Abstarct: This thesis presents a method for small-signal dynamic studies of power systems including utility-scale PV energy systems considering the effects of dc-side components. Existing methods commonly model a PV energy system as a dc source connected to a grid-tied inverter. This thesis shows that the dc components of a PV energy system can also contribute in the dynamics of the power system in the range of small-signal studies. The thesis first develops the model of a PV energy system by merging the sub-models of dc- and ac-side components. Then, a method to obtain the augmented model of the power system including a PV energy system will be explained using a study system. The study system consists of a PV energy system in parallel with a synchronous generator connected to a grid. Then, based on eigenvalue analysis, verified by time-domain simulations, it is shown that the dc-link capacitor, front-end converter and its controller can introduce oscillatory modes in sub-synchronous range of frequencies. Furthermore, it is shown that the damping of the sensitive modes can significantly vary with respect to the parameters of the dc-side components. After presenting the complete PV model, including the dc-side components, this thesis presents and investigates dynamic features of the reduced order models for photovoltaic energy systems using a frequency response approach. The thesis employs transfer function (TF) method to describe both full-order and reduced- order systems models. Transfer functions provide means to compare system models over a specific range of frequency. Various reduced order models are derived by eliminating the inverter ac-side filter, the dc-side components including dc/dc converter and maximum power point tracking controller, dc-link capacitor, and fast current control loop dynamics. Test results obtained for a study system show that in the range of 1-100Hz, the dynamics of the ac-side filter and fast current control loop does not affect the small signal stability and thus can be eliminated. More importantly, the thesis shows that removing the dc-side and dc-link capacitor dynamics which are conventionally replaced with a dc source, eliminate critical dynamic modes in the frequency range of interest. The test results are verified based on the eigenvalue analysis and time domain simulation of the study system considering small disturbances at the ac- and dc-side quantities. Key Words : Dynamic stability, Eigenvalue analysis, PV penetration, Photovoltaic power plants, PV system Small signal model , Reduced order Model, Frequency response.