PV revamping / repowering: project lifecycle
Every stage of a repowering or revamping project presents challenges and opportunities:
Development
Challenges: • Planning permission or Non Material Amendments (NMA) • Grid connection agreements • OFGEM applications (The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets in the UK) • Extending or amending leases Solutions: • Minimise visible changes to the site • Keep new layout in line with original planning • Maintain import/export limits • Apply to amend grid connection agreement
Construction
Challenges: • Working on a live site • Minimising downtime • Accessing equipment • Available welfare space Solutions: • Checking and repairing access routes • Communicating early with landowners • Careful project planning • Ideally undertake work during winter period to minimise loss of generation • Use of digital twin technology
O&M
Challenges: • Working with new equipment • Changes to routine • Distinguishing O&M from EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) Solutions: • Detailed handover • Training on new equipment and plant layout
Engineering
Challenges: • Integrating new equipment within existing parameters • Limits of the available technology Solutions: • Find new inverters to match existing equipment • Collaborate with manufacturers to adjust parameters • Replace inverters and to modules optimise
Handover
Challenges: • Knowledge sharing • Highlighting plant changes • Correct handover timing Solutions: • Implementing structured file sharing • Updating O&M manual and training • Sharing new manuals and essential info • Use of digital twin technology