This paper proposes a decentralized control strategy for higher penetration of photovoltaic (PV) units without violating system operating constraints. A systematic procedure is developed and a robust controller is designed to ensure both dynamic voltage and transient stability for a specific PV integration level. The change in the model due to the volatile nature of PV generations is considered as an uncertain term in the design algorithm. Simultaneous output-feedback linear quadratic controllers are designed for PV generators. This designed control scheme is robust with respect to intermittency and enhances the integration level in a sub-transmission and distributed system. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is verified on a 43-bus industrial meshed distribution system under large disturbances. It is found that the designed control scheme enhances stability and increases the renewable integration levels. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.