Abstract: Soft open point (SOP) can effectively improve the power flow distribution and voltage level, which has great potential in improving the photovoltaic (PV) acceptance capacity of the distribution network. In order to tap the potential of SOP in improving the PV acceptance capacity of distribution networks, the PV acceptance capacity improving method of distribution networks based on SOP is proposed. Firstly, the principle of SOP to improve the PV capacity of distribution network is analyzed from the aspects of restraining overvoltage and improving power flow distribution. Secondly, an optimization model for improving the PV acceptance capacity of distribution network is proposed, which comprehensively considers the SOP and network reconfiguration. Taking the power flow control parameters of SOP, network topology and PV access capacity as variables, the PV acceptance capacity is calculated by genetic algorithm; Finally, the proposed method of improving the PV acceptance capacity based on SOP is simulated and analyzed. The simulation results show that the PV acceptance capacity of distribution network can be effectively improved through SOP.