Solar Power Plant Management

Reported by Nikko Andrei A. Licuanan

What is Solar Power Plant and
how does it work?

- Solar power is a form of energy harnessed

from the power and heat of the sun’s rays. It is
renewable, and therefore a “green” source of
energy.
What is Solar
Power Plant
and how does
it work?
- On a larger scale, solar thermal
power plants also harness the power
of the sun to create energy. The most
common way of harnessing energy
from the sun is through photovoltaic
(PV) panels – those are large, mirror-
like panels you’ve likely seen on
rooftops, handheld solar devices, and
even spacecrafts.. These plants can
supply power to thousands of people. Hungary's largest solar power plant which supplies 18.5
MW solar power.
How does a Solar Panel Converts Sunlight into Electricity?
Silicon is a much known semiconductor having properties of both metals and non-metals. To make a solar panel, this silicon is doped by a pentavalent
impurity converting silicon into positive type silicon also known as p-type silicon. And similarly other part is converted into negative or n-type silicon.
How does a Solar Panel Converts
Sunlight into Electricity?
- As name suggest p-type have excess of holes (positive
charge) in it and n- type has excessive electrons. Then
these two are combined together one over other upto the
atomic level. Due to their contact and having opposite
charge electrons flow from n-type to p-type and holes
travel from p-type to n-type thus creating a thin potential
barrier between them. The current so generated from this
movement of charges is named as “diffusion current”. But
we need to understand yet another thing that is due to this
potential barrier, giving rise to electric field which flows
from the positive charge near n-type and negative charge
near p-type junction (the area where potential is generated
or meeting area of p and n type).
How does a Solar Panel Converts
Sunlight into Electricity?
Due to this electric field electrons from p-type starts flowing towards n-type and holes
from n-type towards p-type giving rise to a current called “drift current”. Initially the
diffusion current is more than the drift current but as potential difference increases due
to diffusion it simultaneously increases the drift current. Current stops flowing when
drift current becomes equal to diffusion current.
How does a Solar
Panel Converts
Sunlight into
Electricity?
Sunlight travels to earth in the form of
small energy particles called
“photons”. This photon strikes the p-
type region and transfer its energy to
hole and electron pair thus exciting
the electron and it gets away from
hole. The electric field we have due to
potential difference at p-n junction
makes its electron to travel to n-type
region thus causing the current to
flow.
How does a Solar Panel Converts
Sunlight into Electricity?
- To make this electric field strong enough so
that it must travel to n-type region and not
recombine with the hole it has been separated
from. To make this electric field strong, the n-
type and p-type regions are connected to
negative and positive terminals of battery, this
process is known as “reverse bias condition”.
Doing this increases the probability of electron
travelling all along the way to n-type region
once separated from a hole. Thus, increasing
the efficiency of a solar panel.
Working
Principle

The working principle is that it uses

the energy of photons to get the
drift current flowing in the circuit
using reversed bias p-n junction
diode (p-type and n-type silicon
combination).
Main Components
Main
Components
1. Solar Panels
- Solar panels consist a number of
solar cells. It has around 35 solar
cells in one panel. The energy
produced by each solar cell is very
small, but combining the energy of
35 of them will be enough energy to
charge a 12 volt battery.
Main Components
2. Solar Cells

- It is the energy generating unit, made up of p-type and n-type silicon semiconductor. It’s the heart of
solar power plant.
Main Components
3. Batteries

- Batteries are used to produce the power back or store the excess energy produced during day, to be
supplied during night.
Main
Components
4. D.C. to A.C. Converter
(Inverter)

- Solar panels produce direct

current which is required to be
converted into alternating current to
be supplied to homes or power grid.
Working of Solar Power Plant
As sunlight falls over a solar cells, a large
number of photons strike the p-type region of
silicon. Electron and hole pair will get
separated after absorbing the energy of photon.
The electron travels from p-type region to n-
type region due to the action of electric field at
p-n junction. Further the diode is reversed
biased to increase this electric field. So this
current starts flowing in the circuit for
individual solar cell. We combine the current
of all the solar cells of a solar panel, to get a
significant output.
Working of Solar Power Plant
Solar power plant have a large number of solar
panels connected to each other to get a large
voltage output. The electrical energy coming
from the combined effort of solar panels is
stored in the Lithium ion batteries to be
supplied at night time, when there is no
sunlight.
Energy Storage
Storage of the energy generated by
the solar panels is an important
issue. Sometimes the unused energy
generated during daytime is used to
pump water to some height, so that
it could be used to generate
electricity using its potential energy
when required or mainly at night
time.
 Advantages of Solar Energy
- Most clean and renewable source of energy.
- It is available in abundance and endless.

