Training on renewable energies.
At Avanzze Renovables we have often wondered whether more and better training on renewable energies is necessary, despite their undeniable and recognised role in the Spanish energy sector. Without having a clear answer on the equivalence between market progress and social and economic training on solar energy, we have decided to collaborate in the expansion of knowledge about this sector. That is why we are inaugurating our blog with a subject that we are passionate about, solar farms and their impact on the Spanish energy grid.
What is a solar farm?
A solar farm is an installation for generating electricity from photovoltaic solar energy that is carried out on a large area of land, generally exceeding 5 hectares. The surface is divided into smaller areas, where the photovoltaic modules are installed, which are responsible for capturing solar energy and converting it into electricity.
How does a solar farm work technically?
Solar farms work by converting solar energy into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This effect means that semiconductor materials, such as silicon, generate an electrical potential difference when illuminated by sunlight. Photovoltaic modules consist of photovoltaic cells, which are small sheets of semiconductor material. PV cells are made from silicon, a material that is abundant in the earth's crust. The PV modules are connected together to form solar panels, which are the basic units of a solar farm. The solar panels are mounted on structures that are installed on the surface of the ground. The solar panels generate direct current electricity, which is converted into alternating current by inverters. Alternating electricity is the electricity used in homes and businesses.
How many types of solar gardens are there?
Solar farms can be classified according to different criteria, such as the type of land, the type of grid connection or the type of ownership.
Depending on the type of land, solar farms can be:
- Ground-mounted solar farms, which are installed on flat land.
- Rooftop solar farms, which are installed on the roofs of buildings.
- Floating solar farms, which are installed on reservoirs or rivers.
Depending on the type of connection to the electricity grid, solar farms can be:
- Grid-connected solar farms, which inject the electricity generated into the grid.
- Off-grid solar farms, which are not connected to the grid and generate electricity for their own consumption.
Depending on the type of ownership, solar farms can be:
- Publicly owned solar farms, which are owned by public administrations.
- Privately owned solar farms, which are owned by companies or individuals.
Where can a solar farm be installed?
Solar farms can be installed anywhere where sunlight is available, although flat, sunny soils are preferred. Solar farms can also be installed on the roofs of buildings, but in this case the available area is less cost-effective.
How much land is needed for a solar farm?
The amount of land required for a solar farm depends on the capacity of the installation. For an installation of 1 megawatt (MW), an area of between 5 and 15 hectares is required.
What technical and legal requirements must be met in Spain to install a solar farm?
In Spain, solar farms are regulated by the Electricity Sector Act and Royal Decree 413/2014, of 6 June, which regulates the activity of electricity production from renewable energy sources. To install a solar farm in Spain, it is necessary to obtain the following authorisations:
- Design report or project.
- Grid access and connection permits.
- Prior administrative authorisation, which is granted by the competent administration.
- Construction authorisation.
- Environmental authorisation.
- Certificate of completion.
- Operating authorisation.
- Initial inspection.
How profitable is a solar farm?
The economic profitability of a solar farm depends on several factors, such as the power of the installation, the price of electricity and the investment costs. In Spain, the profitability of solar farms has increased in recent years, due to the increase in electricity prices and the subsidies offered for the installation of renewable energies. In general, solar farms can have a high economic profitability, especially in the long term. Conclusions Solar farms are a clean and efficient technology for generating electricity from solar energy. Solar farms can be installed anywhere where sunlight is available, although flat, sunny soils are preferred. The economic profitability of solar farms has increased in recent years, due to the rising price of electricity and the subsidies offered for the installation of renewable energies.
Which solar panel models are suitable for a solar farm at Avanzze Renewables?
With our models and inverters you can build high power solar farms. We can supply your project because we are specialist importers direct from the factory. Our prices make it economical to set up your solar farm. But, although we tell you that all models are valid, you must make a small study of power and land where you want to make the installation. All the previous calculations will help your project to be economically rewarded as soon as possible. We work with minimum projects to increase the profitability of the purchase of material as well as the project itself, the generation of energy and the economic repercussion.
You can send us your enquiry explaining your project in order to adapt your selection of panels and inverters.