The present paper proposes a new methodology to solve a problem in the literature in which a consumer becomes eligible for reactive power excess charging (RPEC) after installing a photovoltaic (PV) system, even if its reactive demand has not changed. This problem mainly affects this kind of consumer, which is known as PV prosumers, in countries where the power factor at the point of common coupling (PCC) is used as the main parameter in calculating reactive power excess charges instead of directly pricing the surplus reactive energy delivered from the distribution network. The classical approaches to reducing or eliminating RPEC are based on providing reactive power within the consumer’s installations from their PV inverters and their capacitor banks. However, the solutions presented require optimization studies since the costs of producing reactive energy can be even higher than the penalties involved. In this context, we developed a new hourly-based optimization model for the RPEC problem based on the variable neighborhood search meta-heuristic and the Fibonacci search method. In addition, we apply the proposed methodology to two medium voltage prosumers in Santo André, Brazil. The results showed the proposal’s effectiveness, mitigating RPEC and minimizing the prosumers’ electricity bills without installing new equipment to supply their reactive demand. The best results were found when reactive power was delivered by the capacitor bank and PV inverters simultaneously rather than applying these solutions separately. The proposed hourly-based correction method can help in day-ahead energy management, avoiding premature wear from switching the consumer’s reactive power compensation equipment switches. Also, the methodology proposal improved the power factor at the utility substation, which benefits the power distribution systems.

As the level of penetration of intermittent sources in the distribution network increases, the dynamism required to maintain the quality of the energy is proportionally higher as it affects the reliability, protection and operation of energy systems. An analysis of the literature shows that the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a solution that has been attracted a lot of attention lately. The present work studies the implementation and the control of a BESS in a photovoltaic solar power plant connected to the electric grid, providing power control and offering reserve of energy in case of contingencies. The study is based on computational modeling and simulation using the Matlab/Simulink software and shows that with the insertion of BESS it is possible to provide a constant power to the network, mitigating the effects of generation fluctuations that are characteristic in photovoltaic generation.

The accumulation of dust and other environmental contaminants in the photovoltaic modules, classified as "soiling", results in a decrease at the solar irradiance that reaches the module's semiconductor junctions and, therefore, reduces the generation of electrical energy. In this context, it is relevant to study this factor impact on the performance of photovoltaic systems installed in different regions, so that you can determine the need for periodic cleaning maintenance through a schedule that takes into account the cost and benefit of this action on the final product, which is electrical energy. Therefore, this research work aimed to analyze the effects of the accumulation of dirt on the surface of the modules on the performance of PV systems, in a project located in Santo André, São Paulo, determining the loss of performance in the generation of electricity caused by dust accumulated over a year and ten months of natural exposure, using IxV curves measured in a field work, in a method of comparing dirty and clean references. The result achieved indicated a loss in power of 16.04% soiling associated. O acúmulo de sujeira e outros contaminantes ambientais nos módulos fotovoltaicos, classificados como sujidade, resulta em diminuição da irradiância solar que alcança as junções semicondutoras do módulo e portanto, reduz a geração de energia elétrica. Neste contexto, torna-se relevante o estudo do impacto deste fator sobre o desempenho dos sistema fotovoltaicos instalados em diferentes regiões, para que se possa determinar a necessidade de manutenção de limpeza periódica por meio de um cronograma que leve em conta o custo e beneficio desta ação no produto final, que é a energia elétrica. Portanto, este trabalho de pesquisa buscou analisar os efeitos do acúmulo de sujeira sobre a superfície dos módulos no desempenho dos sistemas FV, em um empreendimento localizado no município de Santo André, São Paulo, determinando a perda de desempenho na geração de energia elétrica causada pela sujeira acumulada ao longo de um ano e dez meses de exposição natural, utilizando curvas IxV medidas em campo, em um método de comparação entre referências sujas e limpas. O resultado alcançado apontou uma perda em potência de 16,04% associado à sujidade.

Observada a grande quantia despendida pelas instituições públicas de ensino superior com as despesas de energia elétrica, a ANEEL lançou a Chamada nº. 001/2016 para abrir espaço para novas pesquisas e minimizar os impactos da alta demanda de energia elétrica nessas instituições. Nesse contexto, torna-se necessário mensurar se os projetos em desenvolvimento estão obtendo resultados promissores. Assim, esse trabalho buscou analisar, por meio de um estudo de caso desenvolvido na UFABC, como a implementação de uma miniusina fotovoltaica e o retrofit do sistema de iluminação podem beneficiar a instituição. Os resultados das simulações utilizando o software PVSyst © Copyright mostram que a implementação da minigeração nos campi SA e SBC pode representar uma economia anual de R$ 441.977,25. Já o retrofit no sistema de iluminação gera uma redução de R$ 350.827,49 anual com gastos em energia elétrica. Logo, é possível notar que as ações em desenvolvimento, trazem relevantes benefícios financeiros e acadêmicos à instituição.