- It provides electricity at low cost, as fuel is free.

- With new research in this sector, we now have a good power storage solution.

- Keeping in mind the pollution and cost of fossil fuel, it’s becoming the most reliable source of clean
energy.
 Disadvantages of Solar Power
Plant
- It requires a lot of land to be captured forever.

- Initial cost of installation is too high.

- The energy storage options are not efficient and moreover costly if efficient.

- Power production is quite low as compared to nuclear or other resources to produce power.

- There is a problem if it is cloudy for few days.

- Their production causes pollution.

Operations & Maintenance (O&M) For Utility
Scale PV Solar Plants
Once the PV solar plant has been built, it needs to be efficiently operated and carefully maintained. Compared to other power
generating technologies, solar PV power plants have low maintenance and servicing requirements.
However, as International Financial Corporation warns, “proper maintenance of a PV plant is essential to maximize both energy
yield and the plant’s useful life. Optimal operations must strike a balance between maximizing production and minimizing cost”.
O&M Issues in PV Solar Energy
1. Natural Degradation

All solar cells naturally degrade over time, regardless of the environment they are in. This is called
natural degradation and is completely normal for all solar cells to experience once in operation.
Depending on the material, the rate of degradation can vary. This is important to take into account in
budgeting and investment planning.

Natural degradation cannot be prevented, but must be taken into account in the planning process. It can
also be covered by warranties. Usually, manufacturing companies that produce solar modules offer
warranties if degradation rate exceeds certain amounts, for example, if it is more than 0.8–0.6%
depending on the particular firm. The good news is that the higher quality panel, the less natural
degradation.
O&M Issues in PV Solar Energy
2. Grounding and Lightning Protection

PV solar plant is a structure of considerable

size, which is why some lightning protection is
in order. The first level of such protection is
the ground mount system itself, whereby the
grounding system redirects the energy from
the lightning into the ground and away from
the panels.
O&M Issues in PV Solar Energy
Note that copper conductor may be tinned, and that aluminum is not allowed to be buried into the soil.
It is also important to use the same type of metal in both the grounding system and in the protection
equipment, so as to avoid corrosion.

Even with a proper grounding system, a PV installation can still be at risk from lightning. Even after
the lightning energy has been discharged into the ground, it can still cause a power surge within the
solar panels array, which is why a surge protection equipment is in order. In some cases it is not
needed, if the grounding system is effective enough to reduce the lightning strike energy.
O&M Issues in PV Solar Energy
3. Component Failures (panels, inverters,
trackers)
3.1. Panel cracking.
Different components of PV solar plant may fail
during the operation. First, panels might crack,
even in the new once, if they have been damaged
in the manufacturing process. The micro-cracks
are not always obvious, and that’s why the new
panels must be inspected, and a warranty must be
secured. The cracks may lead to the failure of
panels or losses of optimal efficiency.
O&M Issues in PV Solar Energy
3.2. Visual discoloration.

Visual discoloration is another common defect that

reduces the amount of sunlight that penetrates into a
solar cell. As a result, solar cells are less exposed to
solar irradiation, and generate less energy. The reason it
leads to loss of efficiency is because different color
panels changes the wavelength of light that can be
absorbed. As in the case with panel cracking, not much
can be done once the panel became discolored, hence
the solar panels must be carefully operated and
maintained.
O&M Issues in PV Solar Energy
3.3. Hotspots.

Contrary to the common misleading opinion, solar

panels are most efficient when they gain maximum
solar irradiance, not maximum temperature. Quite the
contrary, high temperatures can actually damage solar
panels, leading to the emergence of the hot spots. Hot
spots occur when a panel is shaded, damaged, or
electrically mismatched and decrease power output.
Since solar cells are attached in strings, just one hot
spot can lead to multiple cells functioning poorly. To
solve this problem, all shading should be negated, and
electrical connections should be optimized.
O&M Issues in PV Solar Energy
3.4. Inverters failure.

