@ARTICLE{ iet:/content/journals/10.1049/iet-rpg.2016.0768, author = {Diane Palmer}, affiliation = { Centre of Renewable Energy Systems and Technology, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK }, author = {Elena Koubli}, affiliation = { Centre of Renewable Energy Systems and Technology, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK }, author = {Ian Cole}, affiliation = { Centre of Renewable Energy Systems and Technology, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK }, author = {Thomas Betts}, affiliation = { Centre of Renewable Energy Systems and Technology, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK }, author = {Ralph Gottschalg}, affiliation = { Centre of Renewable Energy Systems and Technology, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK }, keywords = {solar radiation;PV generation variability;system dispersion;UK;grid distribution;current distribution;UK solar farms;geographical distribution;site clustering;aggregate irradiance variability reduction;}, ISSN = {1752-1416}, language = {English}, abstract = {This study investigates how the number and geographical distribution of solar installations may reduce aggregate irradiance variability and therefore lessen the overall impact of photovoltaic (PV) on grid distribution. The current distribution of UK solar farms is analysed. It is found that variability is linked to site clustering. Other factors may include distance and direction between sites, proximity to coast, local topography and weather patterns (i.e. wind, cloud etc.). These factors do not operate in isolation but form a complex and unpredictable system. The UK solar farm fleet currently comprises a range of system sizes which, when viewed en masse, reduces temporal variation in PV generation. The predominant southwest–northeast direction of solar farm groups is also beneficial in reducing output variability within grid supply point areas.}, title = {Comparison of solar radiation and PV generation variability: system dispersion in the UK}, journal = {IET Renewable Power Generation}, issue = {5}, volume = {11}, year = {2017}, month = {April}, pages = {550-557(7)}, publisher ={Institution of Engineering and Technology}, copyright = {This is an open access article published by the IET under the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)}, url = {https://digital-library.theiet.org/;jsessionid=1a1040doxp5hp.x-iet-live-01content/journals/10.1049/iet-rpg.2016.0768} }