosting capacity of a connected distribution line (DL) by combining vertical installations with modules facing east-west and conventional PV systems with modules facing south at an installation angle of approximately 30°. The data were obtained from a real testbed located in South Korea, which is situated in a mid-latitude region. We analyzed the generation patterns of vertical and combined PV systems (vertical and conventional) to enhance the hosting capacity. The results showed that vertical PV combination ratios of 40–60% effectively flattened the peak generation curve. Additionally, the DL hosting capacity improved by 40% under real-world conditions. In an actual industrial scenario, the system feasibility was validated to be within the voltage maintenance range and thermal capacity of lines in South Korea, indicating that this approach can mitigate the need for additional line installations and renewable energy curtailments. Furthermore, the issue of Duck Curves in the power grid can be addressed by smoothing the power production of the PV systems, particularly during low-demand periods.

Renewable energy sources, particularly solar photovoltaics (PVs), are rapidly expanding to achieve carbon neutrality. Integrated photovoltaic (IPV) solutions in underutilized spaces offer a viable option for countries with land constraints and public opposition. Vertical PV (VPV) systems, featuring bifacial solar modules installed vertically, facing east and west, present a promising alternative. In contrast to conventional tilted PV (CPV) systems, which peak around midday, VPV systems generate more power in the morning and afternoon. This mitigates issues such as the duck curve and curtailment caused by midday overgeneration. Moreover, combining VPV and CPV systems can increase the solar hosting capacity of a distribution line (DL) for PV-system interconnections, driving research interest. This study assessed the hosting-capacity improvements from VPV systems by analyzing voltage fluctuations and thermal constraints using OpenDSS software (Version 9.1.1.1). The potential substitution effect of a smart inverter-based energy-storage system (ESS) was also explored. The analysis, based on real-grid conditions in South Korea, incorporated actual DL data, generation and demand profiles, and operational data from both VPV and CPV systems. Worst-case scenarios were simulated to evaluate their impact on grid stability. The results demonstrate that VPV systems can increase hosting capacity by up to 23% and ensure stable grid operation by reducing power-generation uncertainties.