Generally, inverter faults are the most common

cause of system downtime in PV power plants.
Therefore, the scheduled maintenance of
inverters should be treated as a centrally
important part of the O&M strategy.
O&M Issues in PV Solar Energy
3.5. Trackers and Panel Orientation.

Panel orientation is an issue for static PV solar systems. It requires due diligence on the consumer’s
part to make sure the installer is taking the proper steps necessary to determine an ideal panel
orientation. Similarly, tracking systems also require maintenance checks. These checks will be outlined
in the manufacturer’s documentation and defined within the warranty conditions.
O&M Issues in PV Solar Energy
3.5. Structural Integrity.

The module mounting assembly, cable

conduits and any other structures built for the
solar PV power plant should be checked
periodically for mechanical integrity and signs
of corrosion. This will include an inspection of
support structure foundations for evidence of
erosion from water run-off.
O&M Issues in PV Solar Energy

4. Weather Conditions (snow, wind, soiling).

Depending on the environmental conditions, the panels

must be protected from wind, snow, and soiling (in
dusty areas). Regular cleaning and maintenance will be
enough in these cases.
 O&M Issues in PV Solar Energy
5. Other issues

Other common unscheduled maintenance requirements include but are not limited to:

1.) Tightening cable connections that have loosened.

2.) Replacing blown fuses.

3.) Repairing lightning damage.

4.) Repairing equipment damaged by intruders or during module cleaning.

5.) Rectifying SCADA faults.

6.) Repairing mounting structure faults.

7.) Rectifying tracking system faults.

O&M Approaches and Activities
Maintenance can be broken down in two parts:

Scheduled maintenance: Planned in advance and aimed at fault prevention, as well as ensuring that
the plant is operated at its optimum level.

Unscheduled maintenance: Carried out in response to failures.

O&M Approaches and Activities
O&M Approaches and Activities
Preventative maintenance (PM)

encompasses routine inspection and servicing of equipment — at frequencies determined by

equipment type, environmental conditions, and warranty terms in an O&M services agreement — to
prevent breakdowns and unnecessary production losses. This approach is becoming increasingly
popular because of its perceived ability to lower the probability of unplanned PV system downtime.
However, the upfront costs associated with PM programs are moderate and the underlying structure of
PM can engender superfluous labor activity if not optimally designed.
 O&M Approaches and Activities
Preventative Maintenance (PM) includes the following activities:

1. Panel Cleaning

2. Water Drainage

3. Vegetation Management

4. Retro-Commissioning (identifies and solves problems that have developed during the course of the PV system’s life.)

5. Wildlife Prevention

6. Upkeep of Data Acquisition and Monitoring Systems (e.g., electronics, sensors)

7. Upkeep of Power Generation System (e.g., Inverter Servicing, BOS Inspection, Tracker Maintenance)

8. Site maintenance (e.g., security, road/fence repair, environmental compliance, snow removal, etc.).
O&M Approaches and Activities
Corrective or reactive maintenance

Addresses equipment repair needs and breakdowns after their occurrence and, as such, is instituted to
mitigate unplanned downtime. The historical industry standard, this “break-fix” method allows for low
upfront costs, but also brings with it a higher risk of component failure and accompanying higher costs
on the backend.
O&M Approaches and Activities
Corrective/Reactive Maintenance typically includes:

1. On-Site Monitoring

2. Non-Critical Reactive Repair (addresses production degradation issues)

3. Critical Reactive Repair ( Should be high priority, since it addresses production losses issues)

4. Warranty Enforcement
O&M Approaches and Activities
Condition-based maintenance (CBM)

uses real-time data to anticipate failures and prioritize maintenance activities and resources. A rising
number of third party integrators and turnkey providers are instituting CBM regimes to offer greater
O&M efficiency. The increased efficiency, however, comes with a high upfront price tag given
communication and monitoring software and hardware requirements. Moreover, the relative novelty of
CBM can produce maintenance process challenges caused in part by monitoring equipment
malfunction and erratic data collection.
O&M Approaches and Activities
Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) usually consists in Active Monitoring :

— Remote and On-Site Options Equipment Replacement

— Warranty Enforcement