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The integration of distributed generation brings in new challenges for the operation of distribution networks, including out-of-limit voltage and power flow control. Soft open points (SOP) are new power electronic devices that can flexibly control active and reactive power flows. With the exception of active power output, photovoltaic (PV) devices can provide reactive power compensation through an inverter. Thus, a synergetic optimization operation method for SOP and PV in a distribution network is proposed. A synergetic optimization model was developed. The voltage deviation, network loss, and ratio of photovoltaic abandonment were selected as the objective functions. The PV model was improved by considering the three reactive power output modes of the PV inverter. Both the load fluctuation and loss of the SOP were considered. Three multi-objective optimization algorithms were used, and a compromise optimal solution was calculated. Case studies were conducted using an IEEE 33-node system. The simulation results indicated that the SOP and PVs complemented each other in terms of active power transmission and reactive power compensation. Synergetic optimization improves power control capability and flexibility, providing better power quality and PV consumption rate.