The Institute Fraunhofer ISE, one of the world's leading solar energy research centers, announced the development of two pilot plants in Germany using string photovoltaic inverters with a voltage of 3.000 volts (3 kV).
According to the company, depending on the results of the studies, the technology could transform the construction model for large solar power plants and reduce costs and material consumption.
The new feature is part of the project. “PVgoesMV”, which aims to demonstrate, through the results of operating two pilot plants in Germany, that raising the voltage level of photovoltaic systems to the medium voltage range is technically feasible, safe, and economically advantageous.
According to FraunhoferThis advancement becomes even more strategic given the expectation of strong growth in the sector. Estimates indicate that approximately 73 TW of new solar capacity will be added globally by 2050, which will require large volumes of raw materials, especially copper and aluminum—increasingly expensive and scarce inputs.
According to the Institute, by increasing the system voltage, it is possible to drastically reduce the amount of cables, thus decreasing both the consumption of materials and the installation and operating costs of the power plants.
“The transition to medium voltage is a crucial factor in reducing the demand for copper and aluminum in large solar projects and, consequently, improving the economic viability of these plants,” explains Felix Kulenkampff, project manager at [company name]. Fraunhofer ISE.
Fewer cables, lower costs, and greater efficiency.
In a conventional 50 MWp solar power plant, the total cable length can reach hundreds of kilometers. With systems operating at higher voltages, this infrastructure can be drastically reduced.
According to the institute, doubling the voltage allows for a reduction of up to 75% in conductor cross-section, making cables thinner, lighter, and easier to install. Furthermore, transformers and substations can operate at higher capacity, making it possible to halve the number of these devices in large plants, generating additional savings in materials, civil works, and maintenance.
Pilot plants will test technology in the field.
The project foresees the construction of two experimental plants in the German states of Baden-Wuerttemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, with a combined installed capacity of approximately 135 kW. The plants will operate with 3 kV on the DC (direct current) side and 1,2 kV on the AC (alternating current) side.
The inverter used was developed with silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors, a technology that allows for greater efficiency, lower electrical losses, and safe operation at high voltages.
During the tests, two configurations will be evaluated: one with conventional 1.500 V solar modules and another with prototype modules developed specifically to operate at 3 kV, allowing for the validation of different system architectures.
The ultimate goal is to create technical standards, safety protocols, and quality concepts that enable the commercial adoption of medium voltage in large photovoltaic plants.
Future paths
The Institute Fraunhofer It highlights that the development of this technology has the support of manufacturers Global demand for modules, cables, connectors, semiconductors, and electrical equipment indicates strong industry interest in the commercial viability of the concept.
If the tests confirm the expected gains, the use of medium-voltage inverters could represent a new standard for large-scale solar power plants, contributing to reduced costs, optimized natural resources, and accelerated expansion of solar energy on a global scale.
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