Utility-scale solar power plants a guide for developers and investors

What is a utility-scale solar photovoltaic power plant?

Utility-scale solar photovoltaic power plants : a project developer’s guide (English) With an installed capacity greater than 137 gigawatts (GWs) worldwide and annual additions of about 40 GWs in recent years, solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has become an increasingly important energy supply option.

What is a solar guidebook?

This guidebook is a best practice manual for the development, construction, operation and financing of utility-scale solar power plants in India. It focusses primarily on ground mounted, fixed tilt PV projects and also covers solar tracking system technology.

Why do we need a 'utility-scale solar power plants' report?

This report is a substantially expanded version (second edition) of an earlier IFC publication, “Utility-Scale Solar Power Plants,” which was released in 2011. Substantial progress in the number of PV projects implemented globally and dramatic reduction in PV technology prices justified the need for an update in this fast moving market.

What is the purpose of the solar PV guidebook?

Document Details: The objective of this guidebook is to enhance the reader’s understanding of how to successfully develop, finance, construct, and operate utility-scale solar PV power plants.

Why do we need a Solar Project guidebook?

Substantial progress in the number of PV projects implemented globally and dramatic reduction in PV technology prices justified the need for an update in this fast moving market. The guidebook focuses on aspects of project development that are specific to solar.

What are the design criteria for a large solar PV plant?

For most large solar PV plants, reducing the levelised cost of electricity is the most important design criteria. Every aspect of the electrical system (and of the project as a whole) should be scrutinised and optimised. The potential economic gains from such an analysis are much larger than the cost of carrying it out.