Finding the right solutions
Each PV plant is different. The specific demands of the site and the mix of technologies being used means repowering solutions should be tailored project by project. That being said, some solutions are more widely applicable than others.
Example include:
Inverter revamping
Plants can change from central to string inverters or vice versa during repowering. Designs are engineered to match the inverter voltage, current and power with the existing PV modules and transformers. This approach might require the installation of new AC cables and switchgear or could utilise the plant’s existing infrastructure.
Revamping is often focused on inverters because they offer the greatest potential for performance remediation. They convert direct current (DC) electricity that solar panels generate to alternating current (AC) electricity used by the grid. In addition to power conversion, inverters are also responsible for grid services, control and monitoring.
Module revamping and repowering
When replacing old modules with new ones, a plant’s TIC can often be matched using less land. Today’s PV technology offers a much higher power output. That gives asset owners the option to increase TIC with more modules, or add additional technology like on-site battery storage. The latter option could unlock additional grid support services.
Full revamping
A comprehensive replacement of all PV modules and inverters offers a lot of flexibility in terms of the new components. The more equipment gets replaced, the fewer pre-existing parameters there are to plan around.
Asset managers could enjoy even further flexibility by replacing transformers, as voltages and power can be designed to optimise the solution. Additional communication and security technology can be incorporated at the same time.