Impact Assessment of Distributed Generation on Voltage Profile and Losses in Abuja Distribution Network

This study assesses the impact of distributed photovoltaic generation connected to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company's medium and low voltage distribution network on voltage profiles and system energy losses, providing evidence to guide distributed generation interconnection policy in the Federal Capital Territory. The growth of rooftop solar PV installations by commercial and residential customers in Abuja is beginning to create reverse power flow conditions on distribution feeders designed for unidirectional power delivery, raising voltage regulation concerns. Three representative Abuja distribution feeders of different load and network topology characteristics were modelled in ETAP using data obtained from AEDC's GIS network database. Distributed PV generation scenarios representing 10 percent, 25 percent, and 40 percent penetration of peak feeder load were simulated at the locations of existing and anticipated PV installations, considering both the morning peak and midday solar generation coincidence conditions. Voltage profile analysis shows that 10 and 25 percent PV penetration improves average feeder voltage and reduces resistive line losses on all three feeders. At 40 percent penetration, voltage rise violations above the upper limit of the NERC voltage band occur on the lightly loaded feeder during midday hours. Real power loss analysis shows a 6.8 to 14.2 percent reduction at 25 percent penetration across the modelled feeders. The study recommends that AEDC develop a penetration limit policy of 25 percent per feeder and install additional voltage monitoring points on feeders with high distributed PV uptake. Keywords: distributed generation, voltage profile, solar PV, distribution network, Abuja.