The challenges of PV repowering
Revamping or repowering your site brings some challenges:
Working with the existing site
It can be tricky to conduct a repowering project within the constraints of the existing installation. You may want to replace the inverters, in which case the DC voltage and power from the PV module strings must be matched with the new inverters. The same goes for the AC voltage and transformer power.
Of course, there’s also the simple limitations of space to think about. When replacing PV modules with larger ones, the module structure dimensions need to fit or be replaced, adding additional cost and complexity.
Managing supply chains
In the current market, there are procurement challenges like long lead times for certain parts to think about. There can be delays when purchasing equipment from outside the UK due to transport disruption.
AAs well as new parts coming in, there are also old parts that need to be disposed of. Some could be kept as a spare parts pool for emergencies. Others will require a robust disposal process that recycles as much material as possible.
Updating a live site
Safely repowering an operational solar park without harming productivity raises a number of questions. Adding the logistics of the project on top of the site’s day-to-day traffic also takes careful planning.
And, of course, there are relationships to consider and maintain. Landowners, local authorities and the workforce itself all need to be communicated with. Disruption is inevitable, it has to be mitigated.
Planning and permissions
If repowering means a big visible change to the original installation, you might need planning permission. OFGEM applications will need updating to reflect the newly installed equipment.
A new or updated grid connection agreement might also be needed. If you’re replacing key equipment like inverters and transformers, that might call for engineering studies like a P28 or G5/5 – both of which are studies aimed at measuring impact on the grid.