Grid Connection Design
for PV Power Plants
Our experienced experts support you with the route design, the correct dimensioning of transformer and substation as well as with the grid connection application and the communication with the grid operator.
About
Grid Connection Design
Reliable grid connection design with specific know-how and many years of experience
PV grid connection planning is an elementary component of system engineering. With many years of experience and practical, technical expertise, we select the correct grid connection components based on your designed photovoltaic system and the grid operator’s specifications, including route cables, transformers and metering, protection and control technology. We have specialised in the field of photovoltaic and storage technology. Here, we carry out load flow and short-circuit current calculations, create a single-line diagram (SLD) including protective devices and power plant controllers and develop the right measurement concept for you. The information can be used directly when communicating with project participants or procuring materials. As part of our grid connection services, we also take care of the grid connection application and all communication with the grid operator.
Relevant components of grid connection design for both high and medium voltage
- Creation of a single-line diagram (SLD)
- Calculation of active power losses
- Reactive power calculation
- Creation of measurement concepts
The single-line diagram (SLD) is not only a central component for system certification, it also serves as a basis for the tendering of system components or as a source for fault analyses during subsequent operation. It provides information about the installed power generation units, the design of high- or medium-voltage transformers, cable lengths and types, inverter data or protection and control equipment. As part of the grid connection planning, we map the planned system design in the DIgSILENT PowerFactory software and determine the required layouts of the individual system components. As owners engineers, we also check and advise on existing SLDs.
Creation of a single-line diagram (SLD)
The energy transmission losses of the system, for example from the inverters to the grid connection point, are often only estimated as a standardised figure during project development. This can lead to differences in the amount of planned and actually produced electricity later on, which in turn can have an impact on the economic efficiency of the system. We calculate active power losses on both a plant-specific and project-specific basis and ensure that transmission losses are accurately mapped and components are designed economically as part of grid connection design.
Calculation of active power losses
As a complex topic with many unknowns, greentech‘s grid connection engineers bring transparency to the reactive power calculation of your photovoltaic system. They take the individual specifications of the grid operator into account and make the subsequent net value feed-in power of the system transparent. In this way, necessary changes can be made to the system design during the development phase, for example when determining the number of inverters needed for the required reactive power quantity, in order to fulfil the grid operator’s later requirements with regard to reactive power. This ensures that your project remains economically realistic. You are spared the surprises of feed-in limitations during system certification.
Reactive power calculation
Photovoltaic systems must be ‘thought through’ over a period of several decades. In the past, there were hardly any systems outside of the Feed-In tariff, but today projects can also produce electricity economically successfully without governmental tariff assurances, for example via power purchase agreements (PPAs). Mixed models are also in operation today, in which the quantities of electricity produced in each case must be precisely verified. Precise measurement of the amount of electricity flowing in and out is also relevant for systems that are increasingly planned as co-locations with connected storage. Attention should therefore be paid to a future-oriented measurement concept for the system right from the start. We will create a customised measurement concept for you as part of the grid connection design so that complicated retrofitting measures can be avoided later on.
Creation of measurement concepts
Creation of a single-line diagram
The single-line diagram (SLD) is not only a central component for system certification, it also serves as a basis for the tendering of system components or as a source for fault analyses during subsequent operation. It provides information about the installed power generation units, the design of high- or medium-voltage transformers, cable lengths and types, inverter data or protection and control equipment. As part of the grid connection planning, we map the planned system design in the DIgSILENT PowerFactory software and determine the required layouts of the individual system components. As owners engineers, we also check and advise on existing SLDs.
Calculation of active power losses
The energy transmission losses of the system, for example from the inverters to the grid connection point, are often only estimated as a standardised figure during project development. This can lead to differences in the amount of planned and actually produced electricity later on, which in turn can have an impact on the economic efficiency of the system. We calculate active power losses on both a plant-specific and project-specific basis and ensure that transmission losses are accurately mapped and components are designed economically as part of grid connection design.
