Calculation tool for optimal design of solar parks 

Background

The costs for photovoltaic parks have become so low that it is now possible to achieve profitability in projects without state support or other subsidies. At the turn of the year 2020/2021, there was 72 MW of solar cell capacity distributed in 24 solar cell parks in Sweden. However, there are concrete communicated plans for 340 MW in 2021 and 2022, as well as project portfolios of about 2 GW for four of the players we are talking to. We could thus see around 2 GW, which corresponds to an electricity production supplement of about 2 TWh in various solar park projects, around the country for only the next 2 - 4 years.

This research project aims to contribute knowledge to how photovoltaic parks can be designed and planned with higher efficiency and profitability. Today, there is a lack of tools for solar park designers that take into account local weather conditions, and above all to the price signals from the electricity market and thus in the extension to the balance between production and demand. The project aims to develop a calculation model that makes it possible to optimize the angle and direction of the solar cell modules (azimuth) based on both local weather conditions and spot price variations over time.

Project goals

The overall purpose of the research project is to support the decision-making process for large-scale solar park projects in Sweden. The overall project goal is to develop user-friendly tools for optimal design of large-scale solar parks based on local weather climate and electricity price signal.

Specific goals of this project are:

• Develop a web-based simulation and optimization model for large-scale solar cell systems
• Perform system optimization based on weather data, system layout and price signal
• Develop an online tool
• Disseminate the results through scientific publications

Final report

Link to the project's final report. External link.