Why Your Solar Plant's Durability Depends on the Manufacturer's Technology Roadmap

As we elaborated before in the article “All Quality Matters for Solar Panels”, solar cells and panels technologies continue to grow and have advancements at a rapid pace.

While these advancements have the potential to increase efficiency, and power class, and lower costs, they also introduce a challenge that many solar power system owners may not initially consider changes in the electrical and mechanical parameters of solar panels along with the change of the module size.

This becomes particularly important when it comes time to revamp or upgrade a solar plant. Failure to account for a manufacturer’s technology roadmap can lead to solar plant failure and significant financial losses, extra effort, and even grid supply disruptions.

In this article, we explore why solar developer must factor in the long-term technology roadmap of solar manufacturers to avoid costly surprises when maintaining or upgrading their solar power systems.

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The Evolution of Solar Technologies

The solar industry is in a state of rapid evolution. New solar cells technologies like N-Type TOPCon, or HJT cells, or BC, bifacial or monofacial modules are becoming more common.

While these innovations are exciting, they also present a challenge for project developers of existing solar power systems where PERC technology has been installed.

The technology that was cutting-edge just a few years ago may now be outdated, like the polycrystalline technology, that phased out five years ago and recently, the PERC technology that is delisting gradually, and will not be produced anymore in two years meaning that if a solar plant needs upgrading or maintenance, the new components might not seamlessly integrate with the existing inverters, cables, and mounting structure.

For example, changes in the size, voltage, or other parameters of new solar panels could force a plant owner to completely reconfigure their solar array, which could involve redesigning the mounting structure, cabling, and inverters. This is not only expensive but could also lead to unexpected downtimes, which is particularly damaging if the plant is tied to the grid.

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Why the Technology Roadmap Matters

Every solar plant is designed based on specific electrical and mechanical characteristics of the components being used while approving that the whole system is compatible each other with like inverters, cabling sizing, mounting structure. When a manufacturer changes those parameters to introduce new technologies, it can have a domino effect on older systems.

A manufacturer’s technology roadmap outlines their plans for future innovations and updates, including potential changes to product dimensions, electrical outputs, and compatibility with existing systems.

By understanding a manufacturer’s roadmap, clients can anticipate changes and plan accordingly. This foresight ensures that when it comes time to upgrade or revamp a solar plant, the transition will be smooth, minimizing the risk of financial loss, excessive downtime, or complications with grid supply.

The Risk of Ignoring the Roadmap

One of the most common issues that arise from not considering the manufacturer’s technology roadmap is a mismatch between the new and existing solar components. For instance, if the dimensions or output characteristics of new solar panels differ from what the plant was originally designed for, this could necessitate a costly redesign of the entire system. Even slight differences in voltage, current, or physical size can lead to inefficiencies or require new inverters, mounting structures, or wiring.

Worse still, ignoring the roadmap could result in grid supply disruptions. When a plant undergoes maintenance or an upgrade that requires a complete reconfiguration, there could be significant downtime. This not only affects the plant's power generation but also can lead to contractual penalties if the plant is tied to a grid supply agreement.

Financial and Operational Impact

The economic impact of a full system reconfiguration can be severe. Beyond the immediate costs of purchasing new equipment, there’s the added expense of labor, downtime, and potential delays in energy production. Such disruptions can lead to grid penalties, missed energy production targets, and frustrated stakeholders.

By staying informed of a manufacturer’s solar technologies roadmap, clients can make strategic decisions about when to invest in upgrades, how to plan for future expansions, and how to avoid unexpected financial drains.

Conclusion

In the fast-changing world of solar power systems, solar developers need to take a long-term analysis. While it’s easy to focus on the upfront costs and benefits of a solar installation, the true savings come from longevity, efficiency, and adaptability. To maximize these economic benefits by reducing the LCOE and enhancing the ROI.

By partnering with a reliable solar supplier like Sustainergy Solar, you ensure that your investment is future proof. Sustainergy Solar keeps clients informed of upcoming changes in solar panels and related technologies, helping you avoid unnecessary costs and ensuring your plant remains productive for years to come.