Considering the strong influence of distributed generation (DG) in electric distribution systems and its impact on network voltage losses and stability, a new challenge has appeared for such systems. In this study, a novel analytical algorithm is proposed to distinguish the optimal location and size of DGs in radial distribution networks based on a new combined index (CI) to reduce active power losses and improve system voltage profiles. To obtain the CI, active power losses and voltage

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... y indexes were used in the proposed approach. The CI index with sensitivity analysis was effective in decreasing power losses and improving voltage stability. Optimal DG size was determined based on a search algorithm to reduce active power losses. The considered scheme was examined through IEEE 12-bus and 33-bus radial distribution test systems (RDTS), and the obtained results were compared and validated in comparison with other available methods. The results and analysis verified the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in reducing power losses and improving the distribution system voltage profiles by determining the appropriate location and optimal DG size. In IEEE 12 and 33 bus networks, the minimum voltage increased from 0.9434 p.u and 0.9039 p.u to 0.9907 p.u and 0.9402 p.u, respectively. Additionally, the annual cost of energy losses decreased by 78.23% and 64.37%, respectively.