The main challenge for this innovative project was developing a design that guaranteed a high capacity connection while simultaneously generating power from both wind and solar energy. “Solar-wind hybrid projects continue to be in the minority in Germany and thus we have limited experience with such systems. That applies to developers as much as grid operators. Both sides must work closely together to ensure the success of such projects“, Jan-Gerd Bayerköhler, Project Manager at BayWa r.e. says.
Reducing grid connection costs
Although increased co-operation and manpower may be necessary for these kinds of hybrid systems, they actually prove to be very cost effective as they only require one connection to the grid. “We could only afford the solar park as we were able to use the existing connection to the wind farm”, says Jan-Gerd Bayerköhler.
In addition to being cost effective, hybrid systems will also become more popular in the future due to the positive impacts on the electricity grid.
Leveraging the electricity grid
Philipp Kunze, who manages the Hybrid & Storage division at BayWa r.e. says: “The share of energy from renewable sources is continuing to grow in Germany, yet wind and solar power generation is subject to natural fluctuations over time, which can lead to grid capacity bottlenecks. A detailed on-site analysis of the generation power of solar and wind farms allows for decisions to be made regarding the size of the farm and the connection point, fully leveraging the electricity grid. We must aim for a greater transition to hybrid systems going forward.”
22 MW extension planned
The positive experiences taken from this project have led the customer and BayWa r.e. to plan some additional extensions to the farm by up to 22 MW.
Sabine Ruoff-Sixt, Sales Manager at BayWa r.e. Solar Energy Systems GmbH adds: “The strength of the BayWa r.e. Group lies in our diversification in terms of both solar and wind energy. That has contributed significantly to the success of the project. Not only did we manage the concept, planning and construction, but we also provided solar panels and inverters via our solar distributions business.”
The developer Renerco Plan Consult provided insight for the design and planning of the PV system as well as the development of the connection. (hcn)
