Photovoltaic upgrade in Jiaxing, China significantly boosts power output

Reuters Events SMR and Advanced Reactor 2025

Photovoltaic upgrade in Jiaxing, China significantly boosts power output
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Oct 09, 2024

The distributed photovoltaic "trade-in" project at the administrative center in Haining city, Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, has significantly increased power generation capacity without expanding space. Launched on Sept 9, the project marks the first of its kind in Zhejiang, following the release of the "Implementation Plan for Large-scale Equipment Renewal in Key Energy Fields" by the National Development and Reform Commission and National Energy Administration on Aug 21.

As China's installed photovoltaic capacity grows, the issue of recycling aging photovoltaic panels is becoming increasingly important. The "Plan" emphasizes the need to renew and recycle photovoltaic equipment, enhance grid-forming capabilities, and boost power generation efficiency using advanced digital and power electronics technologies.

Haining city, as part of its ambitious new energy development strategy, has set a goal of installing 300,000 kilowatts of photovoltaic capacity annually, aiming for 350,000 kilowatts. By 2026, the city expects to exceed 2 million kilowatts of installed photovoltaic capacity, with an annual green electricity output surpassing 2 billion kilowatt-hours. A key part of this plan involves upgrading older photovoltaic systems to improve both capacity and efficiency.

In 2023, State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power began mapping and assessing installed photovoltaic systems across Haining, from residential rooftops to commercial buildings. The goal was to develop a trade-in program for these systems. The project on the administrative center's roof is the first pilot under this initiative. It involves replacing 888 P-type 270-watt modules with 731 N-type 590-watt modules, increasing capacity from 237.6 kilowatts to 431.29 kilowatts.

"This helps improve the power generation efficiency and energy utilization efficiency of photovoltaic power stations," said Chen Huajie, the project leader. The upgraded system is expected to generate 470,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to meet the needs of 100 households in the region. Over its remaining lifespan, it will produce 4.5 million kilowatt-hours of new green electricity, significantly reducing carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions.

Zhong Jiewen of State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power commented that this pilot project would serve as a model for future initiatives, promoting sustainable economic and environmental development in the region.