Renewables are here to stay, and to make them feasible, we will need lots of solar power plants. The current electricity grid isn’t setup to deal with the projected load of future EVs. To ensure we don’t brick it all with all that extra charging, we will need a lot more energy. More specifically, clean energy. Solar and wind are the renewable technologies that we can rely on most in this regard. But neither can make a big impact on the individual level alone.
We need utility level solar power plants to handle this task. With enough battery storage capacity to diffuse the peaks and drops in production. After all, it is common knowledge that solar and wind aren’t 24/7/365 power production solutions. But before we can start suggesting infrastructure investments. We need to understand the technology behind them. So, here is a look at what solar power plants are, and what they do.
When it comes to energy production, solar power plants can come in two distinct forms. One that focuses on gathering solar energy and converting it directly into electricity. While the other one adds another step in between. Here is what makes them different.
This is the most common type of solar power plant in use today. It features lots of individual solar panels that are either fixed in a spot. Or mounted on a rotating mechanism. The panels remain tilted towards the path of the sun, to achieve maximum efficiency. Depending on the type of mount used, this tilting can be a one-time thing, or something that you adjust on a daily basis.
These panels are set up in an array and connected to a large inverter/transformer. Which converts the DC energy generated by the panels into AC energy for regular use. Some plants even feature on-site batteries for storage. This type of system can help manage the supply of energy even when the sun is down.
This is a new type of solar power plant, which is sparingly used for solar production. While it is efficient in itself, we can’t call it a true solar power plant. Mostly because it doesn’t use solar power to generate electricity directly. Instead, it uses an array of mirrors and lenses placed in a circle. To concentrate the sunlight to a single spot in the middle.
The spot often features a receiver. Which absorbs the heat from all that concentrated sunlight. This heat is then transferred to a connected heat engine, like a steam engine. Which in turn produces electricity. Depending on the type of location and investment available. These arrays can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Although, currently only 3% of solar power plants feature this kind of system. Because there is still a debate on whether this type of system affects the weather system of the region. There is also a risk of birds getting distracted by the bright lights and crashing down. Which is why we are only covering this type of system briefly.
As we mentioned above, solar power plants feature different types of solar arrays. These arrays are basically divided on the basis on their maneuverability. The more movement an array can do to match the sun, the more it will cost. There is also the factor that arrays that move can also cast shadows on each other. So, the panels need to be often spread out over longer distances. With more space in between each panel. To help them move around easily, as well as prevent any shadows. Based on this criterion, there are three main types of solar arrays.
These kinds of solar arrays are the most common, and least expensive. They are permanently fixed in one single spot. And often face the equator to get the most sunlight possible. The exact position is often calculated on the basis of the location of the plant, and the movement of the sun. Not on a day-to-day basis, but over the entire year.
This way they only adjust the panels once, and leave them as it is for years. There is a variation of this design that allows for more movement. But only a few times a year. In this kind of design, the people in charge can calculate the best position for the panels in each season. And then adjust the array 3-4 times a year for best visibility to the sun.
Even this small adjustment adds to the cost of deployment and maintenance. Even though the added efficiency is usually minuscule. Which is why we don’t always see such systems in use. It is either completely fixed, or highly adjustable.
This is the next evolution of the fixed array design. It features a special mount uses linkages to connect to other panels. And then uses a single actuator to rotate multiple panels at once. This rotation only occurs on the horizontal axis. Often aligned with the north-south axes.
The purpose of this array is to follow the movement of the sun. On a day-to-day basis. This kind of system however offers no adjustability for the change in seasons. This makes the system relatively cheaper. Even though it is still a lot more expensive than fixed arrays.
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As the name suggests, this kind of array tracks the sun along two axes. One for the usual day-to-day tracking. And another for seasonal changes in sunlight. Since these arrays move in more than one direction. They require even more room between each panel for optimal efficiency.
This as usual increases the costs related to installation and maintenance. But that can be somewhat justified since you get better results. In fact, dual axis arrays offer up to 30% more efficiency in power production. Just by tracking the movements of the sun. And adjusting the arrays accordingly.
While most of these solar power plants are often operated on a single utility level. There are certain systems that can offer more usability for the land. This is often true for brownfield sites. Which don’t always offer the option of setting up a clean array from scratch. In such cases, we have to improvise.
In this type of system, the land in question is equally divided between the solar panels and crops. The crops are often planted between the panels. And are usually the kind that don’t mind sitting in shade. By simply reclaiming this extra land between the panels. We can increase the site profitability by up to 30%.
This kind of setup is often run when you don’t have enough space or funding to create the whole array in one location. So, you distribute the load between different contractors and builders. Who then create smaller arrays in adjacent plots. These clusters are then combined together to create a big solar power plant. This kind of system can also utilize the agrivoltaic formula to increase profits. Which is great for everyone involved.
This was just an overview of what solar power plants are, and what they can do. More and more countries are recognizing the benefits of having systems like this. That can help them transition to a greener future in a more sustainable way. India too is deploying lots of solar power plants to handle our own energy appetite. We can’t wait to see how these plants will shape the future of our nation.
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