Enabling Grid-Compliant Integration of a 15 MW Solar PV Project in Rajasthan
Power Quality and Reactive Power Compensation Studies for a 15 MW Solar PV development in Jodhpur, Rajasthan — connecting a 6 MW existing facility with a new 9 MW expansion to the 132 kV RVPNL substation
As renewable energy projects continue to expand in scale and complexity, grid connection studies have become a critical step in securing approvals and ensuring long-term operational reliability.
Power Projects recently completed a comprehensive suite of Power Quality and Reactive Power Compensation Studies for a 15 MW Solar PV development in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The project combined an existing 6 MW solar facility with a new 9 MW expansion and connects to the utility network through a 33 kV interconnection linked to the 132 kV RVPNL substation.
The objective was straightforward: demonstrate that the expanded facility could operate in compliance with applicable grid requirements while maintaining acceptable power quality and voltage performance across a range of operating conditions.
The Challenge
The project presented several technical challenges that required detailed analysis before grid integration could be confidently assessed.
Most notably, the plant was connected to a relatively weak network represented by:
Network Parameters — Weak Grid Conditions
Under these conditions, inverter-based renewable generation can face increased sensitivity to voltage variations, reactive power requirements, and harmonic performance. In addition, the generating station was required to demonstrate compliance with power factor requirements ranging from 0.95 lagging to 0.95 leading while maintaining acceptable voltage levels across the network.
The assessment also needed to verify performance across multiple operating scenarios, including generation levels from 10% to 100% of plant output.
Our Approach
Using PSCAD Version 5.0.2 and PSS®E Version 36.3, Power Projects developed detailed models of the solar facility and surrounding network to evaluate both steady-state and power quality performance.
Plant Configuration Assessed
Study Programme
Power Quality Assessment
- Harmonic analysis
- DC current injection assessment
- Flicker analysis
Grid Performance & Reactive Power
- Reactive power compensation studies
- Power factor compliance verification
- Voltage profile assessment
- Reactive power capability verification
Results
The studies confirmed that the solar plant satisfies key technical requirements for grid connection and operation.
Harmonic Compliance
Individual harmonic current distortion levels at the 33 kV Point of Interconnection remain within specified limits. Total voltage harmonic distortion also found to be compliant.
IEEE 519-2022DC Current Injection
Maximum DC current injection at the POI — significantly below the permitted limit.
Limit: 0.5% (IEEE 1547-2018)Flicker Performance
Short-term and long-term flicker assessments satisfied requirements, confirming that no additional mitigation measures were necessary.
IEC 61000Reactive Power Capability
The plant successfully demonstrated its ability to provide reactive power equivalent to 33% of active power output in accordance with applicable CEA requirements.
CEA RequirementsVoltage Performance
Across all assessed operating conditions, bus voltages remained within the acceptable operating range.
Project Outcome
The completed studies provided the technical evidence required to demonstrate that the 15 MW Solar PV facility can:
Meet utility interconnection requirements
Comply with applicable power quality standards
Maintain acceptable voltage performance
Support network reactive power requirements
Operate reliably under weak grid conditions
Achieve regulatory compliance for grid connectivity
By combining detailed electromagnetic transient analysis in PSCAD with network modelling in PSS®E, Power Projects delivered a complete grid integration assessment supporting the safe, reliable and compliant connection of the solar facility to the Rajasthan utility network.
Whether supporting new renewable developments, plant expansions, or grid compliance assessments, our team provides the technical studies required to de-risk projects and support successful network integration.