Recently, much attention in Japan has been given to photovoltaic (PV) systems, which are being rapidly installed in ever greater numbers on homes. However, various concerns over potential adverse implications on the secure operation of the power systems that could result from large-scale installation of PV systems have been identified, such as large-scale PV causing frequency variations or causing voltage variations in distribution networks. This study presents findings on performing direct load control in an artificial climate chamber capable of constant outside air temperature control, and focuses on the potential for using load-variable residential Air-Conditioning (AC) units in order to promote the large-scale introduction of PV. Specifically, measurements were taken of power consumption, room temperature, suction air temperature, and blow air temperature while altering inside air temperature over several minute intervals, and the power consumption variability of AC unit was assessed, while also evaluating the effects on thermal comfort index inside the room. © 2011 The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan.