Solar power generation R&D Project in CTG Brasil

In 2020, CTG Brasil started a Research and Development (R&D) project, expected to last two years, to improve the performance predictability of photovoltaic plants, increase productivity and extend the life of the equipment, with the potential to reduce 5% to 10% the cost of generation.

One of the main challenges of the photovoltaic source is the establishment of performance benchmarks in the conditions of climate and use in Brazil, as there is a constant exchange of technology and the standards are defined in laboratories, without considering the actual conditions of use.

The project consists of researching the factors that affect the performance, availability and reliability of the most modern photovoltaic technologies for bifacial modules and inverters and, in parallel, the characterization of operating conditions in five locations, mainly in Northeast Brazil.

The research will be conducted by three institutions, which complement each other in training. The Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC, in Portuguese) is responsible for the evaluation of different technologies for bifacial panels and for the implementation of a new 50kW laboratory plant. With more than 20 years of experience in the study of the source, UFSC has the largest solar energy laboratory in Latin America.The evaluation of the inverters is the responsibility of the Paulista State University (UNESP, in Portuguese), at the Power Electronics Laboratory, located in Ilha Solteira (SP), considered one of the best research, development and testing facilities for photovoltaic inverters in the country.