ContourGlobal is revamping 35 of its solar PV plants in Italy to increase capacity by 43% without expanding land use. This project will boost the company’s total solar PV capacity in the country to 113 MW, thereby enhancing renewable energy generation.
Increasing Solar PV Capacity in Italy
A major growth project is underway in Italy as ContourGlobal revamps and repowers 35 of its 71 solar PV plants. This ambitious project aims to increase the installed capacity of these solar PV plants by 43%, all while using the same land area. By installing more efficient solar modules and upgrading the technology, the company is set to enhance its contribution to Italy's renewable energy landscape.
Solar PV plant (Image: Collected)
ContourGlobal's project is expected to significantly boost its solar PV capacity in Italy. The upgrade will raise the company’s total solar capacity in the country to 113 MW, a notable increase in renewable power generation. According to Paola Agrati, ContourGlobal’s country manager for Italy, this modernization effort is a key part of the company’s strategy to enhance the efficiency and output of its existing solar PV plants.
Revamping involves installing higher-efficiency modules, advanced inverters, and shifting from fixed solar panels to solar tracking systems. These solar trackers allow the panels to follow the sun’s path, thereby maximizing the amount of electricity produced. Despite keeping the same installed capacity, this upgrade will result in higher electricity generation.
Repowering the Solar PV Plants
One of the most innovative aspects of this project is the repowering of the solar PV plants. The more efficient solar panels being installed will free up space at the existing sites, allowing ContourGlobal to add new capacity without expanding the footprint of the plants. This additional capacity is expected to reach 17.9 MW, further increasing the company’s total solar output.
This added capacity will operate as merchant capacity, meaning it will not be tied to existing Feed-in Tariff (FiT) agreements. Instead, the additional power generated will be sold directly to the market, taking advantage of the improved efficiency of the upgraded solar PV plants.
Construction on the revamping project is moving forward, despite minor delays at the start. The first batch of PV modules, inverters, and structures was delivered on schedule, and the second batch is expected between September and November.
By early September, 19 solar PV plants had already been fully re-energized, with two more partially completed, resulting in a total of approximately 25 MWp of installed capacity.
The second phase of the project is scheduled for Q3 and Q4 of 2024. Some of the repowering activities will be completed in 2025, depending on grid upgrades and work to be performed by the Transmission System Operator (TSO) and Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
Sustainability and Circular Economy
One of the standout features of this project is its commitment to sustainability. The revamping of these solar PV plants is not only about boosting energy capacity but also about minimizing environmental impact.
The discarded solar modules are processed through end-of-life recycling, allowing for the recovery of 97% of their materials, including copper, silver, aluminum, glass, and crystalline silicon.
In addition to the solar modules, the old ground-mounted steel structures and inverters are also subject to similar recycling processes. The old steel structures are being replaced with single-axis trackers, which will improve the efficiency of the plants by allowing the solar panels to follow the sun throughout the day.
Contribution to Italy’s Energy Transition
ContourGlobal’s solar PV revamping project is an important contribution to Italy’s ongoing energy transition. By increasing the efficiency and capacity of its solar PV plants, the company is helping to provide more clean energy to the country.
Once the entire project is completed, ContourGlobal’s solar PV plants will generate enough electricity to power more than 70,000 Italian homes each year. With the additional merchant capacity and sustainability improvements, including recycling 97% of discarded materials, this project represents a major step forward for Italy’s renewable energy sector.