PV revamping & repowering concepts
We develop technically sound and economically optimized repowering and revamping PV concepts that are immediately implementable and prepare your system for the future.
Revamping and repowering
at greentech: concepts for continued operation
Efficient concepts for your systems
We create practical repowering and revamping PV concepts for existing systems. In addition to technical feasibility, we also examine and evaluate the economic effect of possible measures and summarize them in a concept. If storage/co-location is also relevant in the course of revamping, a potential analysis upfront should be considered as a basis for decision-making.
Depending on the scope of the measure, we will provide you with a new, individual DC and AC-side detailed design for your system, including the necessary SCADA and IT solutions for reliable and secure operation, if desired. The concept can be used immediately as a basis for implementation and thus contributes to higher yields, profitability, and long-term operational success of your project.
Both repowering and revamping measures are suitable for ensuring continued operation after EEG funding.
We would be pleased to advise you individually on a suitable solution for your system.
Repowering & revamping
briefly explained
Repowering
Repowering involves renewing essential main components of a PV system or replacing them with more powerful technologies to increase efficiency, yield, and operational safety.
Replacement of modules and/or inverters
Use of new, more efficient technologies
Possibility of major restructuring (e.g., central to string inverters)
Improvement of yield performance and operational safety
Repowering often involves a redesign of the system (new modules, new inverters, modified string configuration, and new detailed electrical design). Due to the increase in performance, a new system certificate is often required.
Revamping
Revamping involves modernizing or optimizing a PV system, often without major changes to the overall output. The goal is to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve operational safety. Typically, the overall output remains the same, so no new system certificate is required.
Replacement of individual components (e.g., inverters, cabling)
Optimization of monitoring and control technology
Adjustments for efficiency improvement
Minimization of failures and maintenance effort
When are repowering or revamping measures useful?
For continued operation after the end of EEG funding
Both repowering and revamping measures ensure that your existing system continues to operate efficiently and reliably even after the end of a feed-in tariff. Repowering involves increasing the plant’s output through the targeted replacement or optimisation of modules, inverters and other components.
With revamping, you forgo an increase in the system’s performance. However, by upgrading the system with new components, they ensure reduced maintenance requirements and new warranties, whilst also laying the technical foundations for long-term, economically successful continued operation.
In both cases, you optimally prepare your system for the period after the funding phase.
If you want to integrate new technologies such as storage
If you want to future-proof your existing system through revamping or repowering, the integration of a battery storage system (co-location) can be a sensible next step. This allows for stabilizing yields, opening up additional marketing options, and better aligning the system with future grid and market requirements. For a reliable decision-making basis, we recommend a co-location analysis, in which technical framework conditions and economic effects are systematically evaluated.
To meet new regulatory requirements
Older PV systems do not always comply with current standards or grid operator requirements. A concept examines these points and defines measures so that the system can continue to operate in compliance with regulations even after the feed-in tariff expires.
For economic optimization and yield increase
A revamping PV concept can also be useful for technically flawless systems. Modern modules and inverters offer higher efficiencies, have become more cost-effective, and can significantly increase system yields. In many cases, these investments pay for themselves within a short period, resulting in an economic advantage for the long-term operation of the PV system. If an increase in system performance is also sought (repowering), a new design may be necessary, and the system certificate may need to be renewed accordingly.
For optimizing an entire system portfolio
For multiple existing PV systems, a repowering or revamping concept can identify synergies, define standard measures, and improve overall economic efficiency. This allows for efficiency gains and cost reductions across the entire portfolio.
What we offer you with our repowering and revamping concepts
Maximally economical and efficient solutions
greentech develops concepts that specifically increase the yield of your existing system. Based on modern components, current technical standards, and realistic assumptions, we identify concrete efficiency potentials and translate them into a coherent repowering or revamping concept with clearly defined measures.
Practical experience from project development, construction, and operation
Our team combines experience from all project phases – from designing and implementation to ongoing operation. This valuable practical knowledge is incorporated into every repowering or revamping PV concept.
Sound analyses and our own repowering tool
With detailed analyses and our self-developed repowering tool, we reliably evaluate economic potentials and create a solid basis for investment decisions.
Technical expertise from experienced specialists
Our interdisciplinary experts ensure that every concept is technically sound. Our engineers and PV specialists guarantee practical, standard-compliant, and immediately implementable solutions in system, electrical, SCADA, and IT design.
Added value of repowering and revamping
Eight good reasons for your concept
Yield increase
Optimizations and, if applicable, more powerful components increase the energy yield of your system.
Early profitability
Investments in revamping or repowering often pay for themselves after only 5–10 years of operation.
New warranties
The replacement of components brings fresh manufacturer warranties and increases the security of your investment.
Regulatory certainty
Requirements for continued operation and grid connection are met.
Reduced maintenance costs
Optimized technology reduces recurring repairs and lowers operating costs.
Operational readiness after funding ends
Systems are specifically prepared for continued operation after feed-in tariffs or other funding.
Longer maintenance intervals
Targeted optimizations enable less frequent maintenance.
Minimization of downtime
Operational failures and thus yield losses are reduced.
