Large scale integration of AC PV modules into a noise barrier along a highway near Amsterdam (PV NB 220)

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 97.0205

Key words (English)

PV noise barrier; AC-module; large scale PV integration

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: SE/068/97/NL/DE/

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 5.1 Nonnuclear energies

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Energie Noord West N.V., (NL), TNC Energie Consulting GmbH (D), Fraunhofer-ISE (D), Energie Onderzoek Centrum Nederland (NL)

Abstract (English)

The 220 kWp Grid Connected PV Plant along the A9 highway near Amsterdam went into operation at the end of 1998. The plant features 2160 PV modules, each with an integrated DC/AC microinverter.
All the AC-modules are fully integrated into a purpose built noise barrier over a length of 1650 meters.

The aim of this project is:
Reduction of system costs on an overall level through volume, integrated design and prefabrication.
Evaluation of technical, architectural and economical aspects.
Investigation of performance and impact on utility grid of a large number of parallel AC-modules.
This final report of the project looks at: design - planning - construction - maintenance - performance - final costs - comparison to other motorway projects.

Conclusion:
With an energy production of 148'821 kWh in 1999 and 129'642 kWh in the year 2000 the plant produced 90 % respectively 80 % of the estimated energy. With all the faults of the inverters rectified it can be estimated that in the future the plant will produce 158'000 kWh per annum.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 97.0205