Solar PV power plant revamping: Technical and economic analysis of different alternatives for a Spanish case

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2024-03, Vol.446, p.141439, Article 141439
• Main Authors: Villena-Ruiz, R., Martín-Martínez, S., Honrubia-Escribano, A., Ramírez, F. Javier, Gómez-Lázaro, E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Renewable energy; Revamping; Simulation; Solar PV power; Techno-economic analysis
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.141439

The operation of solar photovoltaic installations for many years may lead to problems such as reduced energy efficiency and aging of components. Under this framework, replacing certain components in the facility to extend the service life of the power plant is viewed, in some cases, as a feasible strategy. However, despite its enormous strategic interest for the solar PV industry, we find that revamping PV installations has been the focus of very few scientific publications, and even less so when it comes to analyzing real facilities. Thus, this paper performs a techno-economic analysis of three revamping strategies at a real PV power plant located in the south-east of Spain. The strategies consist of substituting, in each case, the PV modules, the inverter, and both components. The simulated results show that the highest production value by installed power is obtained when both the modules and the inverter are replaced. In the same vein, the economic analysis reveals this scenario as the most favorable in terms of profitability. Based on the results obtained, an interesting future line of research would be focused on the extension of the analysis at country level to study the joint impact of numerous revamping actions. •Techno-economic analysis of revamping projects of a real solar PV power plant.•Replacing modules and inverter emerges as the most feasible strategy.•Study’s applicability extends to other revamping initiatives and geographical regions.•Economic outcomes allow the most cost-effective alternatives to be determined.•This research can contribute to efficient and sustainable energy planning.