Reactive power calculation
As a complex topic with many unknowns, greentech‘s grid connection engineers bring transparency to the reactive power calculation of your photovoltaic system. They take the individual specifications of the grid operator into account and make the subsequent net value feed-in power of the system transparent. In this way, necessary changes can be made to the system design during the development phase, for example when determining the number of inverters needed for the required reactive power quantity, in order to fulfil the grid operator’s later requirements with regard to reactive power. This ensures that your project remains economically realistic. You are spared the surprises of feed-in limitations during system certification.
Creation of measurement concepts
Photovoltaic systems must be ‘thought through’ over a period of several decades. In the past, there were hardly any systems outside of the Feed-In tariff, but today projects can also produce electricity economically successfully without governmental tariff assurances, for example via power purchase agreements (PPAs). Mixed models are also in operation today, in which the quantities of electricity produced in each case must be precisely verified. Precise measurement of the amount of electricity flowing in and out is also relevant for systems that are increasingly planned as co-locations with connected storage. Attention should therefore be paid to a future-oriented measurement concept for the system right from the start. We will create a customised measurement concept for you as part of the grid connection design so that complicated retrofitting measures can be avoided later on.
Our range of services for your grid connection design
Your grid connection design at a glance:
When is greentech the right partner for grid connection planning?
If you are a project developer of photovoltaic power plants and/or BESS and are looking for a knowledgeable expert to prepare or review the electrical design.
If you want to ensure the electrotechnical design of your photovoltaic power plant conforms to standards.
In addition to complying with technical regulations and grid operator conditions, we also take into account the regional and national legal requirements when designing the grid connection. Our team of experts stays up-to-date on the latest regulations and can provide advice on any legal or regulatory issues that may arise during the project. Our goal is to ensure that your safe solar PV grid connected system design, is efficient, and in compliance with all relevant regulations and requirements.
If you are looking for a team that will handle communication with the network operator for you.
We also assist in the installation and commissioning of the PV system, ensuring that it complies with all relevant technical regulations and grid connection requirements. Our experienced engineers will supervise the construction and ensure that the work is carried out to a high standard, from the installation of the modules and grid connected solar inverter design. We will also conduct tests and measurements to ensure that the system is performing optimally and meeting the expected yield.
If you are looking for advice on technical issues of grid connection.
This allows us to offer a comprehensive approach to grid connection, taking into account not only technical aspects but also economic and practical considerations. Our team of experts has extensive experience in dealing with various grid operators and regulatory authorities, allowing us to navigate the complex requirements and regulations in this field. With our expertise and attention to detail, we can ensure that your PV system is connected to the grid safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all relevant regulations.
If you would like to receive all grid connection services reliably and uncomplicated from a single source.
Having a fixed contact person who coordinates all activities related to your grid connection design ensures that you always have a direct point of contact and can easily ask questions or discuss any concerns that arise during the process. Additionally, our transparent communication allows you to stay informed about the progress of your project and make any necessary adjustments as needed. Our goal is to provide you with a hassle-free and efficient grid connection design process, so you can focus on other important aspects of your PV project.
Talk to our specialists at greentech about your needs in terms of Grid Connection Design
What makes our grid connection design services special
Substantial grid connection know-how and many years of photovoltaic experience
Full-service grid connection design from
a single source
Commitment to customers and the
energy transition
Why work with greentech?
Years of experience
employees active in 9 European countries
of projects in the development pipeline
of ground-mounted solar plants constructed
of technical advisory provided
under operational management
About greentech
With advice and action at your side - in every phase of your project
greentech is an integrated PV specialist. The range of services includes project development, system design, construction, operation and management of PV power plants in Europe. In the area of operational management, we offer a full-service operational management concept for PV plants of all sizes with an interdisciplinary team of experienced experts, as well as services for planning, quality assurance and yield maximisation. With a comprehensive range of services and a current portfolio of more than 1 GWp in operational management, we are one of the largest independent service providers worldwide. As an integrated PV specialist, greentech also covers the areas of project development and plant construction.
Your greentech specialists for
grid connection services
Christopher Haß
Team Lead Grid Connection
Steffen Heberlein
Senior Project Manager Sales & Business Development
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.