Power characteristics of PV ensembles: experiences from the combined powerproduction of 100 grid connected PV systems distributed over the area of Germany

Monitored data from 100 PV systems were used to study effects of combined p ower generation of these systems, compared to the characteristics of an ind ividual system. The standard deviation curve of an average dairy power gene ration profile of 1 month is significantly decreased for the ensemble and c orresponds to predictions based on cross-correlation characteristics of the radiation field. Power fluctuations between the monitored time intervals o f more than 58 of the installed power have disappeared. The analysed energy spectrum of the combined power generation reveals that the produced energy is generated in a range below 65% of the overall installed power. The ense mble of PV systems supplies a calculable fraction of PV power within a cert ain time window around noon in the summer period, underlining the capabilit y of reliable power production of a PV ensemble. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.