A comprehensive review of power quality mitigation in the scenario of solar PV integration into utility grid

Solar photo-voltaic (SPV) is a major contributor of renewable energy (RE) sources, which plays an important role in tackling climate change, reducing the cost of energy, improving the reliability of power supply, and providing access to energy. SPV is a major hope for “access to energy” for remote populations which are deprived of the conventional grid due to economical and feasibility issues. These issues are to be tackled in due course of time to enhance the reliability of the supply. The Extension of the grid to these areas weakens the strength of the grid. This results in a scenario of PV integration into a weak AC grid. However, solar integration into a weak AC grid provides power quality (PQ) challenges that limit the penetration levels. The other components which limit penetration levels include non-linear loads, dynamic loads, variable irradiations and partial shading etc. Various DFACTS devices in association with different conventional, adaptive and AI-based algorithms have been proposed in this article to mitigate PQ challenges associated with a weak grid to enhance penetration levels of Solar PV. This article provides a comprehensive review of various power quality challenges associated with SPV penetration and PQ mitigation techniques involving various DFACTS devices and control algorithms such as conventional control, adaptive control, and AI-based control algorithms. More than 130 research articles have been rigorously assessed, categorized, and listed in this article for quick reference for the advantage of engineers and academicians working in this area of research.