Whereas photo voltaic panels typically include 25-year warranties and might proceed producing energy effectively past three many years, the know-how behind inverters and different stability of system elements could turn out to be outdated far more shortly. The best repair to make sure photo voltaic initiatives are working at their peak is to exchange inverters in a repowering scenario. Photo voltaic Energy World talked with Igor Mogilevski, product and options director for inverter producer Solis, about repowering efforts and the small particulars one should think about earlier than taking up this operational expense.
SPW: What’s repowering?
Mogilevski: Repowering addresses the widespread growing old of photo voltaic websites developed with central inverters about 10 or extra years in the past, and it’s wanted to keep up manufacturing on these websites. It’s a notably good choice for system homeowners seeking to get energy again on-line whereas conserving prices low. Many repowering initiatives are targeted on inverter alternative, as photo voltaic panels can preserve efficiency longer, however it might probably embody upgrading extra system elements.
What are the challenges for repowering initiatives?
Lack of spare or alternative components and lack of guarantee help, particularly in conditions the place OEM firms have gone out of enterprise. Compatibility may also be an enormous concern. New central inverters typically have considerably larger energy capability and voltage scores in comparison with older fashions (1,500-V vs 600-V).
Central inverter alternate options, reminiscent of string inverters, can provide the flexibleness you’ll want however require rewiring primarily on the AC aspect, which might be a major problem for homeowners as a result of extra labor price and bodily web site limitations.
When does repowering make monetary sense?
It’s all about weighing the capital expenditure (CapEx) price of repairs towards the potential income loss. Sometimes, solely a portion of the location could underperform, prompting homeowners to guage repowering as a cheap choice — right here, labor is sort of all the time the principle price and deciding issue. Due to this fact, the choice balances technical options with implementation labor.
What’s one of the simplest ways to pick an inverter?
There are various elements to think about, however inverter choice is in the end primarily based on energy and AC voltage necessities. For AC voltages ranging between 360 to 480, we’d go for our 75- to 100-kW collection inverters; for 208 or 200 V, we’d use the 30- to 60-kW collection inverter; and for larger voltages like 690 to 800, we’ll usually make the most of our 255- or 350-kW inverters.
On the finish of the day, the grid voltage determines the kind of inverter wanted for connection.
What are the benefits of a string inverter over a central inverter when repowering?
A really massive benefit, which nearly goes with out saying, is the plain proven fact that extra string inverters and their elements can be found in the marketplace proper now — which additionally makes them simpler to restore.
With central inverters, spare components and repairs could not be obtainable, leaving homeowners to deal with points independently, which may be particularly difficult for non-technical individuals. In the meantime, string inverters provide a versatile answer for numerous voltages and configurations, making them appropriate for a variety of functions and websites.
What are the benefits of swapping central inverters in a repowering scenario?
It’s truly a really simple set up course of. With central, present elements can typically stay in place, and the inverter is changed in a one-to-one method, which simplifies the entire thing.
Any disadvantages?
I’d say restricted flexibility and availability. Present central inverter know-how doesn’t have the identical form of inverters for drop-in alternative, as they normally have much more energy than older inverters. Customized-developed merchandise are an choice, however this may be very pricey and lead to lengthy intervals of decreased or halted energy era.
Are you able to speak about the advantages of a backward-compatible string answer?
String inverters have a historical past of being backward-compatible, in contrast to central inverters, which frequently require important rewiring between generations. For instance, our older era 100-kW collection is backward-compatible with our present collection, simplifying replacements. This clearly cuts down on prices associated to labor and gear.
Are you able to give a short overview of a repowering proposal situation?
At Solis, we simplify the method. With simply an present single-line diagram, our engineers can construct a technical/business proposal for repowering initiatives, together with quotations for equipment-only conditions that don’t have labor or different undertaking prices, that are usually dealt with by the proprietor or EPC. We additionally help in recommending merchandise and configuring designs, making certain every undertaking’s distinctive wants are met.
Provide chain points appear to be a typical concern when seeking to repower. How does Solis guarantee provide?
I get it. The anticipation of a surge in repowering as a result of growing old of so many utility programs coupled with the competitors for brand new set up assets solely underscores this concern. Nevertheless, as a result of Solis has an annual manufacturing capability of 80 GW, we’re well-positioned to beat any potential provide chain constraints. Plus, the automated nature of our manufacturing course of ensures a gentle output of merchandise which can be excessive in effectivity and reliability. For my part, it’s a massive motive Solis stands out by way of resilience. SPW
