“This certification enables us to enter into the US market. The efficient space utilisation of up to 1.7 megawatts per hectare (0.71 megawatts per acre) makes our system particularly interesting for the US market, as space close to grid connection points in the USA is not only rare but also very expensive”, says Michael Jurchen, CEO of Jurchen Technology GmbH.
Since its introduction in the context of the 2018 Intersolar Europe, Jurchen Technology has delivered this system to a number of locations in Germany and the Netherlands as well as Israel, Africa and Australia. The mounting system is particularly popular in Australia, where it is currently being utilised as part of the country’s first series of unsubsidised utility-scale solar projects. By the end of 2019, around 50 solar plants based on the innovative PEG substructure will have been built.
Well-utilised space
The PEG mounting system is a low-level solution mounted on slender steel slats instead of solid-steel girders. The lightweight construction means no foundations are needed. This reduces the amount of materials required to less than 50 per cent of any conventional solution. Less material and simple construction also result in reduced transport costs, an important factor considering the distances that need to be covered in the US. Furthermore, no cable trenches or concrete work is required, which eliminates the need for heavy machinery. Last but not least, such a quick installation job entails less cost of labour. “With this PEG mounting system we can significantly reduce the overall costs – by over 40 per cent in terms of the investment costs and 20 per cent in terms of the running costs”, says Michael Jurchen.
Adaptable to many terrains
Thanks to its design, the PEG system is adaptable to individual customer requirements, making it suitable for installation anywhere in the world. With the exception of the ground pegs, the entire construction process, including DC wiring, is executed above ground, which means it can be installed in wide variety of terrains. For instance, the system is suitable for power generation in remote areas with difficult access or areas with size limitations or narrow profiles. The size of the plant is also easily scalable. Large-scale PV power plants are as achievable as small to medium-sized solar installations of as little as ten kilowatts for commercial and industrial applications. (mfo)
The videos from the 2019 pv Guided Tours at The smarter E Europe (Intersolar Europe, ees Europe, Power2Drive, EM-Power) in Munich are now online. Here you can follow the tour on Mounting systems.
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