This paper is directed to evaluate the impact that the future widespread use of photovoltaic grid connected systems (PVGCSs) will have on feeder operation. With it view to achieve a global vision of this impact, the present work investigates representative feeders located in different latitudes. Actual rural and urban distribution feeders belonging to the Spanish electric utility have been selected and analyzed in both northern and southern latitudes. The analysis identifies the operating variables to assess the PV impact in the different feeders. These critical variables are related to the design and performance characteristics of the feeder. Meteorological conditions at the installation site, load patterns, PV allocation and penetration are the main factors affecting this PV impact. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.