Aging solar farms often suffer from problems that significantly reduce their efficiency and reliability. The challenge of a revamping project includes not only replacing outdated components with new, more efficient technologies, but also minimizing downtime and disruptions during the upgrade. In addition, permits and financing must be arranged, while integration with existing infrastructure must be carefully planned and executed. These complex processes require a strategic approach to maximize solar farm lifetime and efficiency.

A revamping project emerges

This solar farm is struggling with regular error messages and failures on the inverters after a decade of operational service. Cables have insulation problems, protective mats dissolve and rubbers are starting to wear out. Despite these problems, energy production remains at a good level and the plant is still structurally sound.

hop was brought in as a partner to coordinate the revamping. The goal of this project is to ensure that the solar park can continue for another 10 years and to solve the current problems in order to minimize the operational cost. Various scenarios were examined ranging from the one-to-one replacement of faulty inverters to the installation of a completely new system.

Underpinning revamping strategy

Choosing the right strategy is not easy. The solution with the lowest investment cost is not necessarily the most cost efficient in the long run. Based on input from suppliers, hop begins a detailed analysis and budget estimation of the various scenarios

In the simplest scenario, only the faltering inverters are replaced. Unfortunately, identical inverters are no longer available, which requires the necessary adjustments further into the installation. Another scenario is the replacement of all inverters, which ensures greater uniformity and thus easier maintenance and a lower OPEX. Installing new inverters as well as new panels would then give a significantly higher return, at the cost of a higher CAPEX, of course. So there are several possible scenarios, ranging from targeted problem solving to replacement of the entire installation.

It is essential to carefully weigh these different scenarios to find a solution that is efficient in terms of both capital cost and operational cost. When making this strategic choice, the impact of downtime and how important continuity of power generation is, must also be considered. For example, the integration of different technologies can be a crucial factor in installation time. So it is not just a cost-benefit exercise. Operational efficiency and sustainability co-determine how a solar farm is renewed.

Total relief from concept study to realization

The revamping of this solar farm is illustrative of the challenges faced by all aging solar farms. The evolution of technology presents additional complexity in revamping projects.

• hop clearly maps out all technical, operational, financial and legal issues, enabling solar park operators to make sustainable and cost-efficient decisions.

• hop supports these choices by providing the necessary expertise and information.

• hop not only conducts the studies but also reaches out to the right suppliers and contractors and closely coordinates all stakeholders to ensure a fast and carefree implementation.

• hop takes care of solar park revamping projects from A to Z.

hop clearly maps out all technical, operational, financial and legal issues, enabling solar park operators to make sustainable and cost-efficient decisions.