Performance Analysis of Solar PV-Based Renewable Power Distributed Generation in the Sapele Distribution Network

High technical losses, poor voltage regulation, and overloaded transformers are persistent issues in Nigerian distribution networks such as the Sapele 11 kV feeder. This study investigates the use of solar photovoltaic (PV)-based distributed generation (DG) as a technical solution to enhance distribution network performance. A simulation-based methodology was implemented using ETAP for load-flow analysis with the Newton–Raphson method, while the Bat Algorithm was employed to obtain the optimal locations and sizes of PV-DG units. Network performance was assessed in terms of bus voltage profile, active and reactive power losses, and transformer loading before and after DG integration. The results show that PV-DG integration significantly improves network operation: the minimum bus voltage rose from 87.82% to above 97%, total active power loss decreased from 1013.84 kW to 93.11 kW, and reactive power losses were substantially reduced. Overloaded transformers were also relieved, with critically loaded units brought within acceptable limits. These outcomes demonstrate that optimally allocated solar PV-based DG can strengthen distribution network performance, improve service reliability, and provide a practical support option for weak radial feeders in Nigeria.