Sustainable design and operation for renewable energy — A PV case study

摘要

This paper uses a case study involving a lightning strike on a North Cornwall solar farm to illustrate how considerations of sustainability, repair and reuse are not being given enough priority in the design and use of renewable energy plant or in the business models and procedures of renewable energy operators. Bypass diodes are confirmed as the main damage sites during lightning strikes. Problems are identified with making correct field diagnoses of damaged modules and the limited scope for practical field repair. Recommendations are presented on how this could be improved by better full life cycle design and O&M policies that better address a circular economic model.