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How Does a Ground-Mounted Solar Power Plant Work?
A ground-mounted solar power plant works by harnessing sunlight and converting it into usable electricity. Solar panels, made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, are mounted on sturdy ground structures and positioned to capture maximum sunlight. When sunlight strikes the panels, the solar cells generate direct current (DC) electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect. This electricity is then sent to an inverter, which converts the DC power into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used by homes, businesses, or fed into the grid.
The Efficiency of a Ground-Mounted Solar Power Plant
You would be amazed to know that a ground-mounted solar system generates more units of electricity than a rooftop system, even when they get equal sunlight. Want to know the reason behind this?
Well, for rooftop solar panels, the mounting structure is fixed. Therefore, it captures sunlight according to the sun’s position
However, in ground-mounted panels, you construct the structure carefully with a tilt angle and orientation to maximise sunlight exposure.
Types of Panels for Ground-Mounted Solar Power Plants
Before you install a ground mounted solar power plant, it is crucial to understand what types of panels are available in the market.
Solar panel manufacturers keep upgrading the technology to provide efficient solutions to people. Presently there are three types of solar panels compatible with ground mounting solar systems. They are:
Polycrystalline solar panel:
It is made by melting the silicon and pouring it into a mould. This process is highly economical and reduces wastage during production. In addition, its efficiency is between 16-17%.Monocrystalline solar panel:
This panel is made with pure silicon crystal. Therefore, it has an even texture and a uniform shape. By installing this panel in your solar system, you get nearly 19-20% efficiency. Moreover, this type of solar panel offers high durability.Bifacial solar panel:
It is the most advanced technology for solar panels. It consists of silicon film that receives direct sunlight. On the other hand, the bottom part of the bi-facial solar panel also receives reflected sunlight from a white TPO roof or light-coloured roof.This solar panel is the most efficient for ground-mounting solar systems. In addition, you can use single-axis and double-axis solar trackers in these panels to increase their efficiency further.
Advantages of Solar Power Plant
Scale and Efficiency
Ground-mounted solar power plants enable large-scale construction, supporting higher electricity generation. The extensive ground area allows for more solar panels, optimizing overall energy production.
Economies of Scale
Thanks to their larger scale, ground-mounted solar power plants can achieve cost advantages in procurement, installation, and upkeep, resulting in reduced per-unit costs and greater cost efficiency.
Optimal Sunlight Exposure
Ground-mounted solar panels are strategically placed and angled to optimize sunlight exposure, ensuring efficient energy capture and increased electricity generation.
Flexibility in Site Selection
Ground-mounted solar power plants can be installed in areas with abundant solar resources and open land, such as fields or vacant plots. This flexibility enables optimal placement by considering factors like solar exposure, shading, and land suitability.
Simplified Maintenance
Ground-mounted solar panels are typically more accessible and easier to maintain than rooftop systems. Tasks like cleaning, inspections, and repairs can be performed more efficiently, minimizing downtime and optimizing energy production.
Scalability and Expand-ability
Ground-mounted solar power plants offer easy scalability, allowing for expansion by adding more panels and equipment to meet increasing energy demands effectively.
Grid Integration and Net Metering
Directly linked to the grid, ground-mounted solar power plants can seamlessly return electricity to the grid. This enables net metering or feed-in tariff agreements, allowing owners to earn credits or revenue for generated energy.
Environmental Benefits
Ground-mounted solar power plants help lower greenhouse gas emissions by generating clean, renewable energy. They aid in combating climate change and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.