Economic and technical
potential in focus
Financial, economic review
We conduct a detailed technical, regulatory, and commercial analysis of your project to ensure that your repowering or revamping PV project is financially viable. This is supported by our self-developed “Repowering Tool.” It provides a sound profitability analysis and gives initial information about the potential of optimization measures – and thus also about the real chances of re-investment – even before the planning phase. Upon request, we also check whether the integration of battery storage as co-location can additionally improve the economic viability of the project. More details in the Co-Location Potential Analysis.
Technical test
We systematically examine your existing system for its optimization potential. For this, we evaluate existing plans and documentation, compare them with the actual system configuration, and inspect components such as modules, inverters, cabling, and substructure. This allows us to identify possible efficiency gains, weaknesses, and risks for failures or increased maintenance. Additionally, operational and monitoring data, if available, are included in the analysis. We consider all relevant specifications and coordinate with the grid operator to ensure that your repowering or revamping concept is both technically feasible and compliant with regulations.
FAQ: Repowering and revamping of PV systems
Frequent questions on technical evaluation and execution planning up to economic viability.
What is the difference between repowering and revamping?
Repowering means that existing system components are replaced by more modern ones – often with an increase in performance. Revamping includes optimizations, replacement, or retrofitting of components without increasing performance. Both concepts aim to increase the yield and economic efficiency of the system.
What exactly does greentech provide as part of a repowering or revamping concept?
We create a sound concept that considers the technical feasibility, efficiency potential, and economic aspects of your existing system. Based on the analysis, we provide a detailed DC and AC design that can be used directly as a basis for implementation.
When is repowering or revamping a sound option?
If you want to increase the yield of your existing system, improve economic efficiency, or modernize components before major defects occur. Even for older systems without specific defects, repowering measures can be attractive due to more efficient and cost-effective components.
Can revamping / repowering also be combined with a battery storage system for co-location?
Yes, this can be useful depending on the grid connection, site layout, and marketing strategy. For a reliable decision, we recommend a co-location potential analysis beforehand.
What advantages does a repowering or revamping concept offer for continued operation after a feed-in tariff?
If you want to prepare your system for operation after the feed-in period expires, the concept provides solutions that consider efficiency, economic viability, and regulatory requirements. New components or optimizations increase yields and reduce long-term risks.
Is the concept reviewed for economic opportunities?
Yes. We conduct an economic evaluation, analyze investment and yield potentials, and show how repowering or revamping pays off in your specific case. This provides you with a reliable basis for your decision.
How is the technical evaluation of the system carried out?
We examine your existing system for its potential for efficiency improvement and technical optimization. This includes the analysis of inverters, modules, cabling, DC/AC side, as well as SCADA and control technology. At the same time, we coordinate with the responsible grid operator to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
What components does the detailed design include?
The concept includes, among other things, the system design, the integration of new components, electrical and mechanical details, grid connection design, SCADA and IT technology, and recommendations for implementation. Everything is tailored to your system and immediately implementable.
Is PV repowering or revamping sensible for systems that have no defects yet?
Yes. Even if the existing components are functional, a repowering or revamping concept can be useful. New modules or inverters operate more efficiently, are often more cost-effective, and can increase yields by 3–6%, while optimizing warranties and maintenance cycles.
Does greentech have to carry out the implementation?
No. We deliver a complete, practical concept including a detailed design that can be used as a basis for implementation by the operator or an EPC. You thus receive an immediately implementable plan without having to do detailed work yourself.
How long does it take to create a concept?
The analysis and concept creation usually take a few weeks, depending on system complexity and data availability. Upon completion, you receive a comprehensive document covering technical, economic, and regulatory aspects.
Are there examples of successfully implemented concepts?
Yes. greentech has already developed numerous concepts for repowering and revamping projects, e.g., module replacement, replacement of central with string inverters, and optimizations of existing systems. All concepts are based on our experience from project development, construction, and operation and provide clearly defined recommendations for action.
Still have questions?
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please get in touch with our team of experts
Why work with greentech?
Years of experience
Employees active in 6 European countries
Projects in the development pipeline
Ground-mounted PV systems built
in technical consulting
in operational management
Your specialists for
repowering and revamping concepts
at greentech
Viola Hoffmann
Commercial Head of Engineering
Johannes Liebich
Head of Engineering & Technical Advisory
Joern Carstensen
Chief Technical Officer (CTO)
In his role, Jörn Carstensen combines the management of all technical areas of the greentech group. As CTO, he is responsible for plant construction, engineering services and technical management. The aim is to create uniform standards and processes across all technical areas at greentech, thereby ensuring company-wide synergies, high quality and the greatest possible transparency.
Jörn Carstensen joined greentech in 2014 as Business Development Manager. In addition to developing various European markets, he built up the Engineering and Technical Advisory division. From 2006 to 2014, he worked for the Conergy Group in various international corporate and business development positions. Prior to that, he worked for a consulting unit of Accenture and supported utility companies in strategic and organisational issues. Jörn Carstensen holds a degree in Industrial Engineering with a specialisation in Energy and Environmental Management from the Universities of Flensburg and Southampton.
Contact
Only 45 seconds for your request
Engineering & Technical Advisory
Here you can download an overview of our Engineering & Technical Advisory services:
