Power distribution systems could potentially see high penetration of mixed distributed energy resources. This creates a need for new ways to analyze the electrical systems to assure a more resilient, reliable and strong power system. Nowadays, the typical power grid is designed to generate electricity in a dispatchable, centralized mode. The grid typically does not contain much, if any, energy storage capability. In addition to this, the distribution systems have been characterized as having predictable passive loads, without any generation, and largely fed by radial feeders, which means that the power flow is unidirectional from the distribution substations to the customers. The last decade has seen a significant increase in application of renewable generation resources interconnected to both transmission and distribution systems, and this trend is accelerating. The mixed DERs are stochastics sources and are largely not-dispatchable, resulting in potential for power flow from the distribution levels to transmission grid. The incorporation of microgrids has been proposed, with some initial applications. In addition, loads have evolved into more active forms. All these changes make the control of the power grid more complex and add more functions and requirements to reach an optimal operation between all of the entities that make up the power grid of the future. Maintaining or improving the resilience of a power grid will depend on the control of the assets connected into the grid. These assets can be classified as controllable and noncontrollable. This thesis will focus on adding dynamic reactive power sources at pinch points in the distribution system to improve resilience. The scheme will be tested in a distribution model that is presented as an approximation of a possible electrical grid of the future. A method for sizing the reactive compensators will be presented and tested through simulation looking at different levels of solar penetration. The optimal location and sizing of the DSTATCOMs aligned to the reactive power requirements will be analyzed for different scenarios. At the end, these results will provide data for the evaluation of resilient metrics of these systems. On a different note, the application of PV systems has grown in the last years because of the carbon dioxide reduction needs and the growth of the electrical energy demand. Locations where the power grid is not accessible are the ideal to use this new source of energy, such cases are known as stand-alone system installations since they are not connected to the power grid. However, since the dependency on the daylight solar energy resource; many applications include batteries to provide electricity when the sunlight is not available. Therefore, an assessment of two types of solar cells will be included in this thesis to decide which of them will be more efficient to use for small stand-alone applications.