Photovoltaic Power Quality: Prevent Penalties via Power Factor Management

Introduction

More factories and businesses now use solar power systems. But these systems can cause power quality problems. A big issue is low power factor.

Power companies charge extra fees for low power factor. This article explains why solar systems hurt power factor and how YT Electric’s SVGs solve this problem.

What is Power Factor?

Power factor measures how well your equipment uses electricity. It compares “useful power” (kW) to “total power” (kVA). Good power factor is 0.9 or higher. In most countries, if your power factor is below 0.9, power companies will charge penalties.

Why Solar Systems Cause Low Power Factor

Inverters Create Useless Power

Solar panels make DC power. Inverters change DC to AC power for equipment. But this process makes reactive power, which lowers your power factor.

Sunlight Changes Cause Problems

Clouds or weather changes make solar power unstable. This makes voltage go up and down. Unstable voltage also lowers power factor.

Too Much Solar Power

Sometimes solar systems make more power than the factory needs. Extra power flows back to the grid. This can make power factor worse.

Old Solutions Don’t Work Well in Modern PV Systems

Capacitors for Reactive Power Compensation

While capacitors have traditionally been used to address reactive power imbalances in electrical grids, their effectiveness diminishes in high solar penetration scenarios. When photovoltaic (PV) systems generate excess power (e.g., during peak sunlight hours), capacitors struggle to regulate voltage fluctuations or stabilize the grid. Their fixed compensation capacity cannot adapt dynamically to rapid changes in solar output, leading to overvoltage issues or even grid instability.

What is SVG?

YT Electric’s SVG (Static Var Generator) uses voltage inverter technology. It has high-speed electronic switches (IGBTs) inside to precisely control current direction and size. This automatically cancels out wasted power (reactive current) in the grid.

Why YT Electric’s SVG is Better

• Faster Response

Traditional capacitor cabinets take seconds to react. YT Electric’s SVG reacts in 5 milliseconds (100x faster than a blink).

• Higher Accuracy

Power factor stays above 0.99 after compensation, avoiding utility penalties.

• Works for All Power Types

Handles both inductive waste (e.g., motors) and capacitive waste (e.g., cables).

6 Key Advantages of YT Electric SVG

• Real-Time Adjustment: Automatically detects the grid and compensates wasted power in both directions.
• Filters Noise: Removes 2nd–25th order harmonics (e.g., electromagnetic interference from equipment).
• Energy-Saving & Durable: Over 97.5% efficiency, saving 30% more energy than traditional devices.
• Flexible Installation:
• Modular design—wall-mounted, cabinet, or container setups.
• Connects to six external current signals, suitable for new or upgraded grids.
• Multiple Protections: Stops automatically during overcurrent, overvoltage, or overheating to prevent damage.
• Remote Monitoring: Built-in RS485 ports for real-time data tracking via phone or computer.

Contact Us

YT Electric is the biggest OEM manufacturer of low-voltage Active Harmonic Filter and SVG with more than 15 years' experience. All products hold certifications for ISO 9001, CE, and CQC standards, and type test reports support them.

For more information on how our AHFs and SVGs can improve power quality: contact us at sales@yt-electric.com

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