Ground solar power installation

What is terrestrial solar power?

Ground-based solar power is a solar power system that uses truss systems on bare ground to support solar panels.

Like other solar power systems, this system also uses panels to absorb sunlight, converting it into direct current. This direct current passes through the inverter, converted into alternating current to supply the consumed loads. The only difference is the installation position on the ground, so a separate frame system must be used.

Although not as popular as rooftop solar power, ground solar power is also popular and installed in many places. Typically farms, areas with relatively large bare land, little cultivation and cultivation.

Advantages of ground solar power system

Ground-based solar power is usually installed with unlimited scale and capacity, up to MW. Therefore, ground solar power creates large farms, creating a very beautiful landscape when viewed from above.

Because the bottom of the ground solar power systems is almost impossible to take advantage of, in order to avoid the wasteful use of land resources, it is advisable to take advantage of the terrain that cannot be cultivated, produced, with few trees or plants. Shading objects to bring the best effect, for example, the arid, deserted areas in the provinces of Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Tay Ninh, ..

Power output is equivalent to rooftop solar (same capacity and number of panels). That's because the ground frame is quite flexible, can adjust the orientation and angle of the battery to absorb the best sunlight. Customers only need to limit shade as much as possible and choose open areas with large solar radiation. Moreover, this system is easily and regularly cleaned, the operator does not need to climb up high, when there is a problem, it is also handled quickly.

The benefits of ground-based solar power systems:

Ground-based solar power is the solar installation solution that makes the largest contribution to Vietnam's existing power sources, the most of any renewable energy source. That partly solves the country's electricity shortage problem, creating a driving force for economic and social development.

In addition, the benefits that ground solar power brings can be mentioned as:

Components of the ground solar power system

- Solar panel (PV): converts light energy into DC electricity.
- DC/AC converter (Central inverter): Converts DC power generated from the panel into AC power.
- Structure system of pillars, truss frames, PV panel racks: fix the panels on the ground with suitable orientation and tilt angle.
- The system of total cabinets, output cabinets, DC and AC connections; protection, switching when the solar power system or the AC part has trouble or maintenance.
- DC cable system, AC cable, communication cable, information: to connect DC and AC power systems and to transmit control signals.
- Substations, distribution yards and transmission lines: transmission and distribution of electricity.
- SCADA data collection and monitoring system: monitor system parameters to help system operators monitor remote devices.
- Communication, information and metering systems: to help analyze output, and to regulate transmit power accordingly.

The process of installing ground solar power system

As with any solar power installation project, Intech Energy has developed a standard process that includes the following steps:
Step 1: Receive initial information and advice for customers.
Step 2: Survey the site, geology of the installation area and propose technical solutions to the customer.
Step 3: Design consultation, disassembly, equipment, construction of the system
Step 4: After negotiating and approving the installation plan of the investor, the two parties will sign a contract.
Step 5: Construction and installation of the system and finishing
Step 6: Commissioning, testing and acceptance of the entire system
Step 7: Guide the operation, maintenance and maintenance procedures
Step 8: Hand over the system and put it into use to the investor.

Types of structures for installation of ground solar power systems

- Mounting system by mounting brackets with concrete supports
- Installation system of two pillars supporting on the ground
- Installation of a pillar on the ground
- Installation system for greenhouse

Notes during the installation of ground-based solar power projects

- For ground-based solar power projects, because they are built on a natural land area, a construction permit is required; In addition, for large projects, investment policies need to be approved by competent authorities because they are related to regulations or construction, electricity planning, etc.
- Geological survey, ground is an extremely important step. In order to ensure the stability of the rack and solar panel system, the geology below must be carefully investigated to come up with construction options for pillars and pillars.
- Most of the ground solar power projects have a very large capacity, so choosing an inverter device must also have a very large capacity. Ground-based solar power plants need to build more substations and transmission lines to transmit and distribute electrical energy to places where it is needed.
- Due to being located near the ground, ground solar power systems need to regularly clean and maintain the panels due to a lot of dirt. leaves, .. Often cut trees, cut grass to avoid the case that the panels are shaded and reduce the generation efficiency.
- The panel bracket also needs to be calculated and designed carefully. In order to ensure the highest transmission efficiency of the system, it is necessary to design a suitable fuel angle, even in some cases it is possible to install additional automatic tracking systems.
- For large projects, the selection of qualified design and construction contractors is extremely important. that ensures the system is put into operation in the shortest time and operates stably and safely.

Frequently asked questions about ground solar installation

1. Which areas are suitable for installing ground solar power?

Solar power systems are generally suitable for projects with locations with high radiation levels such as the southern region of Vietnam. In addition, places with abandoned land that cannot be cultivated can be utilized to invest in ground-based solar power. Suitable areas for installing ground solar power are dry sandy areas in Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Tay Ninh, Central Highlands, ..

2. Currently, what are the state's policies on terrestrial solar power?

After June 30, 2019, the specific incentive mechanism for terrestrial solar power is showing signs of slowing down. The massive investment and development of solar power projects has caused many power plants to cut their generating capacity due to overloading transmission lines. Moreover, there is a phenomenon that many investors "evade the law" to build factory roofs in the name of agricultural solar power to enjoy high electricity purchase prices, so the Government is tightening investment approval mechanisms, avoid wasting land and other resources.

3. Want to invest in ground-based solar power to do business and sell electricity to EVN?

Because the installation of solar power is no longer a priority, it is instead encouraged to install other solar power such as: rooftop solar power, floating solar power, etc. Therefore, according to current regulations, terrestrial solar power projects with a capacity of over 1 MW must be approved by the government for investment policy and bidding on electricity prices and included in the future development planning of the electricity industry.

4. What is EVN's purchase price for ground solar power output?

According to Decision 13 of the Prime Minister, the price to buy back electricity from a ground solar power project put into operation before December 31, 2020 is 7.09 Uscent/1kWh (equivalent to VND 1,644 as of December 31, 2020). In 2020, Decision 13 officially expires, currently the Ministry of Industry and Trade is proposing the government to approve the draft new solar power purchase price, the purchase price of terrestrial solar power in particular and other solar power projects will decrease. much more than before. The draft offers the purchase price of Fit 3 for ground-based solar power projects from 5.3-5.8 Uscent/1kWh.